5 Poses For Yogis of All Ages
Are you looking for yoga poses for all ages? Yoga has a rich history, tracing back to Old English when it meant “to join together.” It originates from the root word “yuj” which means “to yoke.”
Yoking is an ancient method of joining two animals and harnessing their collective strength. Similar to how modern yoga can unite our body, mind and spirit with downward facing dog or warrior pose!
Journey into yourself with the practice of Yoga and discover the power that lies within. For millennia, yogis have used a system of physical and mental practices.
It’s to strengthen harmony between their own body mind soul. As well as to connect them back nature’s greater source. Such is yoga’s true meaning: union!
Through controlled breathing techniques along with intentional poses designed for each individual’s abilities. One can access not only improved bodily health.
But attain peace through deeper awareness too, leaving us feeling refreshed and relaxed in both our bodies and minds.
Video – Basic Yoga Asanas For Good Health
Through the practices of yoga, we are invited to become conscious members of our planet. This ancient practice is about more than just physical postures.
It’s a way for us to connect with the natural world around us. Also develop mindful habits in terms of how we nourish ourselves.
Centuries ago yogis took their lessons into nature. Living off-grid amidst mountains, forests, and seashores. Tending gardens and livestock as part of their learning experience.
As modern students continue this tradition today by tuning into what yoga has been teaching since its origin. That every action affects everything else on earth. From food production choices to energy use and beyond!
Yoga And The Green Movement
Yoga teaches us a deep respect for all living things, and the Green Movement is fighting to preserve our Earth’s ecology. So that it can give humans and other species clean air, water, food and harmony.
Yoga helps maintain this balance by reminding us of our connection with Nature. We must protect what has been given to sustain life on our planet!
Our sustainability of Earth’s life system is threatened. Unless we learn to coexist peacefully with the natural world, our existence will be in peril.
What kind of relationship do we want to have with the environment? If we feel more connected to the Earth, we can see yoga as a way to bring us together.
Making yourself aware of your surroundings allows you to develop a strong relationship with nature. Becoming aware of your surroundings.
Becoming aware of your senses. Be where you are and not where you were or where you will be. Maybe, allowing silence into your life.
There’s something about interacting with nature that just makes you feel good. Whether it’s walking barefoot and feeling your feet connect with the earth.
Or letting the wind blow through your hair, being in nature has a way of making you feel refreshed and invigorated.
Developing a sense of physical connection with the earth. Being observant of the plants and the sounds of different animals around you. Observing the sun and the moon.
Be mindful of where your food comes from every time you prepare a meal. The fruits and veggies you are slicing come from the earth.
Connecting ourselves to the Earth and its abundance is our birthright! During your daily commute, take some deep breaths and relish in nature’s beauty.
Practicing yoga postures like “tree-pose” or “mountain-pose” can help you savor that connection with the planet even more deeply.
When we become mindful of what lies outside us – from landscapes to wildlife – an appreciation for life itself follows suit.
Ecological Mindfulness Through The Practice Of Yoga
When we become mindful of what lies outside us. From landscapes to wildlife, an appreciation for life itself follows suit.
As a yogi, it’s up to us use this spiritual gift of awareness wisely by giving back through reverence for all things natural. Let’s keep these fragile ecosystems intact and embrace their amazing contributions towards sustaining humanity.
By taking the time to mindfully observe our thoughts. We can cultivate a kinder and more compassionate approach when it comes to environmental issues.
Rather than simply judging what’s happening around us. Mindfulness enables us to interact with nature in an open-minded way. That allows for creative solutions which could eventually lead to sustainable societies.
5 Sustainable Yoga Poses to Try at Home
We talked to a experienced yoga teacher, about how to do common yoga poses safely, even if you have an illness or injury. In other words, these supportive poses help you relax so you can continue to enjoying your practice.
Modified Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
Take a deep, centering breath and step onto the yoga mat with your feet slightly parted. With careful positioning of two blocks between them for support. Draw in each ankle firmly to promote an erect spine as you keep your chin gently pulled back.
Hold this pose for 3-5 breaths while embracing. But not squeezing! – the blocks before releasing slowly into stillness again.
To energize your posture, you can bend the knees and partially squat on the heels for greater lift in the chest. Placing hands upon thighs keeps elbows close to maximize expansion in collarbones. Resulting from this pose with its heart-warming benefits!
Anjali Mudra is another option here. Palms together before your heart as if bowing out of reverence or admiration.
Then softly bear down onto those ever so supportiveheels while lifting toes off floor an inch. Don’t forget that Mula BandhaRoot Lock, it’s a must too!
Take a moment to check in with your jaw and relax any tension that you may find. As the nervous system settles, take some deep breaths and stay here for 3-5 cycles before slowly releasing Mula Bandha.
Come back up into standing position. Ready to move on after these few moments of restorative stillness!
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) variation
Start off in a low-to-the ground position on all fours. With your wrists slightly ahead of your shoulders. Draw in and hold your stomach tight to help support the back as you shift forwar. So that the weight is properly distributed over both wrists.
Lower yourself onto the mat slowly and then begin twisting around. Reach up with one arm while extending outwards along side, and interlock hands between opposite sides. Like forming an embrace until they touch by cheekbone!
Get ready to move, realign and strengthen your body! Place the right palm on the mat as you lower down both your head and arm. Feel that supporting sensation come in with a press of toes into mat.
Breathe deep now and prepare for lift off using those rhomboid muscles. Inhale up 3 times then exhale back onto ground feeling fully accessible power within every movement. Repeat this resetting flow three times per side before continuing onward full force!
Supported Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
Lie down on your mat. Kneel down on the mat and place your feet hip-width apart. With your knees directly over your feet. Place your big toe, pinky toe, and heel on the mat.
If you have high blood pressure or glaucoma, it is best to stay in the Constructive Rest Position. Where your hips are not too high above your heart.
Keep your neck straight and your feet on the ground as you lift your hips. Engage your inner thighs isometrically towards each other as you wrap your outer thighs down and back, lengthening your tailbone. Position a block under your sacrum and lower your hips onto the block.
Place your hands at your sides or on your heart and belly. Experience a breath of fresh air with Durga Pranayama! This three-part breathing exercise will help you ease into Jalandhara Bandha, or Net-Bearer Lock.
To make sure your neck and spine are aligned properly while completing the pose. Place an extra folded blanket underneath your head to give yourself some added support during this calming experience that can last anywhere from three to five minutes.
Supported Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)
Do not try this pose if you are not able to do the last one, Supported Bridge.
Cultivate a sense of inner balance and stability by practicing an inversion on the yoga block! Starting with both feet on the ground. Gradually lift each foot off until they are lifted towards your ceiling.
Make sure to keep your sacrum evenly spread across the block while keeping tailbone parallel. This will help you stabilize as well.
Whether using a block or laying flat against thee mat (for 3-part breath). Remain here for 5-10 breaths before standing up through pressing down evenly into both feet.
Then lifting hips back onto flooring and out of restorative pose. Repeat on other side followed by some constructive resting breathing exercises.
Supported Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)
The props you will need for this yoga class are: two blocks, three blankets, one large bolster (or firm pillows), and one strap with a buckle.
To set the stage for total relaxation, begin by carefully laying out your props. Place a strong foundation with two blocks.
One medium-sized atop the mat and its smaller counterpart below it. Then cover them with a bolster running lengthwise along their midsection.
Top off this cushiony base with an inviting blanket fold at its headrest point. On either side of these layered pieces are folded blankets moulded into long cylinder shapes to provide additional comfort.
While sitting on the strap loop around your sacrum area when you settle in position against the bolster support system. Don’t forget to tighten up that string! Now just sit back and let all stress melt away.
Take a moment to settle in and find your grounding. Bring your feet together and open up the space between your knees. Then thread the strap underneath them for secure support around lower back and ankles.
Place rolled blankets under each leg so it remains comfortable against their outer sides as you adjust — don’t forget that bolster or pillow beneath spine, with blanket below head if desired!
Arms should be either resting on thighs or comfortably outstretched into a “T” position. Let go of any tension by broadening collar bones while dropping chin towards chest naturally.
Inhale deeply from this newfound place of stillness. Maintain hold for next 3-5 minutes as body eases deep relaxation throughout whole being.
Conclusion
Through the practice of yoga, we can improve our physical and mental wellbeing. While also spreading a message of sustainability.
This ancient tradition offers us an opportunity to develop greater mindfulness towards ourselves and nature by encouraging us to make thoughtful choices.
That help heal not only our bodies but the planet as well. Let’s use this powerful tool for lasting change!
Yoga and Buddhism recognize our universal suffering. But also provide a path to transcend it. If we all applied these principles on an individual level, there could be profound changes in humanity’s connection with the planet.
A holistic practice of yoga offers us compassionately guided ways to fully align ourselves with sustainable living solutions. That will benefit not just individuals or communities. But the whole world!