When we get on our mats and practice power yoga, we want to leave all the baggage we are carrying at the door and practice being present and mindful for that one hour of class.
When I teach my power yoga classes in our Conshohocken yoga studio, I usually start class telling yogis to be thankful that they made it to their mats. I tell them to let go of their day and be present for the next 60 minutes. Don’t think about the to do list, the grocery list, the big presentation they have to give or any errands they have to run later. Just be present and mindful during class.
Why? Yoga practice is not just about getting limber or being able to get into poses. It’s also about bringing awareness to the present moment. We want to notice what is happening right now and accept the current situation. For instance, when you are in a crescent lunge, and I ask you to hold the pose for several breaths, you may be thinking, “My thighs are burning,” “What is Ang doing to me?” or “When can I get out of this pose?” You may then become frustrated and start looking around to see what other people are doing. Sound familiar?
When we feel like this, we don’t want to focus on these thoughts. I am not saying don’t acknowledge them. Rather, just notice your thoughts, accept them and don’t react to them. Accept the shakiness in your thigh and know that it will soon pass. This way, you don’t mentally check out. Come back to your breath and you may actually appreciate the moment.
When you are able to do that on the mat, you can do that in your daily life. For example, many parents who work full time may feel stressed about work. When they are with their children at home, they may still be thinking about work. These are the moments when we need to practice mindfulness. Be present with your children and enjoy every moment of it.
Or you are out for dinner with your significant other but you can’t stop thinking about all the things you have to do before you go on vacation. Stop, breathe and stay in the moment and enjoy the dinner.
About Sol Yoga Studio in Conshohocken, PA
Angela Travaglini, founder of Sol Yoga Studio in Conshohocken, has always focused on fitness and overall well-being. After she suffered an injury, Angela took a break from running and discovered yoga. In 2011, she opened Sol Yoga Studio in Conshohocken, PA, just minutes from Plymouth Meeting and Blue Bell. The yoga studio offers power yoga classes, as well as vinyasa and kids yoga classes.
To sign up for class, check out our yoga class schedule at Sol Yoga Studio.
