When is the last time you were “in the flow?” You know, when you were doing something you love, like surfing with the sun warming your face and the water glistening around you? Or, when you were dancing to your favorite band and responsibilities disappeared or when you were running with the breeze kissing your skin? When you’re so immersed in the activity, you aren’t conscious of the doing; you are simply doing.
We’ve all slipped into involuntary Dhyana and often believe we need a certain activity to find that beautiful sense of being in the moment, free from external distractions. What if you could achieve that state voluntarily without the ocean, concert hall, or running shoes? You can. Yoga can help you discover this place. Roll out your yoga mat because you can get into your zone right now.
We bring you four new flow classes this week, all focusing on different aspects of finding your flow state through breath and movement.
"Flow, also known as the zone, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity."
When we practice asana or physical postures, we are working to gain control of our body. When we focus on Pranayama, breath control or extension, we are working to gain control of our mind. When we focus on connecting the power of physical movement with the practice of breathing in certain ways, we can expand our prana or life force energy and get energized or relaxed, depending upon the technique. Many flow classes focus on linking the breath to the movement and encouraging the mind to quiet down as you sink into sensation and breath. An alternate way to tap into your flow state is to hold a pose and direct your energy to the flow of your inhales and exhales.
However you prefer to practice, you can be confident if you direct your attention to sensation in your body and the rhythm of your breath, that you are working toward a flow state. Patanjali teaches in the Yoga Sutras that a steadier mind is a clearer mind and clarity arises when the “senses are perfectly mastered” through minimizing distractions and focusing on sensation. You aren’t trying to remember to concentrate, you are simply concentrating. Sound heavenly? Immerse yourself today!
Get into the flow with this week's four new classes!
1. Celest Pereira - Half Lotus Flow
2. Claire Petretti Marti - Luminosity Flow: Pacify your Pitta
3. Jackie Casal Mahrou - Empowerment Flow 3: I am a Warrior
4. Pradeep Teotia - Feel the Flow (FREE CLASS)