Now don't get me wrong, sometimes simple can be easy. And that's great. And sometimes there is a place for complexity as well. But the simple, the simple is available. Accessible. And when noticed and practiced regularly, the simple can support us in coming back to center. Back to what's true.
We all come to yoga for many different reasons, yet there is also no denying that our yoga practice has a way of influencing and enhancing every aspect of our lives. Here are a few ways that my yoga practice supports my cross-training, beyond flexibility & range of motion.
Space for you to check in & recalibrate along with a practice of loving-kindness to carry with you into your day. This is a 10-minute, guided, and seated practice that includes some really gentle movement, a few rounds of breath work, and closes with a metta meditation.
Anchor your attention into the ebb & flow of the eternal now and open your mind to the vastness of sensations encompassed in the breath by using this foundational pranayama practice. Cultivate curiosity and embrace an attitude of open awareness.
While the inhale tends to be a bit more uplifting and invigorating, the breath out carries with it a capacity to slow us down, supporting our ability to surrender and rest. This is an easy and customizable breathing pattern that you can do anywhere to help you get out of your head and grounded in the now.
As cliche as it sounds, our yoga & surfing practices often remind us of this truth that extends far beyond our surfboards or our yoga mats: The destination is in the journey, the practice is in the process. And if we can focus on what’s in front of us now, we can open ourselves up to the possibility of what’s next.
The New Year can be a nice time to set goals or intentions as it always feels like a fresh start. Although, life is also never linear, and it’s important to remember that we each hold the power to pause, reflect, and begin again whenever we need to clean the slate, recenter, or refocus our attention. Let these prompts support you!
