Rise and Shine With Practyce Teacher Cindy Walker

How does Practyce Yoga teacher Cindy Walker get aligned for her day? She gets an early start to enjoy puppy cuddles, meditation, and a morning walk to set her intentions.

What time do you wake up?

I am an early bird and usually up by 5:30 am. I spend my mornings tucked into my favorite big, cozy chair, with an espresso in hand, two puppies by my side, and still in my pajamas. I then catch up on emails, texts, Nextdoor neighborhood events, world events, stock market updates, and check the weather. 

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? 

I drink 8oz of warm lemon water followed by an espresso shot or two. I like to wake up my mind before my body. After catching up on my news and messages, my dogs and I take a 30-minute morning stroll as the sun comes up. I listen to my favorite inspirational or educational podcast, and we walk the neighborhood enjoying the fresh morning air and views of the bay area mountains. No makeup or hairstyle, just me in my favorite sweats, “Life is Good” baseball cap, ear pods, and the pups. 

What time are you usually done with your morning routine?

After morning beverages and a stroll with my pups, I enjoy a healthy, light breakfast around 8 am. I then shower and dress for yoga, whether teaching or practicing. I typically hit my mat for an hour of gentle or vinyasa flow style yoga by 10 am. Then, I head to my office for business emails and tasks. By noon, I grab a quick salad and am off to teach private yoga sessions or coach clients. 

What’s your go-to morning breakfast?

I like to start my day with protein and usually make a concoction of assorted plain, organic goat yogurt topped with chia & flax seeds, granola, toasted almonds & coconut, rice cereal, and a dash of cinnamon.

I also like to enjoy gluten-free, organic cereals or gluten-free waffles. I love topping my breakfasts with a mix of chia seeds, flax seeds, assorted toasted nuts, stevia powder, or rice syrup.

Are you a coffee or tea person? 

Both! I only drink espresso because I’m not too fond of the taste of coffee. I drink hot or cold teas in the afternoon. My favorite tea is Caffeinated Good Earth if I need an afternoon pick-me-up. If I need to be chilled out, I drink mint tea.

Do you meditate in the morning? 

I meditate in my morning yoga practice at the beginning and end of the time spent on my mat. I also meditate for 10-15 minutes around 4 pm in the tradition of ™ – Transcendental Meditation.

What does a day in the life of a yoga teacher look like after your morning routine?

I love to work and run my yoga business. Teaching yoga and coaching brings me so much joy! After lunch, I’m usually on Zoom, visiting clients in their homes or inviting them to my home studio for yoga or life coaching. I share many Yin, or Restorative yoga poses with my clients. It is so fulfilling to work with clients in yoga poses as they are so much more willing to chat if they are in a relaxing, quiet yoga pose with essential oils, lotions, balms, and hands-on healing.  

Anything else you want to share about how you rise and shine?

I love a hot steam shower and using beautifully scented body scrubs, oils, soaps, and skin brushing to stimulate my body and senses. Starting my morning in this way makes me feel squeaky clean but also moisturized and nourished.

It’s also essential for me to set intentions and express gratitude to nature. I adore walking past beautiful gardens or noticing blossoming flowers or trees. I live near the mountains and enjoy merging my energy with the energy of our hillside and mighty mountains. Something is enlightening about walking in the early morning hours that feeds my soul and prepares me for the day’s challenges.

May 4, 2022