Starting by stopping

I often start class this way, with stillness, awareness and self touch. In the hopes that it has a grounding, centring effect, but also because the world expects movement almost constantly. Not just physically, but also that our brains must always be entertained, busy, productive. To disrupt this cycle and infuse an hour of my client’s days with an intentional, sacred pause is a privilege I’ve enjoyed from the start.

- May peace inhabit the inbetweens - a mantra I use often

A pause between breaths, a deeper inhale and longer exhale, a moment to check in with how energetically AND physically you’re feeling, that’s what starting by stopping brings. Because yoga classes aren’t a tick-box exercise, a chore in the name of self improvement, or an obligatory part of your week. Each time you step on the mat you signal to yourself this permission to just be. For the practice to be what it is, and to get into the felt body.

So a sacred pause, with movement (asana) yes, but beyond that an invitation to stop in your tracks, whichever time of day you choose to practice, and explore your mind, body, soul connection. Stopping first to preserve energy, momentum and give you the boost of clarity that makes a bad. day less bad and a good day even better.

See you on the mat :)