Improve your yoga practice

‘Yoga is mainstream now as science is proving (as timeless wisdom has long shown) that it holds the key to keeping us grounded and in our crazy switched-on world we need all the help we can get. It’s the powerful combination of dynamic movement, breath work and mantra that cuts through the craziness and the real genius of yoga is that you do the practice and suddenly the practice starts to do you – making you what you are in your life.’

I wrote these lines (above) as part of a short essay about what yoga means to me, during my teacher training almost 2 years ago (at Dublin’s Yoga Room). Still, every time I get on my mat, yoga somehow does me and I come home. I have been practicing yoga for close to 25 years now, gradually progressing from the dynamic movements of Ashtanga, to a blend of (mostly) vinyasa peppered with Kundalini kriyas (movement, breath and mantra).

Yogaclicks is my go-to for all things yoga*

The main reason I completed my teacher training was to move deeper into yogic philosophy and weave these timeless teachings into both my yoga practice and my life at large. And as I delved deeper, layers or sheaths were unearthed opening a pathway towards a healthier body, happier and more peaceful mind. That said, I am far from enlightened and still struggle with my racing mind, but it is far better.

Those who practice yoga regularly do so for many reasons, but in essence they know just how powerful it can be for transforming mind-boggling stress and craziness into mindful calm and ease, and for many people nurturing some much needed self-love. To this end, Eddie Stern writes in his book One Simple Thing (one of my favourites): ‘Yoga uncovers the deep quiet within a mind that is dominated by thoughts throughout almost all of our waking and sleeping moments of the day.’

The good news is that yoga’s net is widening, with ever more people tuning in to both the physical asanas and the more meditative aspects of regular practice. So whether you are starting your yoga journey or moving to the next stage, I hope the following tips will entice you get on your mat more often, even if just for 15 minutes. This time quickly adds up to a stronger, more flexible, and calmer……so it is well worth the time and effort!

Find your Teacher

Finding the right teacher can take time and effort but it is well worth it. Please don’t give up after your first class if you didn’t find that the teacher was inspiring. Try another class and teacher…and another, if needed. There are many great teachers to guide you along your journey – but there are also lots of very mediocre teachers (in my opinion anyway!) but remember that guided by the right teacher (not necessarily the one with thousands of likes on their Instagram or Facebook accounts either - some of the best teachers don't even use social media!) a connection is made and you know you are in safe hands. There are numerous free apps and classes on line or you can subscribe to YogaGlo - yes there is a subscription (after a free trial) but some of the best teachers around teach here.

Set Intentions

Not as daunting as it sounds, setting an intention when we get on our mat basically asks us to choose what we want to get out of that practice. Maybe a calmer mindset, a productive day, more energy or to help a friend, by simply dedicating that practice to them or that specific intention and coming back to it through the class, can help bring ease to other areas of your life.

Breathe

I know it seems obvious but often we forget to breathe consciously. In yoga, as in life, everything comes back to the breath, so use the time on your mat to learn to breathe deeply and correctly. it will make a huge difference to your life - I promise! When asked to inhale deeply - do so deep into your diaphragm (not just the upper part of your body) as it will help your muscles, body and mind relax. The varied sequences of Pranayama will help further engage body with mind, bringing more calm and clarity to your life.

Keep a Journal

If you really want to reap yoga’s numerous benefits, keeping a journal can help. It’s a great way to keep track of your goals and your practice. Keep it close (a small journal could fit in your yoga bag) and take a few minutes after your session to take notes about the asanas or the breath work through the class. Just maybe when yoga brings you home too and you train to be a teacher yourself, you can proudly read back through these pages.

Use Props

Regardless of your ability and flexibility yoga props are there for a reason. It continues to amuse me why many folk think they don’t need them! Bolsters, blocks and straps have a role even for the most advanced yogi. Funnily, I use them more now as a teacher than I ever did over the past 20+ years. My students will attest that I always have them on hand especially for seated forward bends and when sitting for any length of time. These tools can help beginners open their bodies a little, while more advanced yogis can delve deeper into their muscles and stretch further. Straps in particular are great for actively targeting specific muscle groups that can difficult to reach.

Most of all….ENJOY the time on your mat and in the words of Yogi Bajan, who brought Kundalini yoga to our world: ‘May you travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.”

*The online store YogaClicks is my go-to resource for all things yoga- the malas and eye pillows (above) are THE BEST ever. Tell them I sent you!