Connecting to nature
I took my first yoga class almost 17 years ago, reluctantly agreeing to try my friend/co-worker’s class in the basement gym of our government building. We were on a hard cement floor surrounded by workout machines, with people coming and going. I struggled with so many poses, not just physically, but also my ego hurt, thinking I “should” be able to do more at age 40. Savasana (final relaxation) was torturous. I couldn’t relax for more than a minute, thinking that I was wasting my time when I had so much work on my desk waiting for me.
So why did I keep returning to the class? Because it was the first time in a while that I felt a sense of peace and completeness. I was so focused on what I was doing that I let all worries and plans drop away (except in Savasana). Not only did my body feel better at the end, but I felt mentally refreshed and relaxed. I realized that my friend was on to something. It was about 10 years later that I would become interested in teaching yoga, figuring that most people need this in their lives.
So why yoga? Here are just a few of the potential benefits of the physical practice (asana):
Better mental clarity and focus
Better breathing function
Stress relief
Improved functional range of motion
A stronger core and overall strength
More stability for better balance
Increased flexibility
Improved body awareness
Relaxation
Enhanced sense of overall wellness
Many of us are staying home these days, and missing in-person yoga classes. I agree that yoga by video screen is just not the same, for me as a teacher too! And I get it, Zoom fatigue is real, but it’s what we have for now.
Are there any benefits to taking “virtual” livestream classes? Why, yes there are!
No commute time - you can be in your own home and sign in just minutes before
Wear whatever you want - you can even turn off your video in my class if you choose
Connection with your teacher and other students, in a time when you may not be seeing many people we can still have a sense of community.
You’re already home so you can stay in that “yoga bliss” state with driving anywhere.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s practice yoga!