“Smile, breathe, and go slowly.”~ Thich Nhat Hanh
This week, we’re here to remind you that sometimes slowing down helps you feel more present. Yoga is all about learning to live in the now––not in the past and not in the future. Sometimes, we need to slow down to cultivate a greater sense of being present. While all styles of yoga help you cultivate flexibility, strength, and balance, sometimes slowing down allows you to sink deeper into the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of practice.
Yoga Sutra 2.46 Sthira Sukham Asanam means the asana or posture should be steady and comfortable. Steadiness is a quality of strength and grounded energy. Working on developing a mindful steady approach in your yoga practice will aid you in staying centered and stable.
If you usually prefer a faster paced Vinyasa or Power Yoga class, that’s great! But consider mixing it up with one of this week’s classes like Slow Burn from Kristin Gibowicz or Deep, Slow Mindful Flow from Keith Allen. Think of it as cross-training so you’re garnering some new and perhaps different benefits. You’ll hold postures for more time, which can help you settle deeper into your mindful breathing, as well as into your thoughts and emotions. And if you’re used to flowing breath to movement, holding postures for longer will challenge your patience––in a positive way!
Aesop’s fable about the tortoise and the hare evokes the saying: “Slow and steady wins the race.” The tortoise ambles along but never breaks his pace. The hare sprints from the start, forgetting to pace himself. The tortoise wins the race because of his patience, stability, and unwavering effort. We live in a fast-paced world, which can keep us in a constant state of “fight or flight.” Slowing down on your yoga mat will shift your nervous system into “rest and digest” so you don’t burn out. So try being the tortoise and see how you feel!
This week, we’ve got four fantastic classes to choose from that will help you settle into stillness.
Slow Burn - Kristin Gibowicz
Slow Flow - Kylie Larson
Deep, Slow, Mindful Flow - Keith Allen
Slow Burn Yoga - Blair Bradley