What IS mindful slow yoga?
Before we start talking about mindful slow yoga and what it IS, I’d like to talk about what it ISN’T.
Here are some things that mindful slow yoga ISN’T:
Myth #1
It is NOT a religion. Some people are under the mistaken impression that because yoga originated in India, it is part of Hinduism. That is not true. Yoga is not part of any religion. You can have any faith (or no faith at all) to practice yoga.
It’s true that we often talk about the “spiritual” benefits of yoga, but that shouldn’t be confused with religious dogma. When we talk about spiritual benefits or spiritual practices, what that means is that yoga is a practice involving the mind (a mental practice). We can then use yoga to help alleviate stress and anxiety, as well as work on our psychological and emotional issues.
Yoga helps us to cultivate mindfulness and development our awareness of the present circumstance.
Myth #2
It is definitely NOT just for seniors, or people who are not physically fit. Mindful slow yoga, only one type of many, many forms of yoga, is NOT just for people who “can’t handle” other forms of exercise. While it is ideal for anyone with limited mobility, it perfect for EVERYONE. Yoga has the potential, when engaging the complete body/mind system, to be very powerful.
As you’ve heard me say many times by now, it is ideal for helping to build physical, emotional and mental resilience. It is excellent for maintaining cognitive functioning, helps the immune system and improves general brain functioning.
Myth #3
There isn’t enough time to fit it in during a busy day. Here’s the thing - we ALL get the same 24 hours allotted to us each day. It’s up to us to decide how we spend that time. “I don’t have time” usually means “I’d rather do something else” or “I’m not willing to give up (fill in the blank….) to do yoga”. I have good news - you don’t have to give anything up to add it into your day. Mindful slow yoga can be done any time, any place and requires no special equipment. It can be done on the couch while watching T.V., or can be slotted in as a 5 minute break in-between tasks on the computer.
So what is mindful slow yoga, then?
Mindfulness, as defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn in his book Full Catastrophy Living is
“the awareness that arises by paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally”.
When we apply that concept to slow yoga, it means we’re paying full attention to our bodies as we move. When we move mindfully and slowly, it gives us more of an opportunity to notice when we may be doing too much, or maybe we need to do a little more, and increases interoceptive awareness. It allows us to go within and fully embody the practice. This involves merging our cognitions (thoughts) with our movement, improving nervous system and brain function.
You may or may not have heard of the concept of “neuroplasticity” which is defined as the brain’s ability to change, reorganize and grow. Dr. Timothy McCall, an internist in the U.S., believes that yoga can have “profound affects on health” and help people change habits that they’ve found difficult to change. He says,
“Once people become more sensitive to the effects of different actions on their bodies and minds (whether it is practicing alternate nostril breathing or eating huge, fatty meals), they increasingly want to do what makes them feel better”.
Here’s where I do yoga as I work each day
I have a challenge for you. Try incorporating 5-10 minutes of mindful slow yoga or movement into each day. Here are some possible ways to do that:
Try doing some stretches in your bed before you even get up. Close your eyes and set an intention for your day.
If you find yourself seated for most of the day, get up, start in mountain pose and see where the movement takes you.
Go for a 10 minute walk outside at lunch time. Try and find some green space and focus on your breathing.
Incorporate some upper body stretches while sitting on the couch and watching your favourite T.V. Show.
And remember to end each day with a few lines in your gratitude journal. :)
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www.sharonashtonmindfulyoga.com
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