Pathways for Calmness

Students practice the Tree Pose in a yoga class in Langkawi
Students practice the Tree Pose in a yoga class in Langkawi

Movement

The physical aspect of yoga is a collection of poses that help to keep our mind and body in optimum health. The poses stretch and strengthen our muscles, lubricate our joints and massage our internal organs.

Each pose has specific benefits - they can energise, relax, invigorate, heal and detoxify. All poses can be gentle and challenging but leave us feeling restored. When practised with breath awareness, poses can be therapeutic and there are practices that help to calm, energise, build strength or balance or improve stamina.

Breathing

In yoga, breath unites the body and mind.

We learn to make our breaths deep, smooth, even, silent, without interruption.

Our ability to become aware of your breath will help us acquire a healthy breathing habit through the conscious control of breath. It is this ‘control of our breath’ that allows us to talk, sing, swim, sip or blow bubbles through straws.

During asana practice, we can use these same controls to synchronise our breathing with our movements.

The fact that breathing can be consciously controlled means that, with practice, you can replace unproductive breathing habits with productive ones.

A yoga class in Langkawi Malaysia
A yoga class in Langkawi Malaysia

Through yoga, we get to explore movement, breath, relaxation and mindfulness as key tools for managing stress

Relaxation

Relaxation in yoga provides the perfect opportunity to release the stress and tension of daily life, allowing our bodies to soften and unwind. It helps us destress and fosters a sense of inner peace and calmness.

When we take the time to relax, we can slow down our breath and heart rate, and reconnect with the natural rhythm of our breath. This simple act can work wonders in quieting the mind.

To help us relax, the breath takes centre stage. We turn our awareness on our breathing, embracing its natural rhythm and flow. This awareness can be a powerful tool to anchor our mind in the present moment.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgement, fully engaging in whatever is happening without getting caught up in thoughts about the past or future.

The aim of mindfulness is to cultivate awareness, acceptance of our experiences, ultimately leading to greater clarity, insight and emotional regulation.

While relaxation techniques can promote a state of calmness and reduce stress, mindfulness practices focus more on developing a heightened awareness and acceptance of our thoughts, emotions and sensations in the present moment.

Further Reading

Grow Up, Grow Old  : Just Grow

A Back Strengthening Sequence : Spinal Strength

The Importance of Sleep

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