After a bit of a hiatus, I finally found myself back at yoga class. Besides reading, this has been one of my longest standing forms of self-care and my favorite mindful meditative activity.
As a kid, I would watch my mom effortlessly flow through poses on her yoga mat in the living room. There was stuff everywhere, the TV was probably on, an animal was snuggled at her feet, and despite all of that, she was in the zone. After years of watching, she eventually got me on the mat and we enjoyed this time together. My favorite pose was the warrior because it made me feel like one. Strong, solid, and in the moment.
As much as I’d love to practice in the living room at my childhood home, I have connected with a local community and go to classes whenever I can. Finding like minded people, who for one hour, sit within their bodies and minds is a humbling experience.
Today’s yoga practice was rooted in Kundalini. In Kundalini yoga; chants, songs, breathing exercises, or repetitive poses are utilized to enhance your spiritual connection with yourself. Kundalini derives from the Sanskrit word “kundal” meaning “coiled energy.” The belief is that we all have energy at the base of our spine, and engaging in a kundalini practice can help uncoil and spread this energy all the way up to our head.
During class today, we practiced with the sacred mantra of “Sat Nam” during a few different breathing exercises. In a kundalini practice, this term means the truth within me, or finding your authentic self. “Sat” meaning truth, “nam” meaning identity.
Choosing to practice yoga, in whatever form you are able to, has both evidenced based and anecdotal evidence to improve mental and physical health outcomes. Reduced stress and anxiety, improved cognitive functioning, decreased blood pressure and heart rate are all noted benefits of yoga. Every time I leave class, my body feels alive. Yoga makes me feel like I’ve given my body and mind one gigantic warm hug. Even if I pick a class where it is physically challenging, I gently bring my mind away from being frustrated with my inability to do certain poses, to being grateful that I’m on the mat. Sometimes I even notice having more energy after classes.
Have you engaged in a mindful activity today? And how is your journey going to find your authentic self?
