Daily Insights: Rise Up and Touch the Sky

What is your morning ritual? Falling out of bed and sleep-walking yourself to the basin? Jumping out of bed and running straight to the coffee machine? Or does the screech of the alarm clock yank you out of your deep slumber? Then, for the rest of the day you zombie-walk through work or your regular routine feeling un-energized and un-motivated while counting the seconds till your head will hit the pillow again?

If this sounds like your typical morning ritual followed by a "groggy day" - maybe it's time to try something a little different? Something that will ease you into your day, awaken you from your soles to your crown, and hopefully add that extra bounce in your step throughout the day.

Once you have taken a few moments to orient yourself from your deep slumber - take a few moments to take in some deep breathes - each breath should act as a cleansing breath to revitalize the body from the core.

Now, that you are awake - it's time to reach for the sky and flow through some easy Sun Salutations, follow this easy routine:

1. Inhale - raise your arms towards the sky - allow yourself to stretch up and create length throughout your entire body.
2. Exhale - fold-forward, bringing your hands towards the floor - do not force it allow your body to ease into the flow, with each salutation your body and muscles will being to warm up and move deeper.
3. Inhale - move your right leg backward, keep your hands resting on the floor and lift your head and heart towards the sky - pause for a moment to finish your breath.
4. Move your left leg back, keeping your arms straight as if you were going to do a push-up.
5. Exhale - as you slowly lower yourself towards the ground.
6. Inhale - raise your head and expand your heart and gently arch your back (cobra or upward facing dog), your hips can rest on the ground.
7. Exhale - as you raise your hips towards the sky - creating a pyramid shape with your body (Downward facing dog), let your head hang towards the earth. Take a few breathes in Downward facing dog.
8. Inhale - as you step your right foot forward, again raise your head and heart toward the sky. Exhale as you step your left leg forward beside your right leg. Let your body fold forward and keep your hands resting on the floor or on your shins. Let your head hang as you bring your forehead towards your knees.
9. Inhale - as your rise up lifting your arms towards the sky - stretching through your arms and legs to create length in your body.
10. Exhale - as you bring your hands down towards your heart center.

Repeat 6-10 times alternating your legs.

Try do this each morning for a week - take note of your energy levels. In Ayurvedic medicine Sun Salutations are recommended for lifting ones energy.

Rise up. Enjoy boundless energy!

"The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.” ~ B.K.S Iyengar

-----------------------------
Namasté