Follow your breath – this is Yoga

Yoga is a connection between your body, mind and spirit – with the connection being guided by your breath. Yoga is not a series of postures which we attempt to copy from the instructor at the front of the room.

And stretch ….

Often I see mainstream classes as a series of postures – designed so that you follow the instructor. The instructor strikes a pose – you copy. If you have the flexiblitly and range of movement you copy nicely – it looks and hopefully feels, good. You may feel like this is ‘good at yoga’. If, however, you find yourself in a space where you have time to breathe into the pose it feels very different: maybe you can’t quite touch your knee with your elbow in a particular way, but the intention is there and your breath remains fluid and comfortable. Energy comfortably flows through your body. It may not be Instagramable but this is yoga.

breathe and let it go

When you allow your breath to do the connecting you can feel into your body – notice and creaks or groans, notice pain or discomfort – and allow yourself to let go of those which no longer serve you.

Follow you breath – this is Yoga

Let your breath to lead your movement. What does that mean? – It means giving yourself time to breathe deeply and to match your body’s in-breath with the part of the movement that expands the body, and the out-breath with the relaxation part of the movement. Focusing on and working with the breath is key to your yoga practice. Slow down and listen to your breath.

Yoga is a connection between your body, mind and spirit – with the connection being guided by your breath. Follow your breath.

Slow down

Start by slowing down – listen to your breath. As you start to move, move in time with your breath paying attention to your body, your mind (how does it all feel? – focus on the feeling) and now you are doing yoga – connecting the mind and body through your breath.

Observe your Breath

Let the inhale and exhale flow into each other. Notice the spaces – those tiny spaces between the inhale and the exhale. Allow you inhale and exhale to be the same length. Notice how the inhale allows the body to grow, to expand – and how the exhale is a state or relaxation for the body. Observe the breath – it is your life force. Enjoy.

Follow your Breath – this is Yoga

Yoga is not a series of complex poses, it’s not a competition, it’s not how it looks. Yoga is simply a connection. Slow down. Follow your breath. This is yoga.