My 5AM Intermediate/Advanced Yoga Practice in Carlsbad Ca
Greetings Yogi's
On Sat 8/28/2010 during the 10am Yogabranch flow class that teach I was asked by one of my very inspired students who truly reflects the spirit and beauty of yoga within and without to share my home practice on my blog. So with gratitude for her interest and request I thought I would.
This is my 5am Intermediate/Advanced Yoga Practice that I do everyday and find that is brings a sense of calm and confidence throughout my entire day as a result of my offering to myself.
While normally Iam drawn to the active flowing asana expression of a Yoga Practice this practice itself only lasts about 15 or 20 minutes,I have found this early morning practice the most challenging to maintain though.In many ways it feels more life enhancing and transformative then the active physical asana practice which I still enjoy and continue to do later each the day.
I start it about 5am by awakening naturally without an alarm while its still dark outside and begin by taking a shower without turning on any excess lights or connecting to any outer sources of distracting energy or sound then absolutely necessary."Not checking emails or phone messages or tv".I then prepare my breakfast quietly still any without anymore light than needed to attend to ritual safely.
My first meal of the day consists of a few pieces of a fresh fruit a combination & amount of choice for that day ( it might be a peach/banana/fresh pineapple/ apple),and 1/2 a sweet potato already cooked ,small amount of steamed rice already cooked.I place this mixture in a large glass bowl and warm the mixture in the microwave for about 3 min and stir together afterward to blend the beautiful flavors and natural sweetness.Once that is prepared with the warm bowl in hand I sit with it in my lap and palms feeling the warmth and close my eyes breathing in the sweet aroma I pause and reflect in gratitude.
After each spoonful I place the spoon back in the bowl and releasing my hold on it while chewing and bringing my awareness to giving myself the gift of tasting the warmed blend of flavors in my meal.
During that time I close my eyes a breath in and out with out a pause at the top or bottom with a breath flow that is about 50% of capacity.Once Iam completely finished that spoonful portion of my meal and before taking another spoonful I pause fully take two full cycles of breath.Then I begin the cycle over again as I mentioned it takes about 15-20 min's and I find it quite challenging and interesting to observe how my mind runs off to planning the day ahead or I start eating faster or forget to release the spoon or even get up to do something while iam still chewing as if in a mind controlled trance.This practice does have an almost trance like calming effect as well that has been amazing and I also notice that I feel complete and full after only a few spoonfuls..When I complete my meal I place the bowl beside me sit in a warm inner calm and stillness that abides till I feel complete.I then get up and go on the enjoy my day having given myself the gift of 15 -20 minutes.
This meditative Eating, Breathing and Observing Yoga Practice has brought me a renewed sense of joy,calm and inner fullness.
I am delighted and honored to have been asked to share a part of my Yoga Practice/Life with you..
Love and Blessing
Garry
