There are a few highlights of mindfulness in yoga that help you stay connected to yourself during your yoga practice and in your daily life. Mindfulness, what does it mean? Well, the best way I can explain it is that you allow yourself to be in the moment to take in the entire experience. This allows us to slow down to take a break from being on the go and to enjoy life more.
Mindfulness can be done when
- walking
- sitting
- eating
- practicing yoga
- just being still
For any of the listed topics pay attention to the:
- colors
- smells
- tastes
- textures
- other sensations or feelings
This can include thoughts of being grateful for being able to walk, sit, eat, do yoga, or just to be still. Allowing yourself to be present in the moment!
Now, shifting this thought of mindfulness to when you are practicing yoga. Doing a cat-cow pose being seated. Inhale through your nose to push your chest forward (open your heart space) and neck. Now exhale through your nose (if you can) to round your spine and neck like a cat. Mindfulness comes in when you pay attention to:
- the feeling of air entering your nose, throat, and body
- any intentional tension felt in your neck, chest, or shoulder blades
- how your body feels as you move through the pose
- the benefits you have from the movements
Take a moment as you read this to do this movement a few more times (remember to inhale and exhale through your nose if you can). Now the same can be said when we hold poses for several breaths or allow ourselves to just be in a pose, whether physically challenging or not. Either way physical or breath movement can be a great space to incorporate mindfulness. Again, the benefits allow you to slow down to break from being on the go to allow for self-connection. Wearing comfortable clothes or sipping on some tea can also help add to these experiences. Also, tuning into Freedom Yoga with Angela Franklin has especially made practices for you to enjoy mindfulness and yoga.