YOGA TO INSPIRE AND TO EMPOWER
Connect the mind and body through movement, writes Johanna Steinfeld
Life can easily knock you off your feet and get turned upside down in one quick moment.
One of the greatest gifts of yoga practice is that we practise poses that put us in positions that are uncomfortable, challenging and sometimes even a little scary.
This type of yoga practice helps to prepare us for the hard stuff by offering us the opportunity to discover who we truly are and of what we are capable.
We challenge our idea of what’s possible and, slowly and safely, move beyond our perceived comfort zones.
When we are living with fear and anxiety and life is stressful, we don’t always have the tools we need to help us through. This is where your yoga practice will become your greatest ally.
We learn how to connect to our breath, our bodies, and our inner power.
We learn where we grip and hold tension in our minds and bodies.
We learn to lean into challenges and not shy away from them.
We learn how to expand our breath, our bodies and our perception of who we are and our perceived limits.
And with each step we strengthen our bodies, our minds and lift our spirits.
As you approach each of the following poses, come in with a sense of adventure and meet each challenge with a sense of softness and a sense of ease.
Keep your facial muscles relaxed and smile.
Breathe normally and enjoy being in your body and strongly connecting to all parts of you.
Notice when fear of weakness creeps in, and affirm your commitment to yourself by bringing in a positive and inspiring mantra.
Let your mantra be, “I got this.”
Downward Facing Dog/Audo Mukha Svanasana with heels on a tree (or wall)
Begin to firm your foundation in preparation for the next two poses.
Firm your hands into the earth and hug your arms toward each other.
Soften your heart space between your shoulders and hug your shoulder blades on to your back.
L Stand on a Tree
Begin in Downward Facing Dog with your heels up the wall and toes on the floor.
Walk your hands back and narrow your dog.
Hug your arms strongly toward each other and firm your hands into the floor.
Step one foot up the wall at hip height.
Soften your face by smiling and bring your other foot up the wall.
Straighten your legs and draw your belly in to support your lower back.
Breathe for at least five breaths or longer.
Walk your feet back down and rest in child’s pose.
L Stand with one leg lifted
Come back to L Stand and once you feel firm in the pose, lift one leg straight up into the air. Change legs. Know that whether or not you get into the full pose doesn’t matter.
It’s what we learn along the way that teaches us the most about who we are.
Be inspired by your practice and in turn you will inspire others.
Namaste and Happy Yoga.