Practicing your Practice; A Guide for Finding Time to Breathe

We live in a busy time. With all the changes that the world is going through, the quickening pace of everyday life, and the constant drone of the electronic revolution, it can be difficult to find time to just breathe. Even so, it has become increasingly important to take the occasional ‘time out’ to reconnect with ourselves, lest we lose our relationship with that one person who we will always be connected to.

Yoga is one of the best ways to nurture that wonderful relationship between our minds, bodies and spirits. Unfortunately, the constant “Go! Go! Go!” of everyday life can make it difficult to create the proper time and space to practice. There is so much going on in the world that it can be very easy to forget the reason why we were put on this planet; to connect, to love, and to be the best human beings that we can be.

But take heart, my busy Yogi friends! Hope is not lost! Here are some helpful tips on ensuring that you get your breathing space every day and extend the benefits of your Yoga practice:

1) Find a time of the day that you can commit to your practice. Most people prefer either the morning or the evening, but if a lunch time stop during work is your vibe, go for it! Write it down in your calendar so that you can remind yourself of your ‘you time’.

2) Find the style that speaks to you. Some people would prefer to sweat it out at the gym while others use their Yoga practice as a way to get the heart pumping. Whether you’re an Ashtanga fan or if you prefer a Gentle Hatha, decide on what you want Yoga to achieve for your body.

3) Commit to it! It can be difficult to motivate yourself to practice at times, especially during the winter months when physical energy and weather temperatures are at an all- time low. Keep in mind that these are the absolute best times to do Yoga! You will be surprised at how refreshed and revitalized you will feel after each class.

4) If all else fails, you can practice in the comfort of your own home. The wonderful thing about Yoga is that you can do it anywhere and at any time! If you can’t make it to a class, grab your mat and put in the time for an at-home class.

5) Get your practice in when you can. Although a daily Yoga practice is recommended for optimum effects, a few times a week will also be incredibly beneficial for your body. However, if you find yourself swamped with work, you will even find a difference with one class per week.

6) Remember that your Yoga practice doesn’t finish when you leave the mat. Yoga is something that you can integrate into your everyday life. When your busy day becomes overwhelming, know that all you need to do is close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Not only are you helping to calm and centre yourself, but you are also sneaking in a Yoga practice by simply sitting with yourself and allowing the breath to flow.

In a constantly crazy, increasingly evolving world, Yoga can provide you with the foundation for a grounded, healthy lifestyle. By committing yourself to your practice, you are giving your mind, body, and soul a gift that promises to renew you in ways that will surprise you. Taking care of the world means taking care of yourself. Invest in your health through Yoga and make your world a better and brighter place.

Contributing Author: Lauren Messervey
Lauren is the social media coordinator for Yoga Tree. An avid Yogi with a love for Tree Pose, she is originally from Atlantic Canada and joined the bustling city of Toronto in June of last year. You may find her in the Midtown region, practicing Yoga or blogging for Yoga Tree. She is currently completing her first novel, set to be released Spring 2014.


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