Yoga Practice for the Mind & Body

My journey into yoga began in 2001. I discovered the practice during year 12 (thanks to my older sis!) and found the extra clarity, peace and movement that yoga brought to my life was a God-send. I attended classes for many years, and yoga helped me to heal my body and my heart in so many ways. A back injury, healed with yoga. Shoulder stiffness, knee pains – gone thanks to yoga!

In amongst it all I also learned to become a Pilates instructor, finding that the combination of Yoga and Pilates was just perfect.

My yoga practice culminated on retreat in Thailand. Learning the Ashtanga style was a beautiful thing, and I discovered a different kind of discipline and mind training. Eat sleep, yoga, meditate, repeat. It was  very special and one of the most unforgettable things I’ve done. Here’s me on the beach in Koh Samui in one of my all time favourite asanas – tree pose….

My practice has become sporadic over the years. But I like it this way. I don’t practice every day; I practice when I need to. When my body yearns to move. When my mind craves the stillness that yoga brings.

Today, I began my day with yoga which inspired me to write this, and I feel 100% calmer and more centred than I did before I began my practice. Very occassionally I feel like I ‘don’t have time’ for yoga. But interestingly when I do take the time for yoga, I’m rewarded with a sense of timelessness, and the day seems to stretch on longer than it otherwise would of. Perhaps I’m just more aware of my tasks and of being in the moment. It reminds me of the Dalai Lama, when he is faced with an exceptionally busy day and concern for how he will fit it all in, his response is to meditate more in order to gain clarity and prioritise well.

I have been experiencing yoga anew lately. Now that I am pregnant (17 weeks as I write this!) it’s definitely changed for me. Some postures are just not the same, they feel different; and some postures are just a no-no. But that’s ok. It’s a beautiful way to connect with baby and it makes me ever-so conscious of each moment and each pose.

 

So What Are the Benefits of Yoga?

• Improved posture
• Breathing awareness and flow (pranayama or breathing yoga is one of the 8 limbs of yoga)
• Relaxation
• Improved blood flow and circulation for the organs and vicscera
• Strengthening for the muscles
• Mindfulness (yoga with a meditation practice is the ideal combination)
• Emotional growth, processing and building emotional resilience.

 

When was the last time you got your yoga mat out? Maybe it’s time…. 🙂