Struggling to juggle summer activities and daily movement? This is for you.
Published 3 months ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader,
The warmer weather and longer days are upon us, and that means travel, graduations, gardening, cookouts, and spending time with friends and family. The eight weeks of summer tend to be jam-packed with activities that all feel like they need to happen now, before the season changes yet again. With all these wonderful activities filling our free time, how do we stay committed to ourselves and our yoga practice?
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In Today’s Edition
My recommendation for maintaining a simple yoga practice.
Deliemas about cake. (Can you really have it all?)
Say this three times fast: Adho Mukha Svanasana.
The perfect summer recipe for your breakfast table.
Making Time for Yoga
Summer is supposed to be the time when we slow down and relax, right? Yes and no. If you’re like me, your calendar fills up with activities that bring you a lot of joy, but if you’re not intentionally creating space for self-care, you’ll quickly begin to feel a bit burnt out.
The real question is: Is it possible to have your cake and eat it too?
In this case, I believe the answer is YES. Although your yoga practice may need to change to adapt to your summer schedule, I always counsel my clients to give themselves grace.
Schedule time in your calendar for a simple morning pose to move your body and ground yourself in your surroundings. Then, at the end of the day, take a nice shower, reflect on the day, and set your intentions for tomorrow.
This way, when you wake up and you’re having your morning coffee, you already know where your day is headed.
On the Mat
This month I’m sharing a simple pose that’s the perfect addition to your morning routine. Here is a video and a step-by-step guide to help you master Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), a foundational pose that stretches and strengthens the entire body.
Start in a tabletop position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Spread your fingers wide, pressing firmly through your palms and fingertips.
Curl your toes under and slowly lift your knees off the floor. Begin to straighten your legs, but don't lock your knees.
On an exhale, lift your hips toward the ceiling, creating an inverted V shape with your body. Imagine lengthening from your hands through your arms, shoulders, spine, and hips.
Your feet should be hip-width apart and your hands shoulder-width apart. Press your heels gently toward the floor but don’t worry about making them touch the ground if that’s too uncomfortable.
Let your head hang naturally between your arms, maintaining a neutral neck. Gaze softly toward your feet or your navel.
Hold this position for five to ten breaths, feeling the stretch in your hamstrings, calves, and spine. Focus on your breath and maintain a steady, even flow.
To come out of the pose, lower your knees gently back to the floor and return to the tabletop position.
For me, summer is all about fresh fruits, canning, and baking. It’s cherry-picking season here in New York, and one of my favorite summertime recipes is a delicious cherry scone with the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of lemon zest.
The simple recipe I use for my scones yields the perfect batch every time. These treats can be baked right away or frozen to have on hand when you’re in a pinch or looking to experience summer flavors in the fall and winter months. CLICK HERE to try these scones for yourself.
Elevate Your Daily Life
Designed to help you elevate your daily life through the power of thankfulness, the Divine Gratitude journal is a harmonious blend of morning inspiration, evening reflections, and gratitude challenges that encourage self-reflection and foster a positive mindset. Divine Gratitude is not just a journal; it's a companion on your journey to a more fulfilling and appreciative life where every page is a stepping stone toward nurturing your heart and embracing gratitude—one day at a time.
As we head into the peak of summer, I want to encourage you to continue to make time for yourself, your personal goals, and your well-being even as you enjoy the many activities that fill your schedule and bring you joy.
Remember that making time for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Just ten minutes of yoga or meditation each day can help you feel more grounded and clear-headed.
Warm Regards,
Donna Sarah Khan
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