Sharing easy daily yoga exercises, a cross-post with Joyce Wycoff

can you spare five minutes a day?

Sunset, a perfect time to pause.

This week I have something a bit different in store for you, and I’m arriving in your inbox two days early! My Substack buddy

Joyce Wycoff

, the creator of Gratitude Mojo in Action, asked me if I would be interested in cross-posting about yoga movements that can be done randomly throughout the day to maintain flexibility, balance and strength. I jumped at the opportunity to work with Joyce, and also share some quick tips. If you haven’t visited Joyce’s newsletter, you’re in for a treat. It’s sitting at the intersection of artistry and adventure and is always a delight to read.

Depending on one’s schedule, putting aside time to exercise can take effort. These simple exercises can be done in minutes and positively affect our flexibility and physical health.

I have offered three suggestions that Joyce will include in her cross-post.

The first, a breathing technique, I’m expanding on in this post. 

---

While it's been scientifically proven that meditation is extremely effective for reducing stress and slowing our cardio vascular system, many never incorporate it into their daily lives. I wish I could say I meditate often, but the truth is, I don't.

What I have incorporated is an activity that, like meditation, is effective at slowing my heart and mind and, at times, mitigating stress.

For this breathing exercise, it's essential to create a soothing internal dialogue, perhaps choose a nickname for yourself, as affectionate as one you might use for a loved one.

I address myself as "my girl" since that's a term I call my daughter, and because of that, the words in and of themselves play on my heartstrings. 

Imagine if we nurtured ourselves as sweetly as we do our children? Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

I stand tall, pull my shoulders slightly back, and then let them drop an inch, heart to the sky. I close my eyes, placing one hand on my heart and the other on my abdomen, noticing the rhythm of my heart. Following this, I take five deep breaths. I pause and hold at the end of each exhale for a few seconds and again after my inhales. 

Okay, my girl, slow your breath. 

Or

Thank you, dear heart, for your hard work today and every day. 

Or, perhaps I’m feeling stressed or afraid,

You're gonna be fine, Suzy girl. Just breathe.

I feel self-conscious until I remind myself that no one is watching. It’s just me and my heart, along with my lungs expanding one breath at a time. We’re in this together, for the duration. And while I will have many who will care for and love me deeply, I need to be my most devoted caretaker. The Universe/God/whatever you believe has entrusted me with this body … what a gift.

A mini-meditation, a centering of the spirit—

---

I'll send you to Joyce's post for the remainder of my suggestions and those of other women staying flexible and strong. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you try any of the offerings.

Thank you,

Joyce Wycoff

, for including me in this lovely endeavor!

Please feel free to share this post.