Yoga is pretty popular these days, and with good reason. It’s widely known to elevate our physical, mental, and emotional health. This ancient art of uniting mind, body, and soul has helped millions throughout its 2,000 years of existence. However, the average person’s lifestyle doesn’t easily accommodate contorting into Tree Pose at a stressful business meeting or resting in Child Pose during an emotional argument. I’d like to suggest a unique way to incorporate Yoga into your daily life, without moving a muscle – and it’s really simple…
Pick a pose that suits you, and imagine you’re in it. That’s it! You might accompany this vision with a few deep breaths, but simply just envisioning yourself in the pose will help calm, energize, or challenge you – depending on which pose you pick. Just the same as picturing yourself on a scary amusement park ride might give you a few stomach butterflies, visualizing a yoga posture can provide you with the some of the same healing benefits you’d experience if you were actually in the pose.
I propose that you pick just one pose for today. Choose one that generally speaks to you or is suitable for a situation that’s currently on your mind. For instance, if you are feeling fearful or hesitant, pick Warrior One Pose to promote a feeling of strength. If you’re having trouble trying to control the behavior of others, try Standing Forward Bend: this posture will help you to let go. Once you’ve chosen your pose, make your mantra for the day: “Today, I am (insert the pose you’ve chosen here).” Every chance you get, meditate on the pose.
Okay, so what if you’ve never done yoga? This can actually be more fun. Read through the examples below and pick a mantra that resonates with you. Then, find out how to do the pose (a simple google search should do it), and try it while holding the descriptive mantra in your mind. Begin to understand why that pose promotes a certain feeling. (If you have limited yoga experience, I’d suggest selecting from one of the beginner poses just to make sure you remain injury free.)
So let’s begin:
Beginner Poses
Warrior One: Today I have purpose. I am following my true calling and nothing can stop me. Charge!
Side Angle Pose: Today I reach out. I explore new options, outlooks, and possibilities.
Plank Pose: Today I am unbreakable. I breathe in adversity and breathe out power.
Triangle Pose: Today I am beautiful and intriguing. I will mesmerize others with my grace and ingenuity.
Mountain Pose: Today I am solid, balanced, and proud. All of the strength and control I need is inside of me.
Standing Forward Bend: Today I yield to the universe, with joy. I let the Earth’s magical pull relieve the weight on my shoulders.
Child’s Pose: Today I am in a state of rest after much hard work. My body is rejuvenating itself.
Downward Facing Dog: Today I reflect. I have twice as many legs, so I am fully grounded – yet I am upside down with a fresh perspective.
Chair Pose: Today I do not give into temptation. I may appear different than others, because all I need is my own incredible willpower.
Corpse Pose: Today I surrender completely. I am in a state of complete and utter relaxation.
Advanced Poses
Half Moon Pose: Today I am amazing. My intense concentration and unparalleled balance send me to places others don’t even know exist.
Tree Pose: Today I am flexible, but stable. No matter the influence, I shall yield with kindness – yet always remain deeply rooted in empathy.
Upward Facing Dog: Today I give my heart to others. I am vulnerable to the suffering of my fellow beings, so I give them compassion and show them endurance.
Bow Pose: Today I work hard. I will get everything done, no matter how tough it gets. I will soon be rewarded.
Crane Pose: Today I’m getting ready to fly. My arms are my legs, my legs are my wings. I make it look easy to take flight!
Wheel: Today I challenge myself. I will push myself to my limit, but continue to breathe.
Here's hoping you enjoy some mind yoga today!
