Why Your Morning Coffee Isn't Enough: A Case for Morning Sādhana

Create a morning yoga routine that fits your lifestyle 🧘🏾‍♀️

What is the first thing you do every morning when you wake up?

Do you have a cup of coffee? Or perhaps you scroll on your phone before you even get out of bed?

I’d be lying if I said that many days, the first thing I want to do isn’t check my social media. But I know myself: I could easily fall into a rabbit hole, scrolling endlessly until it's time to start work.

Although I’m not 100% successful, I've learned to prioritize spending the first hours of my day on activities that feel aligned and support my life.

For years, I've chatted with many practitioners and yoga teachers who struggle to start and maintain a daily yoga routine that truly resonates with them despite their desire to do so.

Personally, I owe the consistency of my daily practice to my first Yoga Teacher Trainer and mentor, Claire Santos.

When I embarked on my Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), I anticipated learning about yoga postures, sequences, anatomy, and yogic philosophy. I expected long hours of practice teaching, observing others lead classes, and developing tools to run a successful yoga business.

Claire Santos teaching another trainee and me how to practice headstand during YTT

What I didn’t expect was the intensive self-practice and the deep—and sometimes challenging—personal exploration that came with it.

It was during this transformative period that I was first introduced to Sādhana, and where I first saw the value of exploring yoga beyond the postures so that I could take the practice with me everywhere.

Daily Practices of Sādhana

Sādhana is often translated as 'a means to accomplish something.' In the context of yoga, it refers to any practice aimed at achieving self-realization and spiritual growth.

For me, Sādhana has become a set of invaluable tools. These practices have helped me develop discipline and cultivate a deep connection with my inner self.

It’s a chance every day for me to pause before I start my day and check in, notice how I feel, and create the space to nurture myself and align.

The true power of Sādhana lies in its personal nature—you engage in this practice for yourself, driven by your own intentions and the reasons that resonate most deeply with you.

The key to Sādhana is intentionality, the 'why' behind what you do. It's this purpose-driven approach that transforms simple actions into profound spiritual growth.

So, how do you start your days? Do you rush into the morning's demands, or do you give yourself space to set intentions and align with your inner needs?

Consider how implementing a personal Sādhana could enrich not only your mornings but your entire life.

Integral to my morning Sādhana are two practices that set the tone for my entire day: 20 minutes of free-flow journaling and 20 to 45 minutes of yoga asana. The time I spend journaling allows me to freely express my thoughts and intentions without restriction, paving the way for a clear and focused mindset.

Following this, depending on how I feel or the specific energy I wish to cultivate that day, I engage in a yoga session that ranges from 20 to 45 minutes.

This flexibility in my yoga practice helps me stay aligned with my body’s needs, ensuring that each morning builds a foundation of strength and serenity for the day ahead.

Are you looking for some inspiration to get started with your own daily practice?

Let me share some with you:

1. Daily Affirmations Exercise

Begin each day with a grounding session of positive affirmations can be simple and empowering.

Affirmations can help you set intentions, clarify your thoughts, and connect with your goals.

It's an excellent way to cultivate mindfulness and maintain focus throughout the day.

If you're new to this practice, don’t worry; here are 3 that you can write down every morning, or recite out loud to help you find alignment:

I am grounded, present, and peaceful.

With each breath, I draw strength from the Earth beneath me.

I am fully present, embracing the moment and the world around me.

2. 'Root to Rise' New Yoga Class on YouTube

If you’d like to include some movement in your new daily yoga routine, here is my newest YouTube class, inspired by Earth Day.

This session focuses on foundational postures that help strengthen and ground you, preparing both your body and mind for the day ahead.

It’s a perfect complement to your affirmations, enhancing the sense of balance and presence you’ve started building.

Deepen Your Practice with the Sādhana Course on Ekhart Yoga

If these initial steps resonate with you and you find yourself craving more, read my deep-dive article here or consider enrolling in my Sādhana course on Ekhart Yoga.

It just launched today, and I am so excited!

This course offers foundational guidance on various aspects of Sādhana, including sequences, meditation techniques, and wellness practices, providing you with the tools to explore and create your daily routine.

Photo by Jordi Pros for EkhartYoga

If you’re a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher you also get 2 CEUs, which is always a bonus.

📢Special Offer: Use code SADHANA20 for 20% off the course from today until April 28th!

That’s all from me today, friend!

Until we meet again, pause often, breathe deeply, and stay kind - especially to yourself. 💛

Much love,

I appreciate you being here! ✨🙏🏾

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