Fall into Yoga - The Benefits of Practicing Yoga
As the seasons change, I find myself longing to return to my meditation, yoga mat and teaching.The kids are off to school, the crock pot is back on the kitchen counter with dinner simmering and I am finding some time to return to my writing. This blog is true and authentically me and this one is all about falling back into my yoga and meditation routine.I welcome the fall season, I always do. I love the colors, the calmness and how I always feel so grounded. Some find the opposite in fall, they feel unsettled and misaligned but I have always been falls #1 fan for as long as I can remember. I am not such a fan of what follows…..winter (brrrr), but if fall could stay all winter that would be as good as winning the lottery for me. So as the busy summer comes to an end I take a big breath and relax my shoulders for the beauty of fall.
I am happy to start back teaching yoga classes and working with Robyn to offer a variety of yoga classes this fall. I am so excited to continue growing our yoga community in Lac La Biche and I really look forward to having you join us! There is something for everyone this session to bring calmness, relaxation and overall health to your life. It may challenge you but I am certain from my own experience what you gain through this journey is so very worth it.
What are the Benefits of Yoga?
The benefits of practicing yoga are numerous. Here are a just a few of the remarkable side-effects of a consistent yoga practice:It feels good – I always have the intention to leave the room better than when I walked in both physically and emotionally. Yoga has multiple physical benefits. You’re creating alignment in your joints, which helps them work better and last longer. A key aspect of yoga, one that aids in healing against many ailments, is that yoga is low impact. You are able to build strength without wearing down the joints. In fact, yoga actually lubricates the joints and helps to minimize inflammation, which is a leading cause of pain and suffering in patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other autoimmune disorders. It also boosts self-esteem (especially with our awesome youth).Creates Balance - A well-designed practice will also balance out the physical challenges of your daily life, whether you’re sitting at a desk all day or working an eight-hour shift on your feet. And don’t think it’s just about stretching—yoga strengthens your body as well while improving circulation and stimulating our immune systems.
Mindful Breath – Yoga will really tune you into your breath. Mindful breathing with movement is key to allowing us to be in the moment on our mats. Use your breath as a gage for how hard you’re working—if you’re gasping for air or holding your breath, it’s a sign to back off on the intensity of a pose or take a moment to rest. It is also a reminder while on your mat (and in life) be content with where you are at. Give yourself a break and let go of the pressure to keep up with everyone else. It is the absolute best lesson I have learned on my mat. I am exactly where I am at this moment – and that is perfect for me.Improve your Focus - In our age of information overload, yoga offers the opportunity to improve our focus and release our distractions while encouraging a clear state of mind. It improves concentration and creativity while creating a sense of well-being and calm.Stress Reducer - Yoga is a proven stress-reducer and is credited with improved reaction to stressful situations. It reduces the physical effects of stress on the body by encouraging relaxation and lowering the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Yoga may be just what you need to quiet your mind and settle into stillness.Remember that yoga is a means of physical, mental and emotional exercise, meaning that you really can never go wrong on your yoga mat. Half of the battle of getting to your mat each week is simply, showing up. By committing to a consistent yoga practice each week, you are committing to improving your life, your body, and your whole well-being.So if you’re looking for something but not sure what class to try I really encourage you to come out and take a couple drop in classes to see what is a good fit for you. It just might be a game changer and at the very least you will have taken some time for yourself.
I really look forward to sharing the time with all of you as we fall into yoga together.May the positive effects of yoga be felt in your everyday life outside the studio.