09/06/2024
OF COURSE going to a yoga class is yoga practice. To be led by a teacher in a safe space can be just đđ˝ and I love facilitating this (obviously). Have you ever thought yoga practice is also happening off the mat, all the time too? Itâs just in a less concentrated and focused manner (and with less chair pose). In real life all your tools are there to be used, which is why the practice is so beneficial.
When you understand the philosophy of yoga, you realise yoga is not just helpful for how you understand yourself in đŞ pose, but itâs how you approach life and the decisions you make daily âhow you handle the when you donât get that job you already decided in your head you got, when the train breaks down and you begin to feel anger for the meeting youâre late for, when there are awful things happening in the world and you feel helpless, or when youâre just in a bad mood and donât know why.
Yoga teaches us about impermanence and the nature of life. It helps us understand that our current feelings wonât always be the same, and that many things are not in our control. Itâs not to say we should approach challenges with apathy but with knowledge that we only have control over our next action, not the outcome. Rather than being overwhelmed and negative about things not going our wayâwe build awareness, understanding, and acceptance of what isâand then take our next step forward with more ease.
Of course sometimes the body craves movement, and moving can help you feel more present and groundedâthatâs why yoga practice exists and works! Youâre also practising tools on the mat and applying them in real life.
The constant thread in my classes is âbe hereâ, âreturn your attention backâ, to help you build awareness of âwhat isâ. You can do the same in everyday life.
Has something happened for you recently, off the mat, where youâve realised, âAh, thatâs yoga!â?
