Creating a Nighttime Ritual that Guarantees a Restful Night’s Sleep
What does it look like to be guided by nature for a restorative nocturnal respite? Surprisingly, our morning routine is a great place to begin. Even more surprising is how powerful it is to start by rising with or before the sun. Sleeping in after the sun is up will leave us feeling heavy, dull, and sluggish. Creating time in your morning routine for a warm oil massage to calm the senses and the mind is very beneficial for falling asleep when bedtime arrives. Before starting your work day, make some time to consciously breathe and sit in meditative contemplation.
How I Live Yoga (Hint: It's More than Just Asana)
Depending on one’s exposure, there may be a variety of different mental images when hearing the word “yoga.” Some may imagine a hot room filled with loud music and sweaty people. Others may envision a home practice in a beautiful outside garden space. Also common is the thought of a sun salutation or some extremely bendy person in various contortions. For many people, yoga may be considered a work out but I personally consider the practice a work-in. An asana class is only one small portion of the work-in.
How to Get Oil Out of Your Hair
There are few things that feel better than warm oil on the head. If you have not had this experience, give it a try and see what you think. In Ayurveda, there are many ways of having oil applied to your head. You can apply the oil yourself and give yourself a lovely warm oil head massage. I like to do this just before going to bed, letting the oil work its magic while I am sleeping soundly. A nice warm oil head massage is an easy way to ensure a good night’s sleep.
The Benefits of Yogic Sleep
The practice of yogic sleep (yoga nidra) is quickly spreading through yoga studios. What was almost unheard of a few years ago, is blossoming at a time when calming one’s mind is very much needed. Though it may be new to the West, yoga nidra is an ancient practice in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In an example from one Buddhist text, yoga nidra is described as a “peace beyond worlds” that is obtained from the guru's teachings. And from the beloved ancient Hindu text, the Mahābhārata, yoga nidra refers to Vishnu's sleep between the cycles of the universe called the yugas. These early references are not defining a specific technique or type of yoga, they are describing a state of enlightened transcendental sleep. In modern times, yoga nidra is a practice of lying on one’s back while allowing the consciousness to move into a deep state of relaxation. This is achieved by gently guiding the mind/body into the subtle awareness of sensations.