AWAKE ~ Seven Minute Mornings

Mornings can be one of the most hectic times of the day as we shower, dress, feed and and steer ourselves, our children and any other beloveds (in my case Frio the cat and my husband, Bruce,) out the door to work or to school (or in Frio's case, the backyard.). Even though mornings may not be the most optimal time to squeeze in an hour, or even a thirty minute workout, most everyone can manage seven sweet minutes before the chaos begins, to center ourselves, connect with our higher power, become aware of our bodies, and set the tone for taking care of ourselves for the rest of the day..

I've discovered a couple of super simple 5-10 minute morning routines, one Pilates and the other yoga, that offer a complete body stretch. Add two more minutes for focused deep breathing, and you're set to face your day.

Once you've done either of these routines a few times, you won't be as dependent on the video(s), and THAT'S when you'll really start to reap the benefits, by focusing inward. And don't forget the breathing routine at the bottom of the page, which could be even more important to subscribe to on a daily basis.

Pilates

Yoga

In order to breathe properly you need to breathe deeply into your abdomen not just your chest. Even in the old Greek and Roman times the doctors recommended deep breathing, the voluntary holding of air in the lungs, believing that this exercise cleansed the system of impurities and gave strength. This certainly is of great value to you in your work in the world. Breathing exercises should be deep, slow, rhythmic, and through the nose, not through the mouth. The most important parts of deep breathing has to be regulating your breaths three to four seconds in, and three to four seconds out.

1. Inhale through your nose, expanding your belly, then fill your chest. Counting to 5
2. Hold and Count to 3. Feel all your cells filled with golden, healing, balancing Sun light energy.
3. Exhale fully from slightly parted mouth and Feel all your cells releasing waste and emptying all old energy. Counting to 5.