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Have you ever met those enigmatic human beings who seem to exude a calm, alert presence? They seem to live with ease and grace in word and movement. These admirable souls aren't magic; they haven't been given a key to a secret door the rest of us are missing out on. They're aware. And they're practiced in it.
Avid yoga practitioners exemplify awareness beautifully. They're in tune, with the energy their brewing and emanating, and with the energy of those around them. They listen astutely, watch objectively, and live with a poetic gratitude.
With that in mind, I want to share five poses for awareness, remembering that any form of yoga is an excellent way to sharpen your alert presence. I would also bookend these poses with Easy Seat/Sukhasana and Corpse Pose/Savasana, where the emphasis is placed on being still and quietly aware. Enjoy them all, and take moments throughout your day to check in and be aware. Let this awareness draw you deeper into the present moment, more fully into the thrill of being!
Child's Pose/Balasana

A beautiful, introverted offering. Heels under hips, knees together for a bigger low back release, open wide for more opening. Rest with hands by your feet in a soft shoulder release and a deep nod of respect to yourself and to the earth on which you dwell. Become aware of how you treat yourself in your most tender moments. Are you able to be soft in taking care of yourself, encouraging and comforting when you need to be? Just observe.
Pigeon/Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

Headstand/Sirsasana

Supported Bridge/Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Supine Twists/Supta Matsyendrasana


Dani Marie Robinson is a Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative Yoga teacher. Beginning her teaching career in Italy back in 2008, Danielle has traveled and studied throughout Europe, New York City, Chicago, recently pursued her 500hr E-RYT training in Bali, and now lives, teaches (leads Yoga Hikes!) and writes in Los Angeles. As a writer, comedy enthusiast, foodie and animal lover, Dani guides students through thought-provoking and creative practices, choosing to focus strongly on empowering each of us to find our own inner teacher, to listen to our intelligence and recognize our own potential to live a passionate and loving life. Dani is a proud Natural Fitness & Yoga Earth ambassador, and works diligently with her Yogis Can Help partners to help spread Yoga to those under-served in Haiti. She loves connecting with life enthusiasts and invites you to connect with her via FB/Instagram/Twitter, or more personally via email at danieatslife@gmail.com.