Slowly I get used again to a daily practice. I have no excuses anymore. There is no inner discussion if I shall practice or postpone it. The yoga practice is part of my early morning routine. I start when it’s time, that is before breakfast. Today I was a bit later as usual on my mat. It’s easier in the long run to have a fixed time for sure. Yet this bit of flexibility is OK for me. More important than to start every morning at let’s say 6:30 am is to practice after having emptied the bowels and before breakfast. The body feels light then.

Sthiram sukham aasana is what we’re striving for during our asana practice. A positions shall be comfortable and steady.

I quote from the book ‘Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha’ by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, page 9: In this context, asanas are practiced to develop the ability to sit comfortably in one position for an extended period of time, an ability necessary for meditation.

I’m glad that I experienced already that even the most crazy asanas can feel good. I could relax in supta kurmasana. Leg behind head poses were doable without too much or any discomfort.

With every practice I get a bit closer to the feeling that the asanas feel good. The discomfort is fading away. I can stay longer in asanas. This makes it easier to observe the breath.

In yoga classes it’s not possible, but at home it’s possible. When I need a rest pose, I rest. After urdhva dhanurasana it’s more comfortable to counter this pose with the baby pose (see picture). Then I go to paschimottanasana, which is much more intensive. I allow myself to rest, when I think it’s necessary. It’s an art to understand the language of the body.

Ninety minutes were enough today. These ninety minutes were fulfilling.

I’ll have enough stamina for another practice tomorrow. The day off on Saturday is needed.