I used to think of yoga as some hippie thing people did where they made weird shapes with their bodies and sat around saying 'om' a lot. Wow I've come a long way!

I discovered yoga in lockdown, which in Melbourne where I live, lasted for what felt like an eternity. I just did a google search and started doing short classes on YouTube. I was instantly hooked on what I call that 'delicious post yoga' feeling, when you're laying in savasana at the end and you can literally feel your body relishing in its parasympathetic state.

I may have used some words there you're not familiar with yet, but stay with me! Let me start with giving a short little background about what yoga is since it can be easily confused in Western societies as a 'workout'. Hint hint...it definitely is not.

Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It is a holistic discipline that combines physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root word "yuj," which means to join or unite, reflecting the goal of integrating and harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.

I like to remind my students that in yoga we connect our mind and body through our breath.

At its core, yoga is a path towards self-realization and spiritual growth, which is why I probably leaned so heavily into it during lockdown. It offers a comprehensive system for achieving balance, well-being, and inner peace.

As I mentioned before, it is often associated with physical exercise, however it is important to note that yoga extends beyond the physical aspect and actually includes many dimensions of human existence.

The physical practice of yoga, which involves a series of poses and movements, helps improve strength, flexibility, and balance. These poses, combined with conscious breathing, enhance body awareness and promote relaxation. Yoga also incorporates meditation and mindfulness techniques, which help your mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being.

So what exactly are my three reasons for loving yoga? Allow me to share...

Mind-Body Connection:

• Physical Fitness: Yoga serves as a powerful tool for cultivating physical strength, flexibility, and balance. Through a variety of poses and sequences, my body has transformed, becoming more toned, mobile, and resilient. The consistent practice of yoga asanas challenges my muscles, improves my posture, and boosts my cardiovascular health, contributing to an overall sense of vitality, you know feeling of just feeling good!
• Stress Relief: The beautiful integration of breath and movement in yoga not only energizes the body but also calms the mind. By engaging in deep, mindful breathing during my practice, I activate the body's relaxation response, that amazing parasympathetic nervous systems I mentioned before, helping to effectively reduce stress levels. This mind-body connection allows me to release tension, help improve my sleep quality, and enhance overall emotional well-being.

Emotional Balance and Mental Clarity:

• Stress Management: Life as a working mother can be demanding, juggling various responsibilities and managing the well-being of others. Yoga acts as my sanctuary, providing a safe space to navigate and release stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. The practice fosters self-awareness and self-compassion, enabling me to approach challenges with a clear and focused mind. (My kids can tell when I have or have not done yoga).
• Mindfulness and Presence: Yoga cultivates mindfulness, an invaluable skill for both my personal and professional life. By anchoring my attention to the present moment through breath and body awareness, I develop a heightened sense of presence and gratitude. I find this mindfulness spills over into my coaching sessions, allowing me to connect deeply with my clients, actively listen, and provide meaningful support.

Spiritual Growth and Self-Discovery:

• Inner Exploration: Yoga goes beyond physicality, inviting me to explore my inner guidance system. This of course is always a work in progress, but it gives me the space to delve a little deeper. Through meditation, breathwork, and introspective practices, I look into my inner world, uncovering layers of self-awareness. This journey of self-discovery fuels personal growth and enriches my relationships, both personally and professionally.
• Connection and Unity: Yoga philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and fosters a sense of unity and compassion. By practicing yoga, I cultivate a beautiful connection with myself, others, and the world around me. This enhanced sense of interconnectedness influences my coaching approach, allowing me to guide my clients towards holistic well-being and nurturing their relationships with themselves and others.

Yoga has become an indispensable part of my life as a health coach, a mother and just a human, sparking wonderful little transformations within my mind, body, and spirit. Through its practice, I continue to cultivate a powerful mind-body connection, work on my emotional balance, and embrace my ongoing journey of self-discovery.

If you're seeking a transformative practice that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, I wholeheartedly encourage you to embrace yoga. The benefits extend far beyond the physical poses, unlocking a path towards holistic wellness and self-realization. Namaste!

Until next time,

Your Health Coach Bethany