So this week I decided to move one of my yoga mats right next to my bed so that it is the first thing I touch when getting out of bed in the morning and the last feeling I have before I retire for the night.

This change has inspired me to do several sun salutations right when I wake up or before bed when time permits and even if I don’t have the time to practice yoga upon waking or before sleeping, I stop on my yoga mat and center myself. I pause for a moment or two and think about all that I have to be grateful for in my life and I’m now in the habit of taking a few deep breaths just before I take that final leap into bed and remind myself who I am and what I stand for.

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Many cultures, especially Hindu, regard the sun as the giver of life and a spiritual center. Honoring this spiritual force, many yogis start and end their day with sun salutation poses. I am one such yogi.

However, as with all facets of my personal yoga and meditation practice, I have customized this ritual to meet my own needs and desires. For me it’s not so much about honoring the sun as a spiritual guide, but honoring myself and my intentions for my day and for my life.

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