Modern day yoga forgets...
Nowadays, we go to a yoga class either for a deep restorative or relaxing class, or for an intensive physical workout. Whatever the reason for your occasional interest or dedicated bi or tri-weekly practice let's try to remember some of the basics. I've outlined some of my thoughts for you below:
- Food: have your snack / meal at least two hours before your practice. It is best to practice Yoga on an empty stomach so the mind and body can focus on the experience rather than the digestion process. This can often cause acid reflux or heart burn if you practice too soon after eating (especially in the evening classes).
- Practice time - a morning practice offered to the Sun is always deeper and more focused. An evening practice offered to the Moon, I believe should be restorative as the body prepares to slow down its functioning for the day.
- Purpose and benefit - each Yoga posture has a specific purpose and benefit. The asanas influence and activate our general well-being, but also our various bodily systems such as; the central nervous system, endocrine, digestive, lymphatic, reproductive, urinary, circulatory and respiratory systems.
- Spirituality - Yoga is a way of living and encourages positive intentional thoughts, words and actions, as well as awareness of the Self, acceptance of the Self as a Soul, and conscious awareness of the food and drink we welcome into our body for nourishment.
- Awareness - the art and science of Yoga advocates mindfulness. The idea of being present in any given moment and offering consideration is really important to slow down the pace of our busy modern lives. It also allows us to ground ourselves, offering valuable time to the current moment; to feel, to taste, to hear our thoughts... to allow ourselves to be.