Kimberly Wilson, The Examiner
2008-01-28 08:00:00.0
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WASHINGTON -

Welcome back to our fourth week of the New Year, New You series! I hope you’ve been practicing last week’s tip and writing things down to make things happen. Because this time of the year is a bit dreary and cold, I wanted to offer up some yoga tips that are sure to infuse some cheer into the chill.

» Breathe Deeply: When you’re feeling stressed, tired or discombobulated, take a few minutes to connect to your breath. Take a deep inhale through your nose and release a sigh (ahhhh!) through your mouth. Visualize yourself drawing in vitality with your inhale and releasing cares and concerns with your exhale. Next, transition to a deep and even inhale and exhale through your nose. Spend at least five minutes focusing on your breath and releasing any internal or external distractions.

» Open Your Heart: Come to a comfortable seated position in a chair or on the floor (as pictured). Interlace your hands behind your back (or use a strap if they don’t quite connect). Keep your shoulders over your hips and lift your interlaced hands to feel the heart center blossom and the shoulders awaken. Take a gentle sway from side to side. Take deep breaths, and you hold here for 30 seconds to one minute. Feel refreshed.

» Let Go: Feeling burdened by an unending to-do list or a challenging situation? Allow yourself to let go of the need to be perfect or in control of all situations. Sometimes it’s best to take a hot bath, go to bed early and let the laundry go unfolded so that you can take care of yourself first. Tomorrow is a new day.

Kimberly Wilson is the founder of Tranquil Space Yoga and Tranquil Space Foundation. Visit kimberlywilson.com.