My favorite themes in yoga classes this time of year are: turning inward, getting settled and being thoughtful. When I get to a class and the teacher starts talking about these things and adds that we will be doing forward folds and grounding poses, my heart rejoices!!!
This is my more natural state, even tempered and grounded. I definitely view this as one of my strengths. I am usually a very calming person to be around. I am a slow and steady kind of girl. I keep moving and I get shit done!
The flip side to this is that I have a tendency to get anxious if there is too much going on. A life full of non stop activity is overwhelming for me and sometimes can stop me completely, and once I stop, it can take a lot of effort to get rolling again.
September and October are always crazy in my household. The beginning of a new school year, birthdays, anniversary and a very busy travel season at my husband’s work. So when November comes, it is SO tempting to delve full on into that comfortable meditative space and never come out.
My personal challenge at this amazing time of year when we are all encouraged to turn in and reflect, to go slow with awareness, is to keep my life and practice balanced so that I don’t get stuck. What that may look like… maybe do faster paced vinyasas, eat lighter and stay active. Instead of practicing a still meditation or a nidra, do a walking meditation. Things that may not feel like the natural things to do are what keep me balanced, and staying balanced is important to me and my family.
Now…. this definitely does NOT mean that you won’t still catch me at a Gentle/Yin class or that I won’t be relishing the calm that comes over me when I teach my Slow Flow class. It is my way, and it IS, after all, the best time of the year for it!
If you are interested in joining me for my Slow Flow class, I teach it at Yoga Garden in NE Minneapolis on Saturdays at 9:15! Open to all levels of practice and abilities, this soothing gentle 75 min. class focuses on an exploration of basic yoga poses and how to connect them through attention to breathing, alignment and mindfulness. Therapeutic in nature, you will learn techniques to help you gain flexibility, while immersing yourself in a relaxing class that moves at a perfectly slower pace – allowing ample time to enjoy each pose. Expect lots of stretching & lingering in supported seated poses. Meditation and relaxation techniques will also be introduced, perfect for stress relief and overall well being.
Yoga Mama in Minneapolis 