Spending the cool hours of early morning comfortably makes for a good start to the day.
Yesterday, I made a lot of aroma sprays (insect repellent sprays for fireworks displays).
The refreshing scent of citronella is comforting, mixing with the gorgeous floral fragrance of geranium, filling the bedroom with its scent.
Perhaps because of that, I was able to sleep deeply.
In the early morning, when everyone else in the house is asleep, there's something very soothing about spending some time quietly alone.
I move to a different room and spread out my mat. From under my neck, to my collarbone, then under my arm, I work to improve any lymph stagnation. Lying on my back, I start to loosen up my body. Starting from my sit bones, to the sacrum, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, and
cervical spine, I slowly loosen my body, visualizing each step.
After that, I do abdominal breathing, tightening my buttocks (anus) and focusing my consciousness as I breathe. When energy accumulates in the lower abdomen (dantian), it starts to warm up. This can be taken as a sign of successful abdominal breathing.
During the day, when time permits, I do this at the office too. For that reason, carrying a regular yoga mat is too heavy. So, I always carry a folding aluminum mat with me. The 50x170 lightweight aluminum mat is my favorite.
During the summer it's impossible, but in other seasons, I spread my aluminum mat on the grassland, loosen up my body, and then ride a
horse.
Of course, I use it on trips, at hotels, everywhere. This folding aluminum mat that I bought at Don Quijote for 700 yen is an essential item for me. As a tool to overcome the hot Japanese summer, it serves its purpose well.