In texts and traditions from all over the world, 40 days represents a complete cycle. It is believed that with compassionate dedication over this length of time, we can create transformation. With this in mind, join us for a 40 Day exploration of one or all of the following Asana (poses), Pranayama (breathing practice), Dhyana (meditation) and/or Mantra (chanting):
Asana (pose):
Level 1 - Utthan Pristhasana (Descending Lunge/Lizard)
Level 2 - Baddha Utthan Pristhasana (Bound Descending Lunge/Lizard)
Level 3 - Eka Pada Koundinyasana II (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya)
Pranayama (breathing practice): Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breath)
Dhyana (meditation): an accessible form of counting meditation by Erich Schiffmann
Mantra (chanting): Saha Nau Vavatu (Wade Imre Morissette version)
as offered by Angela Cays
Here we go!!!! Choose 1, 2, 3 or all 4 of the above options and commit to practicing them daily for 40 days beginning Sunday, January 1 and ending Thursday, February 9. You can practice on your own at home, with friends, or perhaps you'll enjoy your chosen practice in class at the studio! Free instructions and videos are below, or click here for a PDF that can be printed at home. Also, swing by the studio to get your Highland Yoga refrigerator magnet and tally sheet (or click here to print a tally sheet at home), it will serve as a daily reminder and allow you to check off each of the 40 days as you go!
We are super excited to embark on this practice together!!!
Asana (poses)
Choose the Challenge pose that serves you best and enjoy practicing that pose every day from Jan 1 thru Feb 9!
We’ve included some optional warm-ups poses as well if you’d like to use them to prep for your challenge pose. Level 1 would use prep poses 1-3, Level 2 & 3 would use prep poses 6-9. Please do use props and modify any or all poses in order to appropriately challenge your edge – remember, any and every compassionate and conscious effort in a particular direction counts! Contact Carolyn/Stephen with any questions or for modification suggestions.
1. Supta Padangusthasana A
2. Supta Padangusthasana B
3. Ananda Balasana
4. Parsvakonasana
5. Ardha Baddha Trikonasana
6. Prasaritta Padottanasana C
7. Adho Mukha Svanasana Variation
8. Plank Variation
9. Utthan Pristhasana Variation
Pranayama (breathing practice)
Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Find a comfortable seat, close or soften the eyes and cultivate a long, smooth, even breath. Set the first two fingers of the right hand to touch 3rd eye - thumb rests alongside right nostril, last two fingers alongside left nostril. At the end of an exhalation, close off the right nostril and enjoy a long, smooth breath through only the left nostril. At the end of the inhalation, close off the left nostril and exhale through the right. Inhale through that same right side, then close off the right and exhale left. Inhale through the left side, then close off the left and exhale right. Continue with that pattern - exhaling and inhaling through one side, then closing that nostril to exhale and inhale through the other side. After the desired length of time, conclude the pranayama practice with exhaling through the left nostril, releasing hands comfortably to thighs, and returning to a natural breath through both nostrils.
Dhyana (meditation)
Eric Schiffmann's Counting Meditation
Find a comfortable seat, close or soften the eyes and set your attention to your breath. Silently count backwards from 50 to 0, beginning on an exhalation with 50, next inhalation 49, etc... until reaching 20. From that point, only count down on the exhalations - exhale 20, inhale no count, exhale 19, inhale no count, etc... until reaching 0. When reaching 0, continue to be aware of the breath, and remain several minutes more.
Mantra (chanting)
Saha Nau Vavatu
(Togetherness Mantra - Wade Imre Morissette version)
as offered by Angela Cays
Let us be together, Let us progress and triumph.
Let us gain energy and momentum.
Lead us to clarity, feeling of unity.
Let there be Peace, Peace, Peace, and Oneness.
Om Saha Nau Vavatu
Saha Nau Bhunaktu
Saha Viryam Kara vavahai
Tejas Vi Navadhitam Astu
Ma Vid vishavahai
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Om.
Translation of Sanskrit:
Om Saha Nau Vavatu (May we be protected together)
Saha Nau Bhunaktu (May we enjoy the fruits of our actions together)
Saha Viryam Kara vavahai (May we achieve strength together)
Tejas Vi Navadhitam Astu (May our knowledge be full of light)
Ma Vid vishavahai (May there never be discord between us)