Ten Reasons to Start Yoga This Year

YOU TIME – Dedicating time for ourselves, is one of the most important things we can do.  When we care for own well being, we are able to show up more fully in our lives, and continue to give from a full cup.

OBSERVE – Yoga helps us to connect with all our bodies; physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic.  We become the observer of what is happening in our body, in our lives, and what we are feeling within, giving us the power to make conscious choices each day.

GROWTH – Self inquiry, self discovery, self acceptance, and self transformation all happen on and off the mat.  You don’t even have to think about it. It will happen.  With commitment and dedication, a daily Yoga practice enriches our lives with clarity, self love, inner peace, and a deeper connection to the oneness of the universe.

AWARENESS – As we learn to pay attention to our breath, we begin to pay attention in our lives.  The words we choose, the actions we take, the food we eat, all of our choices we now make with awareness.  We are less reactive, and more responsive.  Yoga gives us our power back.

LOVE – When we take necessary time for our own well being, we show the world we love ourselves.  And only when we cultivate self love, can we truly love others, with compassion, and forgiveness.  Every relationship improves, by viewing others and ourselves with acceptance, and without judgment.

OPENED HEART – In Yogic philosophy, we all have what is called “samskaras”, which are mental impressions, or psychological imprints left by all thoughts, and actions. They are rooted beneath the normal level of consciousness, and hold memories of past experiences. Through Yoga and meditation, we create space, in the mind, body, and spirit, bringing them to the surface.  We are able to look at, and release what no longer serves us, and move forward with an open heart.  

VAGAL TONE – The vagus nerve is the largest cranial nerve, which extends from the base of the skull, and travels throughout the body, to the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.  Yoga and pranayama (controlled breathing practice), helps increase our vagal tone, which regulates our breathing, heart rate, and all major bodily functions.  People with a healthy or high vagal tone, are more resilient to stress, and move away from a fight and flight response, into a rest and digest state easier, and tend to be healthier.

ENLIGHTENMENT – Yoga wakes us up.  When we experience a connection in our mind, body, and spirit, we understand that we are so much more than our physical body.  We connect to the inner peace that is within each one of us, and gain the ability to transcend all suffering and desire.  We can be in this peace, no matter what is happening around us.  Peace always begins within. Yoga connects us to this peace.
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CONFIDENCE – A regular Yoga practice allows us to discover and tap into an inner and outer strength and builds a better sense of connection to our physical body.  We realize we are capable and powerful on and off the mat.  We cultivate self-love and acceptance for ourselves, and gain the confidence needed to move forward fearlessly.

MEDITATION- Aah Savasana.  At the end of a Yoga practice, is the ideal time for meditation.  The body and mind have been emptied of all tension, as we rest in savasana, the final resting pose, where there is nothing left to do.  Yoga helps us train the mind to be still.  Even just a few minutes of focusing on your breath each day, will benefit you by relieving depression, anxiety, stress levels and improving sleep patterns.