By bringing a new perspective, mindfulness can bring positive change to our daily lives. Incorporating the practice into yoga takes a little forethought, but there are simple ways to do this. You can watch our free yoga classes here.
What Is Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about bringing awareness to the present on purpose and without judgment, helping us deal with the pressures of daily life and reconnect with ourselves.
The basic premise is that we accept our life and situation right now rather than living in the past or future. Mindfulness has existed in meditation in Buddhist practices for nearly three thousand years and more recently spread to the West.
The two key elements of mindfulness are awareness and compassion. By bringing awareness to the present moment, and also our thoughts and our reactions, we take back control. For example, suppose discomfort is experienced during a yoga pose.
In that case, attention is focused on wishing the pose was finished, but by bringing awareness back to the breath and showing your body kindness and compassion, the attention is brought to the present.
Scientific research shows the practice of living mindfully delivers many benefits, including:
- Relief from feelings of stress and anxiety
- Pain relief
- Increased immune function
- Improved general health
The Benefits of Mindful Yoga
Increased self-awareness: When you check in with your body and mind during yoga practice or your day, self-awareness gives you a chance to tweak your practice based on your needs at that precise moment.
Deepens your relationship with yourself: By adjusting our practice based on how we feel in a particular moment, we show ourselves compassion and kindness, creating a deeper relationship with ourselves and nurturing our inner being.
It becomes a way of life: Mindful moments on the mat trickle into daily life. When we are attuned to paying attention during yoga, it becomes easier to live mindfully outside yoga sessions.
How To Incorporate Mindfulness Into Your Yoga Practice
The key is to listen to your body without judgment and practice in a way that works for you and your body. Asanas can be adapted based on your needs at that present moment. When you become familiar with your practice, the ability to move mindfully will increase. Ways to incorporate more mindful moments into yoga practice include:
Find a distraction-free welcoming space:
Ideally, a dedicated space to practice should be created where you feel comfortable and safe, and any items or sounds that could be distracting should be removed. If it’s essential to keep a phone nearby, turn it on silent and cover it with a blanket to avoid temptation.
Focus on your practice, not others:
During a class, it can be difficult not to focus on others around you, especially the advanced practitioners. Keep in mind that their skill doesn’t diminish your own practice. It’s important to meet yourself where you’re at both mentally and physically and in that exact moment, no matter what may be going on around you.
Let go of expectations:
Any expectations or agendas for your practice should be released to enable you to truly be present and let the session unfold how it is meant to. Expectations can lead to judgement if you don’t meet these expectations.
Tap into how you feel:
Take note of how you’re feeling in the present at the start of the session. Notice the thoughts, feelings, and sensations within the body. Be aware of any pain or tightness throughout your session.
Be aware of how you’re feeling throughout:
Take note of the moment when you’re letting your feelings take over. If negative feelings like frustration and anger arise, for example, if you struggle with a pose, instead tap into your breath and own experience.
Remember that there’s no shame in resting or modifying an asana, and don’t skip relaxation periods.
It’s essential to let the body and mind totally relax, and it’s an opportunity to tap into the experience and reap the benefits.
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Katy has been teaching yoga and meditation since 2010, Katy is also a certified life coach.
