Morning practice

[Guest guest]

Although I try to practice early in the morning, since I start work at 6 AM

most days, I often practice later in the morning or around lunch time.

Early practices are definitely more challenging stiffness-wise than the

later practices, and I find I learn from both.

 

In the early morning, I don't just jump out of bed to practice, however, and

I believe many yogis do an hour or so of spiritual practice (including

meditation, pranayama or something else) before they do their asana

practices.

 

For me, I often meditate, take care of my cats, do some range-of-motion

exercises (eg., arm swings, twists, etc), and do nauli kriya (which I find

really awakens my bandhas/abdomen/back) before I practice. Some days, I

also do Body Rolling, which is kind of self-treating bodywork with small

balls. I find this wakes me up more and lessens the stiffness.

 

Warming one's body with a warm blanket, shower, or something else, also

helps the body prepare for practice.

 

However, just starting slowly ("going through the motions") and gradually

getting in to your practice should work, too.

 

Just my thoughts.