BREATHE FOR BALANCE
It’s a Monday morning, and I’m walking into my favorite coffee shop (shout-out to Fulton Street Coffee!) when I see a friend approaching. Their first words to me are: “I’m so sorry I haven’t been to [yoga] class. I’ve been so busy with work and so much is happening.” 9 times out of 10, my response is: “a) SAME or b) please don’t apologize!”
In my 12+ years of teaching, I’ve lost track of how often these conversations have happened. Folks have stopped me everywhere—the movies, at dinner—you name it, chances are I’ve had a conversation about yoga there. We could spend all day talking about the things in our lives getting in the way of doing what we need to do.
This isn’t something I’m sharing to remind you to prioritize self-care. I share this to explain that yoga is not something you owe to anyone but YOURSELF. It is a practice of love; it is a beautiful form of self-care and the ultimate act of self-love. Through my years of practice, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s when I’m the busiest that I need yoga the most.
Yoga came to me during my time as a marathon runner, when I needed the physical benefits of the practice. Stretching and learning to breathe helped me feel better in my body, so I kept coming back. It took me some time, but I eventually learned that the movements were the icing on top of something even more meaningful. It gave me time to go within and dive deep into my inner landscape.
This ancient form of healing has been transforming lives for centuries. Yoga traces its origins back to ancient India, where it emerged as a holistic system for harmonizing the mind, body, and spirit. The meaning of the word “yoga” is “to yolk” or unite, symbolizing the deep connection between our inner selves and the world around us. Yoga transcends the physical and mental self; it is a holistic approach.
After each session, I felt more drawn to yoga because it encouraged me to learn more about myself and, most importantly, to breathe. Breathwork is at the center of the practice. Breathing is capable of creating change, with or without movements, by helping regulate the nervous system and reducing stress and anxiety. Breathwork is prioritized in yoga because it helps strengthen the connection between your mind and body.
While that mindfulness practice goes a long way when you’re on your mat, it’s an even bigger gift when stressors emerge when you’re off the mat. It took me some time, but eventually, I found myself practicing yoga breathing everywhere—at work under a deadline, behind the wheel while caught up in traffic, and even in the middle of heavy conversations. The hope is that mindful breathing will eventually assist in coping.
Breathing in the right way will exponentially improve the impact of movements when you’re doing yoga. We feel amazing at the end of each session because we’ve worked through tense spots in our bodies not just soreness from other physical activities but the tension that may have been building up from traumatic experiences in the past. Thus, yoga breathwork heals the mind and body.
Just like everything else in life, the benefits of yoga depend on the effort and focus we put into it. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned yogi, below are some tips to help you feel your best when practicing:
Always Start Slow
Your body and mind are different every day depending on the way you sleep, what you’ve eaten, and other activities. This is why grounding in stillness is the first thing you do when you start a session. It helps you get into your body and out of your mind to help you be fully focused on the movement ahead.
Honor Your Body
As you change postures, be mindful of your alignment and pay attention to the way your body feels with every transition. The more focused you are on yourself (including your breathing), the easier it will be to pinpoint when something is wrong. Introduce more complex postures gradually as you become more comfortable or modify movements during moments of discomfort.
Props Are There to Help You
Yes, we accessorize on the mat, too! Props like blocks, straps, and bolsters are phenomenal in supporting yourself while on the mat, making postures more accessible.
Have an Open Mind and Heart
Showing up is always the hardest part. Try to get to class early enough so that you have enough time to disconnect from your day and be still before the session begins. It will make a difference in the way you feel throughout the class!
Your Practice is YOUR Practice
You show up on your mat for you…and your practice is all about learning to feel good in your own body. Do the best you can to stay focused on the way the movements are making you feel rather than what you look like. In that way, your body will receive the movements in the best possible way.
Do Some Research
Find a studio and/or instructors that align with you and your values and make you feel safe. Never hesitate to call or send a message beforehand to ask questions for extra ease.
I became a yoga instructor and opened my studio because I fell in love with the practice for the ways it changed my life, and I wanted to help empower others to explore themselves on the mat. And even with all my experiences through the years, I’m a student first. It never ceases to amaze me how beautifully it allows us to find balance in all aspects of our lives. I will forever be in awe of the new things I learn about myself through movement, stillness, and breath. And no matter what, I will never get tired of reminding my friends (and even strangers) to show grace and patience to themselves as they navigate their lives to make time for their own practice.
Features Contributor Christine Rose
Christine Rose
Features Contributor
Christine is a yoga instructor and journalist. As a community healer, she spreads compassion through yoga, bringing people together through the practice to inspire, empower, and connect. It is an honor for Christine to serve the community, where she cultivates peace and encourages each person to become the best version of themselves. She is also grateful for the work she does as a writer for ABC30, which allows her to learn from and connect with so many of the amazing humans that live in the Central Valley.
