Authentic Practice

Photos by me.

On some nights, I just need to breathe, and move, and be present. To really sweat. I turn the music up and dance around in my living room. I hold plank pose and chaturanga until my muscles shake.

 

This week, I did this killer arms and abs workout from Shape. It had me feeling exhausted at the end of it -- the good kind of exhausted, where you're breathless and fatigued and joyful all at once. After workouts like those, I feel amazing (yay endorphins!), plus I sleep so well.

I find it's helpful to mix up my yoga routine and to move in whatever way my body desires in the moment. Sometimes that involves a traditional mix of sun salutations, balances, and twists. 

But sometimes I like to just shake it, let loose, and play around. Or do pushups and mountain climbers and squats and all the exercises I used to when I was a dancer. Once I've engaged all those muscles and lit the fire deep within, I find my authentic practice.

How do you mix up your yoga?