Yoga is a holistic practice working on Body, Mind and Breath.
Body
Yoga maintains and increases mobility, strength, coordination, and balance; it also makes you more aware of your posture and your movement habits and where you might be storing tension. We can then learn to move with greater comfort, ease and freedom. My yoga has an emphasis on mindful movement and functional movement. We listen to the body and only work in a way that is suitable and appropriate for how we feel in that present moment. All movements can be adapted and modified so that everyone can access the intention or essence of the posture without strain. It is your yoga practice so it must suit you.
“Yoga must not be practiced to control the body: it is the opposite, it must bring freedom to the body, all the freedom it needs” — Vanda Scaravelli
Mind
If the body benefits from movement then the mind benefits from stillness. The yoga practice in its entirety and through additional relaxation techniques can help to focus and calm the mind. We are not trying to stop thoughts or create a blank mind, we are just creating an opportunity to create and enjoy some ‘me’ time, where you can simply be rather than do. Many people find it difficult to relax, switch off or have anxiety or sleep problems and some of the guided visualisations, chanting and mindfulness practices can promote relaxation in class and at home and are a good starting point for meditation.
“The mind is like water. When it is turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm everything becomes clear” — Prasad Mahes
Breath
There is a saying that if you can breathe you can do yoga. Breath is a key aspect of yoga. It is the bridge that connects the body and mind. Breathing gives a rhythm to our movements, a focus to the mind, it can help us to move into and deepen into postures and release tension. How we breathe can affect our emotions and whole nervous system. Through conscious breathing we can lower our heart rate, blood pressure, reduce stress hormones and take the body from a place of fight and flight to one of rest and digest. My yoga classes incorporate a range of different breathing techniques that can be used in everyday situations, as well allowing you to deepen and extend your practice.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor” — Thich Nhat Hanh