Motivation on a Monday: Meditation and Yoga.

By Hpranitis @_thisandthat_


{via here}

Back to the basics.  Yep, that is where I am headed.  Sometimes it's the only thing in sight.
I'm back to working out in the morning.  By working out I mean - run a mile on the treadmill and do my abs exercises.  My goal is to run a solid, complete mile and step it up a notch to 1.25, then 1.5, etc.  You get the hint.  I ran for 6.4 minutes and had to walk for a minute.  Wow.  Little did I know it would be a challenge yet again.  This is what happens when you stop your workout routine for a bit.
I'm adding evening yoga.  In my yoga studio, aka the bedroom.  Two weeks ago, I did yoga for 30 minutes in the evening after my hour long commute and it definitely took the edge off.  Let's just say I'm sure my boyfriend was pleased as well.
It's important to point out that it's not just the running or yoga it is what comes along with it.  The overall experience.  What I feel as I do it and how I feel after.  Correct?  You know what I mean? 
At 6 a.m., I'm still not awake so, I stretch my legs real quick, pop the ear buds in my ears, hit play and start the treadmill.  Then I turn on the TV and mute it.  Typically, in that order as well.  Funny, I know.  But, it's the honest to goodness truth!
My commute home is a pain in the butt sometimes but, I have to do it.  So, I get home between 6:25-6:45 p.m. and then head right upstairs to change and get my "yoga" on!  After I kiss the boyfriend and say a quick hello.
I like the breathing, repetition, poses.  Come on the benefits of yoga are endless!  The yoga videos that I watch have an inspirational setting and I listen to that - the poses are explained in addition to a little extra motivation for focus and breath.  Candidly, I love it.  I'll do another post this week on the instructor and videos that I watch as I'd love to hear your feedback.  However, I do wish that my schedule allowed for the "occasional" hot yoga class... Wishful thinking on my part...one day soon.  Hopefully.
Any who, it back to the basics.  Mind, body and spirit.  I need my zen back.  In order to get it - I'm going back to the basics: meditation and yoga.  It's a no brainer, right?!
What about you?  Do you do meditation and yoga?  What's your zen after work?  Do tell.