I am a bit late for the Monday Yoga Challenge.  After spending a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, I gave myself another week for recharging and reflection. We all need breaks from routine and time to contemplate on our direction.

So, this challenge is to focus on nothing…

…nothing but reflecting and restoring ourselves for the coming days when we will take on more commitments, more cooking, more cleaning, more talking, more staying up late, more drinking, more eating – you get the picture.

Take some time each day this week to relax and enjoy these set of restorative postures:

Tuesday: Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall) – belt your thighs together to really let go!

Wednesday: Cat/Cow & Child’s Pose – use your breath to guide you as you flow from Cat to Cow and then give yourself adequate support for maintaining a comfortable Child’s Pose.

Thursday: Do a Bed Stretch – alternate bringing your knees into your chest and slowly allow your breath to extend and awaken you.

Friday:  Supine Stretching (you can use this as another Bed Stretch) – inhale as you lengthen your arms overhead/activate your legs then allow your exhalations to completely release the stretch (repeat).

Saturday: Find a quiet corner to sit and visualize your breath moving up and down your spine.

Sunday: Take a True Savasana – be warm and set your timer for 15 minutes, focusing on your breath.

And, finally, something to reflect on – the definition of Savasana as explained by B.K.S Iyengar:

“In the beginning, the ribs do not relax, the breath is rough and uneven, while the mind and intellect waver. Gradually, a student learns to still the body, the senses and the mind while keeping the intellect alert. When savasana is well performed the breath moves like a string holding the pearls of a necklace together. There is minimum wastage of energy and maximum recuperation. It refreshes the whole being, making one dynamic and creative.  It creates fearlessness and serenity.”