International yoga day, 16 days

 

On the 16 day of yoga, I was feeling energized and ready to take on the day. I began my practice by warming up with several rounds of sun salutations, moving through each pose with fluidity and ease. As I flowed through the movements, I focused on my breath, inhaling deeply as I lifted into upward dog and exhaling as I pressed back into downward dog.

After my warm-up, I moved on to some seated poses, starting with the popular pose of Lotus. I sat with my legs crossed, resting my hands on my knees, and closed my eyes, focusing on the present moment and breathing slowly and deeply. Next, I moved into the seated forward bend, stretching my hamstrings and spine as I folded forward.

From there, I transitioned into the boat pose. I sat with my feet on the ground and my hands behind me, then lifted my feet and extended my arms forward, holding the pose for several breaths. The boat pose is great for strengthening the core muscles, and I could feel the burn as I held the pose.

After completing the boat pose, I moved on to some standing poses, starting with the warrior III pose. I extended one leg behind me and leaned forward, reaching my arms out in front of me, and held the pose for several breaths. The warrior III pose is great for building strength and stability in the legs and core.

Next, I moved on to the tree pose, standing with one foot planted firmly on the ground and the other foot pressed against my inner thigh. I rested my hands at my heart center and held the pose for several breaths. The tree pose is great for improving balance and concentration.

To finish my practice, I moved into a series of backbends. I started with the cobra pose, lifting my chest off the ground and extending my arms in front of me, then moved into the upward facing dog pose, lifting my entire body off the ground and opening my chest.

Finally, I moved into the bridge pose, resting my shoulders and upper back on the ground and lifting my hips up towards the sky. I held the pose for several breaths, focusing on opening my chest and lengthening my spine.

Overall, my fifth day of yoga was a challenging but energizing practice that left me feeling strong and centered. I know that with continued practice, I will continue to build strength and flexibility in both my body and mind.