Now more than ever we need to find the restorative support of our yoga practice to help us through these busy times.  Sometimes it is easier (believe me!) to pass on your practice, but now more than ever is a great time to commit to yourself, your health and your well being.  Take a minute to slow down, to find your breath and find your mat.  Settle your mind and focus on the breath - taking cherished time for yourself.  The word "asana" means “pose” but it also means “seat”. So when we’re in an asana, we’re actually taking a seat, slowing down into a position, starting a conversation with our breath, body and mind - finding restoration.  Yoga affords us the opportunity to slow down....

The process of centering one’s breath is called ‘Pranayam’ in Yoga. Pranayam is an extremely powerful technique of ancient yoga. The concept behind this breathing exercise is quite simple.  In the process of a deep, steady breathing exercise, one has to maintain a rhythm of breath. When the air moves in the body, it creates harmony. This harmony creates a healing effect, and is therefore very restorative for the body.

At the start of every class at Yoga Sanctuary, we engage in the process of centering the mind and the body with the breath.  This can be done seated, standing, on the back or in child's pose.  Centering the breath invokes a shift in consciousness, whether it be in stillness or action.  When you enter the yoga class, you are in the midst of your day and your mind is often restless or disturbed; doing simple centering exercises for the body, mind and breath can create an immediate shift in conciousness, enabling you to bring greater awareness, peace and stillness to the body.  As you carry this meditative breathing through your yoga practice, the results are deeply healing and restorative.....just what we all need during this busy season of festivity and celebration.  

From all of the teachers at Yoga Sanctuary, we wish you many blessings... and we look forward to helping you keep your restorative balance on the mat so that you may take that restoration with you out into the world.  

Namaste