Yoga for Wellbeing: 3 Short Sequences for Restful Sleep, Greater Energy and Mental Clarity
With Jason Crandell Yoga Journal, 2008
Yoga for Wellbeing
A yogi’s greatest challenge is often finding time to practice. Jason Crandell’s latest installment in his Yoga for Well-Being series – 3 Short Sequences for Restful Sleep, Greater Energy and Mental Clarity – offers an accessible practice with three themed twenty-minute sequences. Crandell teaches from experience and inspires confidence when he talks about his own issues in dealing with anxiety, insomnia and lack of mental focus.
The Restful Sleep sequences focus on hip openers, forward bends and gentle twists to release thoughts, needs and expectations. Greater Energy begins with sun salutations and segues on fluid standing poses to circulate energy, breath and attention. The sequence moves through uttanasana (standing forward fold) to some energizing chaturanga (yogic push up) and downward facing dog poses. This practice reminds us that as our bodies become too still and stagnant we need to move to let things circulate naturally. Mental Clarity focuses more on whole body sensation than stretching, inspiring the practitioner to soften their eyes and focus their attention on their body and away from their thoughts. The instructions are clear and concise with the poses presented from several different angles.
Crandell’s soothing voice and clear instruction is mirrored by LA-based Yoga Works teacher Kathryn Budig’s graceful demonstrations. These twenty-minute segments lead us to a grounded place where we can let go of our thoughts and focus on the breath and body.
These thoughtfully composed sequences open up the door to a more blissful everyday existence. Crandell states, “If you only have five to ten minutes a day, that’s an ideal way to start your practice.” yogajournal.com
Natalie D-Napoleon is a writer and singersongwriter currently touring to support her first solo album and practicing a lot of short Yoga sessions: nataliednapoleon.com.
By Felicia M. Tomasko, RN
