Today is day 1 of #TheBodyDept Instagram Yoga Challenge! This challenge was designed to inspire creativity, and self-expression. It’s open to all levels- whether you’re a beginner, or a super advanced yogi- feel free to play along and share some of your favorite poses with us! The challenge will work like this: Each day will be based on a theme word. I have picked a pose which I feel best embodies what that word means to me. Feel free to do the same pose as me, or do whatever pose you want, just let us know why you chose that pose. The more creative the better! Don’t be shy; you’d be surprised what you may learn about yourself along the way! I look forward to seeing all of your posts, don’t forget to use the hashtag #TheBodyDept and tag myself @astateofemily and @thebodydept on Instagram so we can see all of your lovely pictures. Please be sure to warm up, listen to your body, and most importantly have fun!

Gratitude – Lotus Pose
When I began my yoga practice one of the first concepts that really resonated with me was Gratitude. Gratitude turns what you have, into enough. Instead of constantly thinking about the things I didn’t have, and the things I felt my life was lacking- gratitude helped me to see and appreciate all of the wonderful things I do have in my life, to feel more present and connected to the now, and to view the future from a place of hope. I chose lotus pose as my expression of gratitude because in this pose I feel grounded, and I feel a deeper connection to my higher sense of self. When I think of lotus pose, I think of a place of calmness, and of meditation, where I often come to turn my gaze within. It is through meditation that I first learned to truly be grateful for the person I am at my deepest self, as well as for my yoga practice. Practicing yoga has changed my life in so many positive ways and I am forever grateful.

To get into Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
– Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front
– Bend your right knee and place the right foot on the top of the left thigh close to the groin
– Lift the left leg, and place the left foot over the right leg, placing the foot to rest on the top of the right thigh
– Keep an elongated, straight spine
– Place the hands at heart center, or to rest palms up on the knees
– Take several deep, soothing breathes through the nose