It’s been a few months. Be honest: how are your new years resolutions holding up? Many of us (even the most well-intentioned) have started to let those goals, dreams, and aspirations fade away. Not to worry…this is the perfect time to re-focus your mind. Yoga is a wonderful way to go about it. Not only is it an effective workout but it can also help you connect to your mind and body on a much deeper level. Get started with some beginner yoga poses – and incorporate crystals into your practice for an experience that is both powerful and healing.
The Best Beginner Yoga Poses
If you’ve noticed that your fitness goals for the year have already started to fall off…then take action now. The sooner you start, the better! Whether you have time for a full-blown yoga class (either at a studio or in the comfort of your home) or can only manage to squeeze in one or two yoga positions…. that’s okay. These beginner yoga poses will help you tone up your body, reduce stress levels, and boost your confidence.
Mountain Pose
The best place to start is with mountain pose. Out of all the beginner yoga poses, this is the perfect jumping off point because it helps you feel grounded and focused. (For other ways to feel grounded check out this post on grounding and protection.) It is a great way to relax and spend time with yourself. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Keep your arms loose by your sides and breathe deeply. Concentrate on the way your body feels. This is your chance to get connected! Slowly move your hands up towards the sky for a nice long stretch. Hold and bring your hands back down. All the little stresses of day-to-day will fade away. Repeat this pose as many times as you desire.
Warrior Pose
There is something about warrior pose that just makes you feel…well…. like a warrior. The strength of the move helps you unleash your inner warrior and connect to a powerful place inside. Suddenly those doubts about doing yoga? About committing to your goals? Gone. To perfect the move, keep your legs three feet apart. Your front foot should point straight ahead and your back foot should be turned to the side. Keep your arms extended. Bend your front knee to a 90-degree angle and hold. It may not seem like an intense position at first but you will feel this move in both your legs and your arms.
Upward and Downward Facing Dog
Now for two very important beginner yoga poses: upward and downward facing dog. These allow you to stretch and strengthen all at the same time. For downward facing dog, get on all fours. (Hence the name downward facing dog.) Move your hands forward and press your hips up. Keep the knees slightly bent. You should look like an upside down V. Stay in this position for thirty seconds before dropping back to all fours. Repeat as many times as you feel comfortable. (Not sure how to accomplish the move? There are plenty of helpful videos online so you can perfect your form.) To achieve upward facing dog, lie on the floor. Push your body up using your arms. Keep your toes pointed and squeeze through the lower body. This should give you a nice stretch and really tone your arms.
Other Beginner Yoga Poses
Want to do even more beginner yoga poses? There are many different options. You can head to a beginners yoga class in your town, check out a workout DVD, or try out a few more beginner moves. Some suggestions include: tree pose (it will help you work on your balance), bridge pose (to aid in strengthening your chest), and child’s pose (which helps you to stretch, relax, and look inward). There is always more to discover!
How to Incorporate Crystals into a Yoga Practice
Fitness and mindfulness go hand in hand. Which is why it only makes sense to add crystals into your regular yoga practice. It can help improve your skills, keep you motivated, create positive change, and assist in manifesting intentions. To make your beginner yoga poses even more powerful, place crystals intentionally around your space. There are several ways to go about this. For instance, you can put crystals around your yoga mat or nearby your workout area.
Another option is to create a small altar or sacred space wherever you plan to do your yoga moves. (Light a candle or some incense, place crystals intuitively, and write down your fitness goals on a piece of paper to help focus and manifest.) You can even choose to wear a ring, bracelet, or necklace with a specific crystal while you work out. There are no right or wrong ways to go about this. Trust your instincts and go from there!
Effective Crystals to Use
There are endless possibilities when it comes to the crystals you can choose. It may vary based on specific goals you are working on or towards. However, there are certain stones that will be ultra effective during your yoga sessions. Some of those stones include:
- Rose Quartz. This crystal is all about love, which makes it an ideal addition to beginner yoga poses. It encourages feelings of self-love, which will help you be extra kind and loving to yourself as you begin to practice these poses. It is also great for opening your heart to new experiences and bringing forth feelings of peace.
- Moonstone. Another wonderful addition to your yoga practice is moonstone. This type of crystal is not only beautiful to look at but it also serves an important purpose. It calms the mind and prevents overreactions. (Which may come in handy if you are getting frustrated with your fitness progress or want to give up on tree pose prematurely.) This stone also aids in intuition and wisdom.
- Black Tourmaline. Yoga is a wonderful way to get grounded but in case you are feeling a little out of sorts, try adding black tourmaline to your practice. It will help you feel more balanced and centered. Additionally, this stone protects against negative energy and boosts mood.
There is no right or wrong way to practise yoga. Not sure where to start? These beginner yoga poses can help you gain confidence, build your strength, and add a little mindfulness into your fitness routine. Give each pose a try and before you know it, those new years resolutions will be back track.
