Did you know September is National Yoga Awareness Month?
If you didn’t, you’re not alone. I just learned of this recently and I’m thrilled!
I’ve been practicing yoga for most of my life, although I’ll admit, at times I practice more diligently than others.
I’m using this month to recommit to myself and my yoga practice.
It’s ironic, but I’ve found in times of busyness and stress when I need to engage in more self care, that self care is the first thing to go!
National Yoga Month was declared in 2008 and it was instrumental over the years to bring the practice to so many more people since it’s inception. You can read more about this national awareness month by doing a Google search or going here NIH National Yoga Month. A live stream is scheduled on September 29th at National Center Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
If you’ve never tried yoga or maybe tried a class in the past and thought “it’s not for me”, maybe this month can be a time for you to give it another go?
Yoga is for everyone, every shape, fitness level and mobility level.
It doesn’t require any special equipment, expensive gym memberships, or fancy workout outfits (although I’ll be first to say happiness is a new pair of yoga pants, lol). There is however no end of tools that can make the practice more comfortable and add variety, but the only requirement is you and your breath. Yoga is great for small spaces as well; I’ve found I can modify my practice for any space that’s available.
I’ve recently been introduced to Yoga Nidra, which is no movement at all, only breathing! My first experience with Yoga Nidra was incredible and best thing is a dear friend made the introduction.
Check out this YouTube video Yoga Nidra from Daisy Arrillaga, who made the introduction by bringing this practice to the health and wellness committee of our nurse’s organization. Thank you, Daisy! That’s another benefit of yoga, it’s something that can be done alone or with those you love.
There are so many types of yoga and chances are you will find one that resonates with you if you take time to try some out. It’s much more than stretches and poses, too. For me, and many that embrace their yoga practice, it’s a way of life. Yoga is life.
Here is a handy guide From YogaMedicine.com . The article gives a rundown of 13 types of yoga to give an idea of some of options. There are several lines of thought about how many types there are in total, some say 28, some say only 4. I say all forms of yoga come from one, and the most important thing is to practice the ones that feel right to you. I’m having a blast exploring some new types of yoga in my practice, and I’ll never cease to be amazed at the diversity.
For me, yoga is not only fitness or a means to quiet my mind, it is more a way of life, a way of staying in touch with my spirit, mind, body, breath, and nature. Kind of like tapping into my roots. It’s a time for me to just be.
Whether you have only a couple minutes or an hour or more, the time spent getting in tune with your breath and your body will benefit you immensely.
What are your thoughts on yoga? Love it? Not a fan? Haven’t tried it yet?
If you practice yoga, what are some of your favorite forms of practice?
Are you thinking of reigniting your yoga practice? If so, what is your plan to do this?