Mindfulness and yoga are more than just breathing and postures. They help us find our way through good times and hard times. Mindfulness and yoga reduce anxiety levels and minimize the sympathetic system induced by stress. They help to activate the parasympathetic system through breathing and focus. Within this system, we are calm, rested, and healing.
Yesterday morning, I began on the wrong foot. One step forward, two steps back. You know those mornings that can impact your day negatively, with your stress increasing with each step back.
My only saving grace was my scheduled 10 am yoga practice. I considered postponing the class, but I knew it was in the best interest of my students and myself to show up. As a yoga teacher, I design my classes based on the needs of my participants. For this session, I made quick changes to suit my needs.
I began the yoga practice with Yin postures. Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga that is a quiet, contemplative practice. It works deep into tissues using poses held longer than the five breaths of vinyasa yoga. Yin supports our energy flow to our organs, induces calm and balance in our mind and body, reduces stress, and promotes deep relaxation.
Together at 10:00 am, we joined in breath and yin postures. Holding poses, focusing on my breath, and the sensations of my body enabled me to bring forth a sense of calm and balance. After the practice, I was centred and grounded to move forward, focusing on resolutions to my missteps and carrying on my day without stress.
Are you wondering if mindfulness can support you? Join me to discover why many who practice mindfulness and/or yoga call it a gift. I have a session online to support your introduction to mindfulness.
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