Paschimottanasana, Dez 2020
Yesterday I prepared today’s practice with gravity training. This morning I stepped on the mat to practice primary. I had practiced during the holidays yet not every day. This morning I realized that we have already the 4th of January 2021. Many yoga challenges have started already. Diligent yogis have practiced already minimum three times. This makes a difference. Four practices is much more than one practice. Even worse, I felt behind. Kino offered a core challenge, cyogalife created a new demanding January challenge that started with handstand. There is Wednesdaywheel, Thursdayswesplit. I’ve still a handstand workshop in my inbox. Mentally I cancelled everything.
My topic in January is forward bending. This can be very challenging.
Forward bending asanas are part of all four Ashtanga Yoga series.
So why should we exercise to bend forward?
No other movement is so part of our daily life than forward bending. When we want to pick up something from the floor, we bend forward. When we tie our shoes we bend forward. It’s possible to avoid the stretch. I know people who sit on a chair when they put on their shoes. Over time this movement becomes more and more difficult till some of us will need help to put on their shoes. Many people gain weight which makes it even more difficult to bend forward. This is the sad truth.
My mother in law is 96 years old. In summer time she works in the garden every day. She bends forward with stretched legs to weed. At her advanced age she is able to put on her shoes, of course. We needn’t get stiff only because we age. Exercise is necessary. Exercising forward bending asanas will allow to stay independent.
This is huge. To stay independent when stretching and exercising. What is this bit of stretching discomfort in comparison?
Everything gets easier when slim and well-nourished.
To eat well and not too much makes a difference as well. Holidays are over. I had a plan and I sticked to it. I didn’t gain weight, which was a relief. Returning to our home we always return to a tiny healthy breakfast with protein (oatmeal and almond milk) and fruit. We still have lockdown due to Corona. I cook every day. I often prepare something raw, a salad for instance. We always eat vegetables.
Start a healthy diet or get back to your healthy routine. This is a good start of the year, whenever this is. I needed three days to be back on the wagon.
Nutruition and yoga (and exercising in general) belong together. Unhealthy food or beverages can sabotage progress.
Forward bending is the basis of many asanas to come. Also those who want to learn press handstand must be able to fold forward deeply.
Stretching takes time, so why not starting with forward bending?
First steps:
Clear the why?
Reflect on your nutrition and eat healthy and not too much.
Make a plan. Daily exercising is recommended.
I wish my readers and yogini a happy and intensive new year 2021. Let’s start.