Wednesday, February 24, 2010

clearing space & yoga flow sequence

For the past few weeks at work, I've felt like I've been going a million miles a minute. I'm always very busy (which is one of the things I really appreciate about my job); however, sometimes it gets crazy busy and can feel a bit overwhelming. When I feel this way, the story I tell myself is there is too much to do and too little time. I try to get this thought out of my head, as I know it doesn't serve me well, but it can be a challenge.

With the pace of the last few weeks, my normally clear desk had begun to get very cluttered. Today, when I actually had a small bit of time, I decided to move de-cluttering to the top of my priority list. As I started clearing space, I could feel space opening within me. My shoulders got a little looser and my neck relaxed a bit. Sometimes it's a good idea to move decluttering to the top of your list of things to do. It's amazing how much of a difference even a few minutes of clearing space can make!

On another note, I thought I'd share a yoga flow sequence I used in tonight's class. When I used to teach step and floor aerobics classes, I would always write my routines and memorize them. One of the things I love about teaching yoga is that I never totally plan or write out a class. When I start teaching, it's as if I get in a zone and it just flows from me. Here is a small snipit from tonight's class:

Starting in mountain pose
Inhale arms up over head
Exhale forward fold (arms swan dive downward)
Inhale lifting half way up and out into Monkey
Exhale step left leg back to lunge
Inhale arms up into crescent lunge
Exhale hands to floor
Inhale plank
Exhale downward facing dog
Inhale left leg up into 3-legged dog
Exhale to plank w/left knee to chest
Inhale left leg up into 3-legged dog
Exhale left leg down
Inhale right leg up
Exhale right leg swings through to lunge
Inhale arms up to crescent lunge
Exhale hands to floor
Inhale left leg steps forward lifting to monkey
Exhale forward fold
Inhale all the way up
Exhale hands to heart center
(Repeat other side)

Hope you enjoy!

Namaste
Leslie

7 comments:

Lisa said...

What a beautiful sequence! I look forward to printing it out to try.

I completely agree with the clutter removal as well...all too often I put off cleaning at home because - well - it doesn't seem as important!

Yet when I take the time to clear off the counter or dust or remove something that has been bothering me, suddenly my mind feels the clarity as well.

Thanks for sharing all of this - and good luck with the stressful week!

Kat said...

This is great, thanks! Do you have more sequences posted?

Leslie said...

Thanks so much, you all! Kat--this is the first time I've ever posted a sequence, but I will be doing more in the future, if people would like!

Namaste'
Leslie

diana said...

Thanks so much, love the yoga flow! That is one of my most favorite things about teaching yoga. If it comes from your heart it will just flow and will touch one, a few or several of your students.
The blog is just great!

yoga for beginners said...

Exercise is very important in person's life in order to be physically fit and have a good health. One of this exercise which help us to be physically fit is the yoga. Exercise is one of the best weapon also against illnesses and depression..

Melita said...

i love it!! i will definitely be trying this sequence out. i would love it if you post more sequences!! for right now i write out at least a rough draft of the yoga classes i'm going to teach but i hope to one day go in without any paper at all ;)

totally agree with you on decluttering as well - it is a total necessity! hugs!!

Kat said...

Would LOVE to see more of your sequences! I've only been teaching since January and am always looking for new inspiration.

I seriously need to do some decluttering this weekend... :-(