Seva: Selfless Service

I worked as a waitress for 4 years. I sweat my butt off as I served tables, cleaned up others' messes and dealt with unhappy customers. It wasn't an easy job, but I held on for the tips. Certain customers would tip generously, while others left pennies (literally). I resented those who didn't tip and simply smiled goodbye to those who were generous. I was chasing the dollar, one table at a time. 

Letting Go of the Ego

I eventually left the restaurant industry and am now teaching yoga full-time. I absolutely love teaching yoga, however, I periodically feel sick of hearing my own voice and stress about money, even feeling tempted to get back into serving for the extra cash.

As these thoughts continued to cloud my mind, I decided to add more asana and meditation practices into my routine in search of some clarity. I realized I was solely focusing on me vs on my students. My ego had taken over and I lost sight of why I started teaching in the first place: to help others - not to make the big bucks.

Serving should be a selfless act, not a selfish one. The more I meditated on this thought, the less I thought about money and the other stresses in my mind before teaching. My energy lightened and I felt more present & connected to my students' needs.

No Tips Required

Seane Corn describes seva (selfless service) as "going outside of your comfort zone and extending yourself when you might normally withdraw". Corn continues, "I'd love to say everything I do is selfless, but there has not been one experience where I haven't gotten more from it spiritually that I could ever give".

Moral of the story, in giving yourself fully, you open your Self to receive. 

xx

Meditation 101

Do you ever feel speechless? As if you can't focus on one single thought?

You can see the words in your mind, but as hard as you try, you just can't form a sentence?

If so, take the time to listen, to meditate.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is taking time away from all the noise in our daily lives; understanding the mind and why we feel the way we do; embracing the quiet; being still, being present - and so much more.

I was first introduced to meditation during my yoga teacher training with Frog Lotus Yoga International. Every morning for 21 days, we spent 30 minutes in silence for a group meditation. The first day of meditation my whole body ached and I couldn't sit still. It took many tries to find the right amount of props to feel comfortable. Once my body stopped aching, the mental challenges of meditation kicked in. I felt overwhelmed by my thoughts. I would sweat profusely and had a hard time breathing. However, with practice, meditation became easier and I noticed a great difference between days where I meditated and those which I did not.

Why Meditate?

There are many reasons why to meditate. To name a few:

• Relief from stress and anxiety
• Decreased blood pressure and hypertension
• Increased self-awareness

How to Meditate

1. Find a quiet place where you can sit still. Close down your eyes and simply observe. Observe how the silence feels and what thoughts are floating around in your mind - then keep coming back to the breath.
2. Use props to assist in finding comfort. It may take a few tries to discover what position works best for you. The asana practice was created to have the strength to sit still - you may be surprised by the discomfort that can occur when you sit still for even just a few minutes.
3. Select the meditation technique that feels best in the moment. We bring so many different emotions + thoughts with us onto our mat. Be aware of these variables and adjust accordingly.
4. Set a timer. Rather than thinking about time, set a timer so you can fully indulge in your meditation.
5. Start small. Begin with only a few minutes and gradually increase your meditation time.
6. Listen. Take time to reflect on the thoughts which arose during your meditation - perhaps even writing them in a journal.

The Struggle is Real

Meditating is not easy. Know that it is perfectly normal and okay for thoughts to appear. Do not feel frustrated when you become distracted by your thoughts - smile, shrug it off, and connect back to the meditation technique you have committed to.

Just Do It

Whether it be five breaths or thirty minutes, meditating will reduce the fog in your mind and provide you with the tools to be more mindful with your actions & with your thoughts - ultimately resulting in a greater sense of ease + peace.

xx

Fall Back In Love With Yoga

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - Lao Tzu

Is your yoga practice a daily ritual? Or the occasional habit?

It has been months since I fractured my wrist, yet I only just recently stepped onto my mat for practice. I have been avoiding my practice because I am unable to do chaturanga, because I can't play with arm balances, because I feel weak.

During this time of no practice, I experienced a shift in my energy. I felt uninspired, irritated by I-don't-even-know-what, disconnected to my body - just not feeling like myself. I struggled to focus on a single thought or desire; I was feeling a little lost.

For a moment, I saw through the distractions and excuses I had created in my mind, and realized what was missing: my yoga practice.

Why Practice Yoga?

Yoga is the union of mind, body and spirit.

Yoga is a personal practice, yet it seems as though everyone is posting yoga photos on social media these days. When we become so focused on this online world of yoga, we can lose sight of the reasons why we fell in love with yoga in the first place. 

Mind

Yoga has a way of quieting the mind, of allowing you to let go of any unnecessary noise and focus on what matters.

Body

The asana practice invites you to listen to your body: to learn what feels good and what doesn't; to understand how the body moves; to gain an awareness of the breath.

Spirit

With regular practice, this feel good feeling begins to apply to your spirit - to your energy. You gain a newfound confidence in yourself; you find yourself feeling more patient; you are inspired to be more kind and there is a certain lightness in your heart.

Just Practice.

The next time you step onto your mat - whether you're excited to practice, or making excuses why not to - practice with intention.

Know that even just a few minutes to yourself - whether it be for an asana practice, pranayama or meditation - can make a huge impact on your day and your mood.

Why do you practice yoga? I would love to hear your thoughts!

xx

What Does It Mean To Be Lost?

"Not until we are lost do we begin to find ourselves." - Henry David Thoreau

Google describes being lost as 'unable to find one's way'.

How does one know what their way is? What it should be?

Societal Pressures

The higher I get into my 20s, the more I see friends getting married and having children. As a single twenty-something living at home with my parents, I get plenty of looks of pity from others. Why does being single have such a bad rap? Is one lost because they are single? Because they are not in a career job?

As we age, we move on from past desires and discover new dreams.

We plant seeds in areas which we think will make us feel whole, but sometimes, these choices don't feel right - not yet anyways - and that's okay.

Personal Pressures

Even those who seem to have it all can feel lost.

So don't be so hard on yourself. Trust that you are exactly where you need to be.

Let go of the expectations you put on yourself + onto others. We are all on our own path; there is nothing to gain from comparing your life to anyone else's. 

Embrace The Journey

We experience a variety of different emotions in life, but we sometimes avoid feeling the difficult ones. We tell ourselves not to cry, to not complain about the challenges we're facing, as if we are weak for doing so.

However, embracing and listening to all emotions - good and bad - makes you strong, not weak. So allow yourself to be sad when you feel this way, and find comfort in friends and family - we're all on the same roller coaster ride.

Wherever you are in life, be there, like really be there.

Be bold, be brave, be alive. Even when you're feeling a little lost.

xx

Feel Good to Look Good

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

This effort in getting ready, is it for your own happiness, or to impress others?

Appearances + Yoga

The more we practice yoga, the less appearances begin to matter. We focus more on how we feel vs how we look to others.

Letting go of the importance we tie to appearances allows us to be more present and open to absorbing the greater lessons to be learned - on and off the yoga mat.

Showtime!

Hair by Blushes; L'Oreal Colour Trophy

I recently participated in a hair competition as a model, giving others control over my looks. As confident as I was feeling, I began to experience anxiety as my hair went from a natural brown, to blond, to bright orange.

When I entered backstage and saw a room filled with actual models, I began comparing myself to others. I quickly learned that there will always be someone taller than me, prettier than me, etc.

What matters is one simple thing: confidence.

Be You

My look didn't place in the completion, however, I discovered a new kind of confidence by letting go of the importance I tied to my hair making me beautiful.

What makes us beautiful isn't how we look, but rather who we are.

Love yourself just the way you are, and you will always shine bright. 

xx

How to Manage Your Expectations

"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails" - William Arthur Ward

We all put certain expectations on ourselves.

Some of these expectations bring us closer to achieving our goals; others can cause anxiety and stress.

Be Aware

What are the expectations you put on yourself?

Are they perhaps stemmed from societal pressures?

Understand which expectations are important to you, and which ones you have created for others.

Be Selective

How do you feel when you are unable to meet your expectations?

What exactly do you gain by achieving them?

Let go of any expectations that are harmful to your health, and hold on to those which make you a better person.

Be Mindful

Allow your expectations to vary based on each day, on each moment.

Expect the unexpected and embrace all that occurs on this roller coaster that is life.

xx

No More Bad Days

The next time you catch yourself saying 'Ugh, I'm having such a bad day', know that we don't have bad days, but rather experience bad moments.

Here are a few tips on how to turn bad days into great days:

1. Meditate: Take a few minutes to close down your eyes. Observe the thoughts that are present, then slow down your breath and quiet the mind. 
2. Stretch/Workout: Get moving! Physical exercise will give you a boost of energy and provide a sense of satisfaction as you do something good for your health.
3. Focus on gratitude: Simply being alive and breathing are gifts we should never take for granted.
4. List off qualities: This may sound a little vain, but saying out loud all the things you like about yourself will give you a boost of confidence and turn any frown upside down.
5. Smile!: Even if you need to force a smile, do it. Smiling will instantly make you feel better, as well as provide a positive energy to those around you.

In Summary

We can't control every moment in life. However, we can control our attitude towards them.

Choose your reactions wisely.

The smallest changes in your attitude, can make the the biggest changes in your day.

xx

The Walls We Put Up

On and off the yoga mat, we use walls as a way of protecting ourselves.

But how much do these walls really protect us?

On the Mat

Walls can be great support when practicing more intimidating asanas, such as inversions, as they help you gain confidence in the postures. It is always important to be safe in your asana practice, however, there comes a time where the wall is holding you back from growth in your practice.

When you are ready, ease your way away from the wall and mindfully face your fear of falling. 

Off the Mat

Sometimes we put up walls around ourselves to feel less vulnerable, to avoid rejection.

Yes, in putting up these walls you reduce the risk of these not so enjoyable things, but you also reduce your chances of experiencing something great.

Be a witness to what walls you put up, and which ones you are ready to let down.

Accept there will come a time where you will fall; you will one day have your heart broken. Let go of any fear of being hurt and trust you are strong enough to get back up. 

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall" - Confucius

xx

The Power of Practice

It's over a month now since I have practiced because of an injury.

Without yoga, I don't feel like myself. I lack energy, inspiration and confidence.

I typically don't do the asanas myself when teaching, but one day I just couldn't resist stepping on the mat and joining my students. I did a couple standing postures, then backbends, even a few downward facing dogs on my fingertips. After class, I felt a rush of energy and a lightness in my heart.

I am so grateful to have discovered yoga + the power of practice, and want others to experience the same.

New Yogis

If you have yet to explore yoga, let go of any expectations or preconceptions and give it a try.

Contact local studios and see what types of classes they offer. Try different styles, different teachers, and most importantly - have fun! 

Experienced Yogis

Starting a home practice was a huge turning point in my practice. I can't recommend enough starting one if you have yet to do so.

If you already have a home practice, commit to it. Practice every damn day. Even five minutes on the mat can change your day. 

Explore all that yoga has to teach us. Try something new, get outside of your comfort zone. Learn what feels good for your body, and what doesn't. 

Practice Makes Progress

Remember: Nothing is achieved without practice and hard work.

Everything you do, on & off the mat, do it mindfully. Act with intention. With love.

xx

How To Be Less Judgy

"Judging a person does not define who they are, it defines who you are"

Fact: Nobody likes being judged.

Yet, we're all guilty of having judged others ourselves. Sometimes we are aware of this judging, other times we're not.

So how do we become less judgy?

Listen

Stay present and listen to your thoughts. Are they positive? Are they negative?

Acknowledge

If you judge someone, acknowledge it vs going on the defensive.

Reflect

Pause and reflect on why you did.

Hold on to what you learn and apply it to bettering yourself.

xx

Rejection

"Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" - Dr Seuss

Ahh rejection... One way or another, we've all been there.

On the Mat

The teacher queues an asana which you are positive you can do - but surprise, you're not quite ready and fall flat on your face.

How do you react when this happens?

This is what matters - your reaction, not the asana you are striving to achieve.

The next time an unfamiliar asana is included in your practice - give it a shot. Try.

But let go of any expectations.

Accept + love whatever happens - without judgement. 

Off the Mat

Rejection can be hidden around many different corners in life.

As heartbreaking as rejection may be, stay strong.

Believe there are better things ahead.

Because, there are.

My Experience

I was recently rejected for a dream job of mine. After receiving the news, I immediately felt a shift in my energy and couldn't stop frowning.

I ran my errands and a cashier commented on my splint (I recently fractured my wrist). I laughed as I shared the story of my clumsiness and he said 'now don't you stop smiling'.

I paused as I realized - how rejection affects me, is completely up to me. I can choose to pout and think of all the things I could have done, or, I can move on to the next opportunity.

Something to Remember

In times of rejection - or every single day for that matter - bring your awareness to gratitude. 

Simply being alive - breathing, moving - is a gift itself.

And as a wise cashier once told me,  always keep smiling.

xx

Past, Present, Future

Let go of what was, appreciate what is, and welcome what could be.

"Tomorrow and plans for tomorrow can have no significance at all unless you are in full contact with the reality of the present, since it is in the present and only in the present that you live" - Alan Watts

How long should we hold on to the past?

How far ahead dare we look into the future?

The Past

When you think back to your past, how far back do you look?

We are who we are today because of our past experiences.

Yet, over time, we learn to let go of our past. We recognize the moments which served to better our Self, and we release those which did not.

The Present

Ahhh the sweet spot - the present moment.

What if your present is not what you want it to be?

Good news: your present, your experiences, are yours - and only yours.

You are free to make changes in your life at any time.

Be aware of all emotions - of those which you wish to further explore, and of those which you wish to let go.

The Future

Thinking about the future can be scary.

As hard as we try, we don't have complete control over our future.

Things will happen. Things we don't want to happen. Things we didn't plan for.

So now what?

In Conclusion

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do it, because what the world needs is people who have come alive" - Howard Thurman

Stay present. Stay mindful.

Set an intention (or two, or three...) and soak in all which you are feeling. 

xx

Telling the Truth

"Do you solemnly swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

Growing up, we are told to never lie - to always tell the truth. Yet, occasionally, we catch ourselves feeling torn between being honest and telling little white lies.

The Blurred Truth

Sometimes we believe the truth isn't what others want to hear, so we embellish it in order to protect their feelings. 

I'll be honest (no pun intended), I used to lie quite frequently as a kid. I would lie about doing my homework, brushing my teeth, taking my vitamins - the list goes on and on.

The Honest Truth

As I grew up, I realized I wasn't just lying to others, I was also lying to myself.

I no longer felt like the cool spy I felt like as a kid, but rather felt foolish for not being able to accept the truth.

I began being honest with others - even when I knew the truth wouldn't please them. I gained people's trust and felt a weight lifted off my shoulders from no longer having to hold onto to silly lies.

Trust

Trust - difficult to gain, yet so easy to lose.

Yes, sometimes the truth will hurt.

Nevertheless, we all want to build relationships - and relationships are built on honesty and trust, not on lies and secrets.

So be honest - with others, and with yourself.

xx

Gossip Folks

"If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all" - Thumper

The Eight Limbs of Yoga, created by Patanjali over 2000 years ago, can be found in the Yoga Sutras. If you are not familiar with the Eight Limb Path, I highly recommend reading up on it. The Yamas + Niyamas will invite you to learn about your Self and how to be a more kind and more present human being.

I have had many 'aha moments' while studying this Eight Limb Path and am grateful for every single one - no matter how difficult some of these lessons have been. My latest aha moment was related to Satya, the second Yama, meaning 'truth or truthfulness'.

I have recently heard numerous people talking negatively about others. When gossiping, you are not positively adding to the person's reputation or to your own character.

When To Be Silent

We need to remember that words have power. That what we say can hurt or help others.

Think before you speak. Yes, you want to add to the conversation, but what you want to say - is it harmful to those which you speak of?

Kindness Wins - Always.

The next time a topic is brought up which you are perhaps not the biggest fan of, stop + think.

Is what you want to say positive or negative? Are your thoughts kind or harmful?

Stay present. Stay aware. Stay kind.

xx

Rise above gossip + be KIND to one another

The Beauty of Letting Go

In our daily lives, we are faced with different societal pressures - always striving for something, always doing our best. We're told to be strong, to be confident, to always give 110%.

But what if you only give say, 60%? Does this mean you are weak, or even lazy?

Power Yoga

As I attend different yoga classes, I notice an emphasis on teaching a more workout style yoga practice. After class, students discuss whether or not the class was challenging enough - I heard one student say 'I was done after 20 minutes', as she raved about the class.

Strength in Surrender

When I teach Power Yoga classes, I encourage students to let go vs push themselves - to surrender, to be soft.

There is so much strength in surrender - the strength to let go of your ego; to let go of your image of the asana and bring the awareness to your experience, to your breath.

Next time you are on your mat, take Child Pose when the breath shortens - even if nobody else is. Try giving only 60% and see how you feel.

& most importantly, love your body, love your Self - just the way it is.

xx

Playing Favourites

Do you have a favourite Yoga Instructor?

As I enjoy my intro month at a new studio, I find myself enjoying certain instructors more than others - even avoiding the ones I don't quite enjoy.

This preference for one instructor over another got me thinking - what makes us play favourites when it comes to Yoga Instructors?

Knowledge: What You Learn

Every Yoga Instructor has their own unique style and brings something special to their classes. Certain instructors may focus on anatomy; teaching more challenging postures; creative sequencing; or maybe they include more Yoga philosophy in their classes.

Remember: Yoga not only teaches you asanas (the physical practice), more importantly, Yoga teaches you about your Self.

Emotions: What You Feel

The language and sequencing an instructor uses can invite you to feel strong and confident, however, it can also make you feel weak or frustrated.

Stay in tune with your emotions throughout practice. Notice what makes you feel good and what doesn't. 

Energy: What You Receive

How do you want to feel when leaving class?

Your answer to this question will probably vary from day-to-day. Yet no matter what, we all want to leave class feeling good.

Stop Playing & Start Learning

Even those we don't enjoy - whether it be a Yoga Instructor or simply another human being - we can still learn a lot from them - perhaps, even learn a little more.

Next time you are in a Yoga class and are thinking about how much you don't enjoy the instructor, let go of these thoughts and focus on all you can learn from them. They may be teaching you something you never knew you needed to know.

xx

One teacher taught me the joy in being a little silly - to not take everything so seriously.

I initially found her sense of humour in class annoying, but she ended up inspiring me to bring this sense of humour into my own classes + in my every day life.

Forever A Student

Since graduating from my YTT, attending other teachers' classes hasn't been the same.

I was making mental notes of the things I didn't enjoy vs simply being a student and enjoying the practice.

I recently decided to give attending classes another go. Instead of thinking of what I did not enjoy, I instead focused on all that I could learn. 

Not only have I learned new transitions, new vocabulary, new music - I learned a lot about my Self. 

As I attend other teachers' classes, I am reminded of the benefits of Yoga - how Yoga is so much more than just asanas. 

Self Confidence/Love

During my first few classes, I felt the temptation to compare myself to others in the room. I felt insecure about my body - adjusting clothing, checking myself out in the mirror, etc. A few classes in, the insecurity was gone. I began to feel a love for my Self. A love for every imperfection, every little 'roll'. I felt beautiful - even in a trendy Yoga studio where students were wearing clothing worth more than one of my paychecks.

Peace of Mind

On the mat, I forget about all my troubles, all my worries. All that matters is the present moment, the sensations, the emotions, the breath. 

Strength

In class, I was challenged by movements I never knew were possible - that extra chaturanga, the extra second in handstand. Our strength is challenged in Yoga - physically and emotionally.

Kindness

Everyone is on their mat for their own reasons. May we all support one another vs compare ourselves to others.

Why do YOU practice Yoga? 

xx

Photo taken by the lovely Lidiya Petkova during my YTT at Suryalila.

Routines

Do you follow certain routines?

Perhaps a morning workout? A regular coffee break? 

Sustaining routines can be easy - changing them, however, is another story...

I have been struggling with finding a routine & a sense of comfort in my new role as a full-time yoga instructor. I have more free time than I am used to and sometimes find myself thinking I should be doing more.

Why Do We Keep Routines?

Is it simply for comfort? Is it to maintain certain responsibilities?

How do we fall into them? Why do we hold on to them?

I believe we all search for a sense of accomplishment. Whether we keep a to-do list or not, we all have goals.

Having routines can assist in achieving these goals - but can it also hurt our chances in accomplishing them?

Focus on Growth

The routines you hold on to should benefit yourSELF; they should inspire you to improve, to grow.

If your routine(s) are holding you back, let them go.

Push through the challenges which come with creating new routines and discover the possibility in change.

xx

View fullsize

Spending time outdoors is one of my favourite routines! I feel energized + inspired with a taste of fresh air.

What are your favourite routines? 

Yoga + Music

Do you practice Yoga with or without music?

I began my Yoga journey practicing in a studio where music was only played during Savasana. I recently attended my first Yoga class with music and found the music to be quite distracting. I caught myself singing along or tapping my fingers to songs I knew, even feeling annoyed by songs I didn't enjoy. I missed the silence. I missed feeling the connection to breath, the calm energy in the room.

As I continued to attend classes with music, I began to notice the music less and less. The music moved into the background of my mind and I regained the connection to breath. Sometimes I caught certain inspiring lyrics, sometimes the beat of the music helped me get through more challenging postures or sequences.

The Power of Breath

I now typically play music during my practice, however, I still enjoy the silence and sometimes practice without.

Practicing in silence can allow you to better tune into the sensations of each posture, into which muscles you are engaging, and can teach you how to engage Ujjayi breath - to become comfortable with hearing, with feeling, your own breath.

The Right Volume

If practicing with music, it is important to find an appropriate level for the volume.

You want to be able to hear the music, however, you don't want it so loud that you lose the connection to breath or the quieting of the mind.

If teaching, you don't want to be shouting over the music - you want students to clearly hear your instructions, as well as be able to hear their own breath.

The Right Playlist

Having the right playlist is key when practicing Yoga with music. The songs need to sync with the sequences, as well as compliment the emotions you want yourself, or your students, to feel.

I like to begin and end my playlists with songs without lyrics. This allows one to quiet the mind and connect to the rhythm of their breath, without any distraction from lyrics.

Sample Playlists

Below are a couple playlists I created for a 60 min practice:

Vinyasa Flow

1. Folds - Thrupence
2. Bowspirit - Balmorhea
3. Time is Dancing - Ben Howard
4. I Need - Maverick Sabre
5. Intro - The xx
6. Zimbabwe (Flume Remix) - New Navy
7. Way Down We Go - Kaleo
8. Free Me - Joss Stone
9. High Life - London Grammar
10. Grow - Rae Morris
11. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran
12. Inside + Out (Apostle of Hustle UnMix) - Feist
13. Threnody - Goldmund
14. Halving the Compass - Helios

Yin

1. Oasis Moon - Karunesh
2. Promise - Ben Howard
3. Ain't Gonna Lose You - Brett Dennen
4. Poison & Wine - The Civil Wars
5. Never Let Me Go (Live) [MTV Unplugged, 2012] - Florence + The Machine
6. Dust to Dust - The Civil Wars
7. The Lime Tree - Trevor Hall
8. Incomplete - James Bay
9. Work Song - Hozier
10. White Blood - Oh Wonder
11. Raining in Baltimore - Counting Crows
12. Walk Quietly - Trevor Hall
13. Shanti (Peace Out) - MC YOGI

Enjoy! :)

xx

Yin-Tastic

While volunteering at Suryalila, I was offered the opportunity to teach a 4 day Yoga retreat. As I learned leading this retreat would require teaching daily Yin Yoga classes, the nerves started to kick in. As someone who has only taken a handful of Yin Yoga classes - and struggled to enjoy them - I didn't think I was ready to teach Yin.

My teacher at Suryalila lent me The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga by Bernie Clark - a wonderful book filled with Yin philosophy, anatomy, and sample sequences.  At first, I skipped through the 'fluff' and straight to the sequences - that's all I needed - so I thought.

I wrote out the sequences - highlighting the benefits and modifications for each posture, setting up all the necessary props - I've got this.

More Than Just Postures

In Yin Yoga, postures are held for 2-5 minutes. As a very Yang person, two minutes felt like a lifetime! I found myself constantly checking my timer, waiting for the silence to be over so I could cue the next posture. 

However, the more I relaxed, the more I let go of my perception that the 'fluff' was silly, even unnecessary. I began simply observing the room and speaking to what I believed students were experiencing - the fight-or-flight emotions, the frustration, the vulnerability. I could see students begin to relax, to surrender, to soften. I found myself feeling a sense of calm as the Yang energy left my body and I soaked in the energy from the room.

Not Everything Is As It Seems

As I look around the room, seeing if I can help students feel more comfortable, if they are struggling, seem bored, etc, I notice quite a few students checking out their nails, adjusting clothing, looking as though they can't wait for class to be over. 

However, after each Yin class, I receive the most wonderful feedback. Students leave looking as if they are in a daze, almost floating out of the studio. 

Our daily lives tend to be more Yang than Yin oriented - making Yin Yoga quite challenging for the mind, for the body. To be quiet, to be still. I believe the more challenging Yin Yoga is for you, the more you need it. 

Yin Lessons

Yin Yoga teaches you to let go of the asana and to embrace the sensations. To let go of outer experiences and to open up to the emotions. 

Why do you practice Yin Yoga?

xx