This week I came home to find my son and my husband sitting in lotus pose listening to headpspace, a meditation app we love.
If you know me or have been following me for a while then you can only imagine the adrenaline rush it gave me.
I’ve been using visual meditation and yoga with my son since he was 3-years-old to teach him how to calm himself when he’s feeling anxious or upset. Today I thought I’d share the visual meditation and the 2 yoga poses that do the trick for me when I find myself feeling upset, frustrated or even unable to sleep.
Visual Meditation. Meditation seems like a crazy idea especially when we’re constantly jumping from one task to another and distracted by dings, rings, bells, whistles, and vibrations. Meditation can take many forms and can be performed anywhere. All you need is a quiet space and as little as 3 minutes. I use guided meditation through headspace. It helps me hone and focus my thoughts.
Viparita Karani. This is also known as legs up the wall pose. Find some wall space and maybe a pile of blankets. Lay the blankets against the wall and sit with your bottom on top of the blankets getting it as close to the wall as possible. Bring your legs straight up against the wall and lie back on to the floor. Bring your arms out like a “T”, close your eyes, and breathe. This pose is especially great for insomnia.
Supta Baddha Konasana. This is also called reclining bound angle pose. Another personal favorite, this pose gently opens your heart allowing you to breathe deeper and slower. It also stretches the inner thighs and opens the hips. Lie on your back bringing the soles of your feet together and allow your knees to drop to the sides. Relax your arms out like a “T”. Close your eyes and begin to breathe. For a deeper connection, you can bring one hand to your heart, the other to your belly, and feel the air as it passes in and out of your body further deepening your ability to relieve stress and increase calm.
There are so many restorative poses you can use. These are just a couple of my favorites. Do you have some favorites? I’d love to know. Leave me a comment below.
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