Seema Sondhi

If you want to start your day right, look at what the yogis do. Mornings are sacred for them as they use the early hours to meditate, connect with their their inner selves and to set the mood for the day. I begin this series with my guru Seema Sondhi, who is really is one of the top yoga masters in the world. This is her routine in her own words: 

If you want to start your day right, take inspiration from the yogis. Mornings are sacred for them and they use the early hours to meditate, connect with their their inner selves, and to set the mood for the day. I begin this series with my guru Seema Sondhi, who really is one of the top yoga masters in the world. This is her routine in her own words: 

5:30: “Wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth. Then drink a litre of water with tbsp of powdered flaxseed and methi powder, which I’ve mixed in advance and kept in a jar on my bedside table.”

“I then do my pranayama: I start with the kapalabhanti, then move on to bhastrika, anulom-vilom, stambha breathing where I hold my breath, going on to ujjayi breath and finally melting into my meditation. I typically do pranayama and mediation for half hour each. The type of meditation I choose depends on my mood, ranging from chakra balancing to mantra japa to love meditation. It really depends on how I feel or what I need to work on to develop myself.” 

7:15: “I drink a cup of coffee with a biscuit, then leave the house to teach a class. I don’t eat breakfast at that time but carry it with me - its usually a banana smoothie made with coconut milk, seasonal fruits with a tbsp of oats in it. I also carry some extra cut fruits on the side.”

“I believe in affirmations and while driving I choose one to repeat in my mind. My favourite affirmation, which I would recommend to everyone is ‘everyday in every way I feel better.” 

8:00 “During class I drink a lot of hot water. I usually share my yoga practice from the previous evening. I also like to share affirmations and constructive thoughts that come up in my morning meditation. I like to share everything because that’s how we learn from each other.” 

9:15: “I eat my breakfast after class. Even though the morning meditation is over I’m still mindful about my thoughts. Each day I choose a theme…I choose to be loving, I choose to be forgiving, I choose to be courageous. When my mind wanders I bring it back to my theme of the day.”