Are you feeling stressed, depressed or anxious? Have you tried repeating some affirmations to yourself to get you through these times?
The following affirmations, and combined yin yoga poses, will help you find comfort, reassurance, inner well-being, and peace.
As you hold each described pose for about 2 minutes, internally repeat the affirmation. Notice what comes up for you, without any sort of judgment.
- Sphinx – Lay down on your belly, extending the legs behind you. Bring the forearms to the mat, spreading the fingers wide. Pull the heart forward as you roll your shoulders down and away from the ears. Push into the pubic bone, and find length in the low back.
Affirmation: “I choose to be gentle and kind with all beings, including myself.”
2. Baby Dragon – Lift up to your hands and knees. Step the right foot between the palms. Stacking knee over ankle. Keep hands down or bring them to blocks. Melt your hips forward and down. Minimize tension in your shoulders and back.
A: “In this moment, I release thoughts of worry. I am present.”
Slowly switch sides to left foot forward. One side may feel different than the other.
A: “I have faith in the innate goodness of people.”
3. Melting Heart – From table top, keep the hips over knees as you walk the hands forward. Bring the forehead to the floor. Engage the low belly, while relaxing the chest to the mat.
A: “I calm my nervous system by taking deep breaths.”
4. Swan – On hands and knees, bring the right knee behind the right wrist. Don’t worry where the right foot ends up. Extend the left leg back behind you. Square the hips. Place blanket, block or bolster under the seat if up high. Reach your heart forward and down, bringing the forehead to the mat (or onto the forearms). Relax the body and melt into the pose.
A: “When challenges arise, I stay anchored in hope.”
Take your time to ease out and switch sides to left leg forward.
A: “I have a big heart and that’s a wonderful thing.”
5. Reclined Butterfly – Lower down to the back. Bring the soles of the feet together, knees apart. Place your hands wherever feels good. Let your legs be heavy. Close your eyes.
A: “My strength comes from my ability to dream of a better future for all.”
6. Happy Baby – Bring the knees in towards the shoulders. Hold onto the ankles or outer edge of feet. Stack your ankles over knees. Push the tailbone into the floor. Use your elbows to press your knees wider, while dragging them down.
A: “I am never alone and I reach out to others when I need support.”
These poses and affirmations come from an hour long yin yoga practice on my channel. Check it out below.
Namaste,
Kassandra
