Yoga for Calm and Confidence
Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” -Christopher Robin
Every time we step onto our yoga mat is an opportunity to create our own mindset. Whether we want to enhance a sense of positivity or shift from negative feelings weighing us down, yoga provides the tools to take charge of our personal well-being. Mindful breath and movement offer a powerful path to not just grow stronger and more flexible physically but to become calmer and more confident. Yoga helps remind us of just how wonderful we are!
When we create a stable physical practice, we are also creating a stable and calm mind. Yoga Sutra 2.46 Sthira Sukham Asanam is defined as the posture should be steady and comfortable. Steadiness is a quality of strength and grounded energy we can grow through our yoga practice. On the physical level, flexibility is important, but it needs to be partnered with building strength in our bones, muscles, and connective tissue. The same principle applies to embodying mental and emotional stability.
The first step in encouraging a calm, focused mind is stepping onto your mat and setting the intention to release distractions and cultivate quiet. Choose to slow down and hit the pause button on the rest of your day, just for a short time. Certain postures will help you tap into your own sense of inner peace. Balasana (Child’s Pose) is one of the best ways to shut out the rest of the world and savor your connection to the earth. Vrksasana (Tree Pose) requires a concentrated gaze and slow-controlled breathing to maintain balance. Change the way you move to change the way you feel.
This week’s classes give us the tools to slow down, find our center, increase our strength, and connect to our power. Classes with a slower pace or an emphasis on strength and endurance over faster flows help you soothe your nervous system and tune into your inner strength. Take care of your mind and heart to become your most powerful self. Take a moment to decide how you want to feel and choose which class resonates most today!
