Did you know that many of the videos in the Foundations section are forty minutes or less and not only stand as tutorials for specific poses but also as practices in themselves? I originally called this video series "An Asana A Day" in which we learn the alignment of important foundational standing poses (asana). These poses prepare the body for seated, supine and prone poses as well as the ability to settle into a pranayama practice and meditation. Standing poses are so important for beginners AND continuing yogis because in practicing them you cultivate strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, focus, insight and the intelligence of the body. With the videos in this series you'll learn some ways to explore and play with movements that make these poses clear and possible for you. You'll learn how to move and check for safety in joints - knees, hips, shoulders, neck. Essentially you are learning how to practice with more awareness and depth of understanding so that you are not simply following someone else's movement cues. Following are links to these videos which are in a nice sequence for you to experience them. There are plenty of offerings in the Foundations section for you to explore and this is a great way to open that door.

Tadasana - Mountain Pose (7 min) Brief tutorial on THE foundation of the foundation!

Virabhadrasana 3 - Warrior 3 (20 min) Warrior 3 may seem like a strangely challenging place to start but I lay down an important piece of information in this video for balance in standing poses (and in life...think "standing and walking") and we use support for the challenging balance.

Virabhadrasana 1 - Warrior 1 (41 min) This one is just a bit longer but some really good stuff here. Attention to feet, ankles, hips and fascia!

Ardha Chandrasana - Half Moon (44 min)

Vrksasana - Tree Pose (26 min)

Utthita Trikonasana - Extended Triangle Pose (30 min)

Utkatasana - Powerful Pose (45 min)

Parsvottanasana - Intense Side Stretch (37 min) which side? Your back side

Parivrtta Trikonasana - Revolved Triangle Pose (29 min)

Virabhadrasana 2 - Warrior 2 (29 min)

Utthita Parsvakonasana - Extended Side Angle Pose (30 min)

And of course - Savasana. Not a standing pose but an absolute essential foundation for optimal well-being. Perhaps it seems like a Zen koan...learn the Corpse Pose to live your best life.

Savasana Set-Up Tutorial - learn the why and how-to for the props.

Savasana 10 min. timing (20 min total) Set aside 20 minutes for this practice. There is about 8 minutes for settling in and guided instruction. After 10 minutes of silence there are 3 chimes of the Tibetan singing bowl to draw you back from your state of deep relaxation.

You do not have to do the practices in this order. It is the order in which I made and posted them (you can clearly see the difference as I made improvements with a better mic and lighting!) and I lay down certain principles that are repeated in subsequent videos but I think they are made clear enough in each video that they easily stand alone.

May you enjoy your time spent caring for yourself, finding deeper connection and awakening awareness. Now, go explore and lay a solid foundation for your yoga journey!