Coming back to the self

I step onto my mat and take a breath, releasing as I exhale, and I am once more reminded of the sacred role of this mahi, the sacred assignment to unwind and release, and like mirimiri uses external forces to activate your internal healing, the mirimiri of my breath inside my body, the power of my breath, releases tension built up over days, or even weeks. 

Coming back to myself with the breath, releasing negative thoughts and emotions like a wave washing them out to sea, it may take many more breaths... but eventually I am here.

It can take movements and postures too, and for my own intuition to click in, and find the pose most longed for, most needed.

Somehow it's found, and the thoughts no longer dominate the space inside. That space is free and ready to breathe with my lungs, knowing nothing more than each expansion and release....

Of course it is not always this magical! Sometimes the inner freedom is elusive, the mind does not release and become tau/ settled and open to renewal, but I know another time I'll find it, and even so the practice has lifted my energy, created space in my body, and kept me heading into another day/night a little lighter.

The years of practice help, but even when there was less, there were the light bulb moments of "oh this is why". The beginners mind soaking up the light.

Learning to let go of expectations after many years of practice, to simply settle in, without rushing to the next new thing, next new thing, next new thing.... these are the fruits of my practice.

I feel my spine realign in shavasana, and my belly rises and falls with each breath, until I no longer notice anything other than the simple bliss of feeling alive......

Here are 3 Simple practices to bring you into alignment,  and settle your mauri/ life force energy:

1. Remember to breathe 

We've heard it before but it's simple and true. Allow yourself to breathe fully and without restriction. Let your breath go deeper - to the belly or ribs, and the exhale to be gently, slowly, longer. Do not force or push yourself, only go as deep as comfortable, over time with practice this will deepen.

2.  Mindful Movement

Be mindful of your movement, move with the breath, even a simple raising and lowering of the arms can be profound when done mindfully with the breath. Other thoughts will wait. Find your quiet place somewhere you feel safe- and close the eyes as you move, or keep them open if you prefer with a relaxed gaze. What ever movement you choose to do, keep it simple.

3. Shavasana - corpse pose

Lie down on your back - side lie if pregnant, use a pillow below knees if you have back problems. Let fingers softly curl and feet flop out.

Be aware of the breath at your belly as it rises and falls with each breath. Keep watching the breath and come back to it if the mind wanders off, by gently reminding yourself what you are doing, to return home to the breath. Try 1, 3, or 5 minutes or longer if possible, start slow and build up your capacity to stay tau/ settled. Set a timer if need be. Roll to the side when done and push off your hands to come up to sitting, be aware of how you feel after the practice, before going on.

Optional - Questions - send me your answers or just note them down in your journal

1. What's your why for practicing yoga or for wanting to learn?

2. How did you feel after doing any of the 3 above practices?

Thanks for being here, see you soon on the mat, remember you are worth taking a short time each day to yourself to practice for your wellbeing/ hauora.

Linsey x

P.S Practice with me on Tuesday night's with a Tui four class pass, or join Yoga for Wāhine