Something I say sometimes in class, is ‘It’s only Yoga….Smile and Breathe’.
Now before I have die-hard yogis pouncing on me, reminding me of how truly special and unique this time-honoured practice is, it’s not my intention to be disrespectful to the practice. Rather, these words help remind students to bring an air of lightness, softness and fun to their yoga class.
Not all yoga postures are easy. In fact, if you are a newbie, some can be really challenging for the first few classes. A new student is dealing with so much, left leg, right leg, left arm, right arm..the space of their mat, breathing, and if you’re tight, stiff , or you’ve been injured… wow… there’s a lot going on.
Chances are somethings will be completely out of your reach for a long while, but the key is, small gains every time and keeping ourselves safe so that we develop a sustainable practice. Even the most proficient yoga students can get frustrated with themselves. For example, a free standing headstand on Tuesday, may require a wall support, by Saturday. It’s just how things are. We show up differently everytime and that is okay.
I was reminded of this at the weekend, at our Kinsale Yoga Weekend, when students mentioned that the yoga world can sometimes take itself too seriously and yes, that includes yoga teachers. When we talked about yoga in our gather round sessions, many of our guests had been put off by their previous yoga experience, or just things that were said about yoga. Some left classes feeling inadequate and not good enough to participate. Others assumed it wasn’t for them. They also mentioned that some of the language used around yoga can be off-putting.
That put me right back in my box 🙂
When we remind ourselves, that ‘It is only yoga’, our view of the world changes, and we get a little softer towards ourselves and others. In a world that can knock us sometimes, that’s got to be welcomed.
Smile and Breathe:-)
Wellfit Holiday 2019 with Urban Yogi and Ant & Ali, 3-6th 2019 October
Join Urban Yogi and husband and wife fitness duo Ant & Ali for a weekend of high energy fitness activities and yoga, at The Magnolia Hotel, Quinta Do Lago, Portugal. We’ve teamed up with fitness trainers Ant & Ali to create a beautiful experience that will leave you feeling physically challenged and mindfully rested.
- 3 x Nights Luxury (Shared) Accommodation
- Daily Meals
- Daily Classes incl. boxercise, circuit training, spin, HIIT, meditation & yoga
- 1 x 30 min Massage
- 1 x Goody Bag + Suncream
- Healthy Recipe Booklet
- Well-being workshops
- Support of experienced Trainers and Yoga teacher throughout the weekend
Our luxury health and fitness retreat is set in the stunning, sun-kissed Quinta Do Lago in Portugal’s Algarve region. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature in October of 22°, it really does make for the perfect autumn escape.
