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Deep breath in…deeeeep breath out. Staying present takes some practice, but we're always game for some growth! Take a break from the go-go-go of life and try out these yoga poses as instructed by Ellie community member, Megan!
Megan is wearing February 2022 outfit, Coral Cove.
How long ago did you start doing yoga?
I started practicing yoga when I was in college in 2010. 12 years, wow!
What inspired you to start doing yoga?
When I lived in LA I stumbled upon a hot yoga studio. I instantly was drawn to the moving meditation aspect of the practice and found that it was fun to challenge my mind and body in new ways. The sweaty, fast-paced flow felt rejuvenating. It inspired me to take my yoga teacher training in 2014 and it’s been a huge part of my life ever since.
What do you believe the benefits of doing yoga are?
We live in a world where “go-go-go” is the norm. I believe yoga helps us to slow down, take a trip within ourselves, and to connect with our innermost being so that we can be the healthiest version of ourselves, inside and out.
How do you incorporate yoga into your day to day life?
I’m the owner of MOJA Yoga & Wellness, so as a small business owner and mother of two little children, getting an hour in of my practice daily is far and few between. Often, my yoga practice looks like me doing a few forward folds in between making breakfast and dinner or a short yoga flow when I am
filming content for the on-demand videos of my website. Some days my yoga practice doesn’t look like the challenging physical postures, sometimes its meditating and deep breathing, and that’s perfect :)
What is your go-to breakfast?
Smoothies! I love a nutrient-dense fruit smoothie to kickstart my day. It usually contains mangos, mixed berries, fresh oranges, a banana, a date, spinach, chia seeds and water!
What advice would you give someone just beginning yoga?
Show up on your mat from a place of non-judgement. It can be tempting to say “I can’t do this”, but remember...you can’t do it...YET. It takes practice to become flexible, strong, and master certain poses. The true nature of yoga is less about the physical postures, and more about connecting to your breath and the present moment!
LIGHTNING ROUND Q&A
Early bird or night owl
Cardio or weight-lifting
Sweet or savory
Matcha or coffee
Fall or summer
World traveler or homebody
Friends or The Office
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Revolved Angle Pose
- From Downward Facing Dog, step your left foot forward to a lunge. Square your hips toward the front of your mat.
- Keep your left knee at a 90-degree angle. Align the center of your kneecap with the center of your right ankle. If possible, bring the right thigh parallel to the floor.
- Lift the torso and raise the arms overhead. To create space in your torso, reach your arms up as if to touch the sky, and create length between your hip points and your armpits. Pause here, taking several long breaths.
- Lower your arms, place your palms together in a prayer position, and bring them so that your thumbs touch your breastbone.
- Twist your torso to the left and bring your right elbow to the outside of your left knee.
- Take your right hand to the floor as you press your right arm into the outside of your knee. Reach your left arm straight up or reaching out over your left ear, with your palm facing the floor.
- Breathe deeply, lengthening your spine as you inhale and twisting a little more as you exhale. Lengthen and soften your belly, extend your spine with each inhalation, and increase the twist as you exhale.
Bound Angle
- From a seated position, bring the soles of your feet together, close to your pelvis, allowing your knees to fall out to the sides.
- Ground your sitting bones and lengthen your spine
- Hold onto the outer edges of your feet and press the soles of your feet towards each other.
- If your body allows it, fold forward from the hips, keeping your spine long and your collar bones spread
- Stay for 5 to 10 breaths
- Sit with your knees bent, feet on the floor. Place your hands behind your knees, lift the chest, engaging the back muscles as you inhale
- Engage your inner thighs and draw your lower belly in and up
- Tip back on the back of your sitting bones and lift your feet up to about knee height, toes spread out
- Bring your arms parallel to the floor
- To go further, straighten your legs
- Stay for 2-5 breaths
Want to get deeper into your practice or get your daily dose of zen? You can find Megan on Instagram @moja.yoga or Facebook!