Sadhana: From School, Yoga Teacher Training to the Clinic Experience in Yoga Therapy

I wanted to discuss the power of daily rituals or sadhana and how they can help us navigate life's challenges with groundedness and resilience. I spent the last three weeks leading a day of Yoga Teacher Training and guiding others toward offering the gift of yoga on their own path. This reminded me of when I began my graduate program in Yoga Therapy at MUIH.


​The program underscored the significance of incorporating sadhana into our daily lives to stay centered, especially during the demanding grad school days. I couldn't help but reflect on the vast disparity between my MUIH experience and my previous stint in PT school. In the latter, the focus was solely on academic rigor, often at the expense of self-care. It was suggested that maintaining a clean home, a stocked fridge, or adequate sleep was downplayed in favor of relentless hard work and stress.
Unfortunately, I believe this is a prevailing sentiment in many healthcare professions, and compassion fatigue is also common. My time at MUIH has been an eye-opener, emphasizing the need for self-care, or self-maintenance, as I like to call it, to best serve our clients and maintain a healing presence. I am immensely grateful for this perspective and am committed to integrating these ritual practices into my daily life beyond my time in school. Most recently, we had our most intensive clinic weekend, and our pre-clinic work was to have the tools we needed to have and maintain our sadhana during the intensity of the four-day weekend in place. If you're considering starting your sadhana, let me suggest beginning with something simple and easily accessible. Whether stepping outside for a few minutes, washing your hands mindfully, or simply taking a deep breath, these small rituals are within your reach. They can make a difference in how we approach each day. I'd love to hear from you. What rituals would you like to incorporate into your daily routine to enhance your wellness? Remember, these practices are accessible and can be blended into your routine, allowing you to take control of your well-being.
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Here are some additional Sadhanas you may try on your Yoga path:

1. Morning Meditation: Begin your day with a few minutes of meditation. Take a moment to find a comfortable seat and breathe. If you prefer guidance, many apps and YouTube videos can offer guidance for the time you have available.
2. Golden Seed: Flow through 3-10 rounds of The Golden Seed, a sequence of yoga poses designed to energize your body and mind. This practice is a great way to wake up your body and connect with your breath. https://youtu.be/HdSUrifnCC4?si=lpFUPDvI2OS6r9bR
3. Gratitude Journal: Daily, write down things you are grateful for. This practice can help you reframe your day and find an appreciative state, offering a lighter perspective.
4. Mantras: Begin your day with an affirmation. Choose a statement in the present as it already is to cultivate a positive mindset.
5. Breath Awareness (Pranayama): Practice simple breathing exercises like deep belly breathing or alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) to calm your mind and balance your energy.
6. Detox Bath: The recipe is simple: equal parts kosher salt, Epsom salt, and baking soda. (I usually do 1 cup each)
   Ingredients:
   • Baking soda: Promotes stress relief
   • Epsom salt: Supports detoxification
   • Kosher salt Aids in muscle relaxation
     
   • Mix these ingredients in the hottest water to tolerate and soak for five minutes but no more than fifteen. The warm water soothes the body and mind, helping to release tension and reset.
7. Reading Inspirational or Spiritual Texts: Dedicate time to read inspiring spiritual or philosophical texts. This can provide guidance and deepen your understanding of life.
8. Evening Reflection: End your day with a few minutes of reflection. Think about what went well, what you learned, and how to improve. This practice can help you grow and evolve.

Stay inspired!
-Valerie <3 

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