Yoga Practice Tips

Yoga is not about the SHAPE of your body...

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“Yoga is not about the shape of your body, it’s about the shape of your life”.


When I was crafting my vision board this year that was a quote that I found in a magazine. It spoke to me.

That is exactly what yoga has done for me. It has not magically turn my body into some miraculous new shape, though I have found new levels of balance, and flexibility. And it has helped me develop an appreciation for this vessel I live in. I want to care for it, feed it healthy foods, hydrate it, and listen carefully to its needs.

Yoga for me has done so much more for all sorts of other aspects of my life.

I’m definitely much more present, more understanding, more compassionate to others, and more able to appreciate life’s simple moments.

Often times I know that when I roll out my mat, that starting breath I take might be the first big full breath I’ve taken all day. Though now that I am consistently rolling out my mat, I am tapping into that breathing at many other points of my day and reminding those around me to do the same.

I have learned to appreciate the physical things I am able to do, and accept that if I’m not there YET in a pose, that it is ok! I am on a journey - my practice is a journey- and if I am quiet enough, I can learn a lot along the way.

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Yoga has also brought SO MANY amazing people into my life (the instructors at SIFT are just a small reflection of that). AND with each of these people, I have learned new things about myself. I have seen what I can do when faced with a challenge, and how to stay humble when things seem to go my way. I have learned to be open to new opportunities, and when to pull back when I am feeling out of balance.

It’s so much deeper than just memorizing poses.

I definitely know that yoga has shaped my life in more ways than just the physical. How has yoga shipped your life? What changes have you noticed, on and off the mat?

Did I mention how much I LOVE creating a VISION BOARD each year! It is may favorite way to plan for the year, setting goals, visualizing how I can live my best life.

Did I mention how much I LOVE creating a VISION BOARD each year! It is may favorite way to plan for the year, setting goals, visualizing how I can live my best life.

If you are brand new and looking to start yoga, reach out to us! Let’s chat about where your journey should begin. We offer classes in chairs, classes a little slower, classes for those who like to move and breathe at a little bit faster pace, as well as restorative classes that are encouraged for stress relief and relaxation.

Yoga is more than just one style, if you’ve only taken just one or two classes, it’s time to start branching out and seeing what other ways yoga can shape your life!

Warriors on Wall

Warriors on the Wall

This week will be playing on the wall, trying out a few Warriors. If you have missed my posts the last few weeks, I encourage you to scroll down and check them out!

#1 Warrior I- place hands on the wall, then step your right foot back. Turn the right foot until it meets the ground (about 45 degrees) or Warrior I footing. If you would like to bring the chest down closer to the knee, you can wall hands down the wall a bit like picture #2.

Hold and breathe (at least 3 breaths), then switch legs.

#3 is a Warrior III pose, again taking a balancing pose and adding the wall for safety, security, and more mindfulness. Beware of the leg lifted in the air, as you can see in the photo, my hips are not as stacked as they should be, and my alignment is certainly not perfect. Move to find what feels good, but keeping in mind square hips, and not hyper extending the knee on your balancing leg are important things to remember/consider. If you feel the urge to remove hands from the wall and bring them to heart or extend back toward the lifted leg - GO FOR IT! Let this practice belong to you!  


If you are unsure about Warrior III, here's a quick video tutorial. 
http://youtu.be/HuETB2HA2FM