Yoga allows me to stretch, bend
and breathe. It lets me open my chest and feel my body. It helps me to stand up
tall and calm my racing mind. I am sure if I did not practice yoga I would have
gone mad, well madder than what I already feel.
When I am in a class or at home
when I am stretching I can feel warmth/power running through my blood and into
my bones. Back and side bends open my tummy out which helps with the relief of
bloating and a tight stomach.
Yoga takes strength, determination
and is internal. I have learnt it is not about weight loss, competition or
comparing. This was a huge thing for me as I had never felt capable or
‘talented’ enough constantly comparing myself to others. It is about making the
body flow and becoming aware of the breath. When I initially started yoga, I
got very frustrated. I didn't want to lie there doing nothing, that wasn't exercise! I couldn't get into poses and certainly did not feel at peace.
It has taken time and a great
teacher to become satisfied with my practice, some things I still find very
hard and some easy. When I get a pose I feel like I have achieved something
great. I even now can tolerate relaxation at the end wrapped up warm in a
blanket or with the sun shining through the windows.
My
favourite poses are:
 |
| Wild Thing |
 |
| Downward Facing Dog |
 |
| Camel Pose |
 |
| King Pigeon Pose |
"Yoga has an emphasis on
breath, alignment, and noticing body sensation and emotion offer good practice
to people who need to improve awareness, relaxation skills, impulse control,
and body image" (http://www.yogapsychology.org/art_hathayogaanded.html).
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