The sunrise flow.

Upon rising slowly open your eyes and take a few deep breaths. If you slept with the window slightly open you will feel the fresh morning air moving through the lungs. Bring your awareness to the new day. Give thanks and appreciation. Bring your feet gently to the earth. Relieve the body as needed. Drink one or two large glasses of water. Stand with your legs hip distance apart and knees slightly bent, let your arms rest at your side. Twist the upper body to the right then left (move head and shoulders along with the body as you twist from the waist). Repeat for ten right-to-left twists. As much as possible inhale and exhale through the nose. Repeat again for ten right-to-left twists. Bring the legs together, stand tall and take a few breaths. Take a short 10-min break. Brush your teeth and check the health of your tongue. Use cool water to rinse your face. Drink another glass of water. Relieve the body as needed. Stand on the front of the yoga mat and begin your sunrise flow moving slowly at first until the body becomes warm. Increase the number of repetitions as you feel the muscles respond to the fresh oxygenation. Continue for up to 50 minutes. As you cool down, bring the body to rest on the mat. lay flat on your back, eyes closed and relax into Savasana (the most difficult posture of them all). After the sunrise flow ( continue with your normal morning routine) then take your yoga off the mat and into your daily life. 

The sunrise flow is part of my personal yoga practice. It helps me start the day with energy and mindfulness.

 Featured books and publications

Check out our new segment, books of the month, (on the  right sidebar) for more ideas and tips on living through times of challenge and change.