I normally walk, practice taijiquan and practice chi kung in the early morning hours. I normally lift weights and practice yoga in the evening hours. I teach yoga three days a week from 5:30-6:30 pm at the Tehama Family Fitness Center. On my days off from my employment, my fitness and practice schedules vary somewhat depending upon the weather, home chores, gardening, and studies. In the hot summer months, I begin exercise at 5:30 am.
"Most traditional authorities agree that the early morning is the best time for meditation. In India, the yogins typically meditate at sunrise, known as the "Hour of Brahma" (brahma-muhurta). It is thought that the quality of the life force (prana) is then particularly pure and strong and more easily assimilated."
- Georg Feuerstein, The Shambhala Guide to Yoga, p. 93
- Georg Feuerstein, The Shambhala Guide to Yoga, p. 93
- Daniel P. Reid, The Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity, p. 190.
Any other suggestions about the best time to practice Yoga, Chi Kung or Taijiquan? Any other good quotations on the subject?
For most of us, we have to fit in our practice when we can. The best time is what works most consistantly!
ReplyDeleteMA training late in the evening gives me personally too much a boost for early rest, so yes, early morning hrs, summer 5am, winter 6am walk, then little breakfast, then train not longer than 9am.
ReplyDeleteSitting meditation is ok in the evening, often I train MA in the afternoon, between 3 to 6pm, if daily life makes it necessary.
I learned with many teachers, not to train over lunch time, too hot here in Asia anyway, and too much food in the stomach?
Geographical facts must be considered, no?
Gentlemen, Thanks for the comments. The bottom line seems to be that the "best" practice time is the one that gets you practicing on a consistent basis.
ReplyDelete- Mike