Since arriving at college, my yoga practice has completely changed. I’ve been exercising on my own and have more independence when constructing yoga flows. However, ultimately I’ve been practicing much less than I would like to. Staying committed to postures for an hour has been challenging since it is easy to get distracted. To ignite motivation to do more yoga on campus, I decided to record my routine and intentions from the past week. I’ve included summaries of my journal entries since they greatly inspire why I choose themes, postures, and chakras to focus on. There is a yoga flow playlist linked at the end of this post.
Monday, October 10th
Intention/Theme of Practice: Loneliness and Creating Comfort Through Self-Soothing.
Chakra: Muladhara or Root Chakra– to focus on grounding
Main/Peak Postures: Runners Lunge, Baddha Hasta Uttanasana or Ragdoll Pose, Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose, Seated Meditation
Journal Entry: I’ve been experiencing a lot of guilt. Guilt that I am messing up new relationships, guilt that I have not been writing enough, guilt that I am disappointing a lot of people in my life, including myself. Some of those who are close to me have been validating my loneliness unintentionally and it has led me to doubt my own intuition. There is a lot of pressure to be social and be “the best version” of yourself though I do not think it exists. Most of the time I am not my most energetic and social self, especially recently since my hormones have been crashing due to where I am in my menstrual cycle. My body is craving isolation though I feel too lonely to allow myself to have isolation. I fear that people do not want me in their lives, that they think bad things about me, or that I am too awkward. And maybe that is all true. I’m not entirely sure. But it is doing me a disservice to ignore my innate way of living due to insecurities.
Tuesday, October 11th
Intention/Theme of Practice: Intuitive Guidance and Creative Expression
Chakra: Svadhishthana or Sacral Chakra– to promote creative energy
Main/Peak Postures: Utkata Konasana or Goddess Pose, Ustrasana or Camel Pose, Anjaneyasana or Crescent Moon, Childspose Variations
Journal Entry: I need to focus on taking care of and developing a sense of purpose through myself. One way I’ve deprived myself is through creative expression. I have not been writing as much or delving into my own random interests. But I feel full of creative potential today. The natural world is inspiring and little details of fall have made this morning seem rich and colorful. Since recently relying on those around me for the support I crave, I want to explore my relationship with myself today. I feel compassionate enough to healthfully analyze my habits and toxic patterns and turn it into something more productive. I am lonely but feel that I am holding my own hand tight, and that guidance makes me feel capable of positive execution even if I am the only person accepting the journey and outcomes.
Wednesday, October 12th
Intention/Theme of Practice: Embracing the Imperfect and Stepping Boldly into Change
Chakra: Manipura or Solar Plexis Chakra– stomach pain and depleted productivity levels
Main/Peak Postures: Marjaiasana or Cat pose and Bitilasana or Cow Pose, Anything with Twists, Uttana Shishosana or Puppy Pose, Abdominal Exercises
Journal Entry: I feel bored with my habits. Traveling seems appealing but I do not think that is why I feel empty of purpose. During the summer of 2021 my life was probably at its most boring and yet it was the most magical time of my life. Little unnoticeable details sparkled in the dullness of activity. Everything I did felt like a quest. Instead of making a decision about how I will approach the conflict in my life, I’ve been dipping my toes into possible courses of action to take. Now feel even more stuck than I have before. Making a decision is important for fulfillment. Without commitment, nothing can unfold. The splendid joys and heartbreaking lessons we have yet to witness will be lost in the fear of taking bold steps forward.
Thursday, October 13th
Intention/Theme of Practice: Removing Anxiety
Chakra: Muladhara or Root Chakra– nightmares
Main/Peak Postures: Paschimottanasana or Seated Forward Fold, Padahastasana or Gorilla Pose, Apanasana or Knees to Chest
Journal Entry: Last night I experienced several nightmares which I remember two. I’ve felt shaken by them a little and anxiety has been coursing through my body today, so I want to focus on calming my nervous system. I’ve also been contemplating how vast our minds are. Finishing my first journal has allowed me to acknowledge that a lot has happened in the past year, and seeing a year’s worth of stories compiled into pages I’ve written has put into perspective how many things I think, and how many things others think as well. There is a lot of gratitude I hold for completing this journal, which has become my most dependable tool for a comfortable well-being. Today I want to focus on taking care of and holding myself. I want to breathe through anxieties and allow myself to be comforted by my own thoughts.
Friday, October 14th
Intention/Theme of Practice: Coming Back to the Mat
Chakra: Muladhara or Root Chakra– creating consistent healthy habits
Main/Peak Postures: Sun Salutations, Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog, Savasana
Journal Entry: I started a new journal this morning and it got me thinking about habits that have flowed through my life. Journaling is one of them, fading in and out of practice but I always come back to it. Waking early is another one, and yoga, meditation, pulling tarot cards, and wandering around in exploration of the natural world. These are all things that I do not always do, but when I come back to them, I feel connected to myself. When I picture who I am, it is these habits though I may not always participate in them when I am going through mental health issues or my schedule has shifted. I did not have much time to practice yoga postures today, but I wanted to stay committed so I rolled my mat out in the common room and flowed through 15 minutes of sun salutations and a short savasana. Connecting with this habit has allowed me to see myself more clearly and compassionately over the past week.
