Written by Aviva Tulasi
The next Osteoporosis and Yoga Workshop is Saturday, May 4th, 2024. Learn what postures to avoid and how you can modify postures to gain the same benefits and target, while being safe for your bones.
Lunchtime Learning April 24th, Connection Between Breathing, Thoughts and Emotions with Aviva. Explore practical and functional breathing exercises that in a couple of minutes target different areas of the brain to bring a sense of harmony to the Subtle Body.
Lunchtime Learning May 1st and 8th, Spiraling for Healthy Movement with Sam. Learn the importance of spiraling within our daily functional movements and why "the weights of the body are our focus for mobility, balance and safety and not the connectors (e.g., knees, etc.).
There exists a subtle yet profound connection between two vital components of life - the mind and the breath. In moments of calmness and clarity, our breath tends to be slow, deep, and steady. When we're stressed or anxious, our breath becomes shallow, rapid, and erratic.
Both are always present and yet often not noticed. When we tap into their connection, we learn more about our inner world. Observing the breath with mindful awareness, cultivates a deep sense of presence and stillness. The vast realm of thoughts and emotions attune to what we hold true.
Each breath is a reminder of our innate capacity for presence, peace, and profound inner wisdom. It is a measure of where we are. Breathing can indicate when we might be struggling (short quick breathing), when we feel safe (long exhales) or when we are completely absorbed in concentration (slow or paused breathing).
Exploring the breath awakens self-discovery and healing. Rather than forcing or manipulating the breath, all one has to do is notice the natural breath. Noticing the subtleness of the breath provides insights into how we think and feel. In this state of heightened awareness, we gain insights into the workings of our mind—the patterns of thought, the ebb and flow of emotions, the underlying currents of consciousness. Opening our awareness to different components of the breath can help reshape the patterns of thought.
Observing all the sensations present in the breath anchors our yoga practice. Breathing enhances the practice by providing oxygen to the physical body and creating a foundation of stability and vitality for the mind. It allows the body and the mind to soften and still. As a guide, the breath offers a rhythmic companion that leads us deeper into the present moment. Awareness of the breath effortlessly tunes thoughts inwards with complete one pointed focus. With each breath, we surrender deeper into our practice, letting go of distractions and attachments, and embracing the fullness of our being.
Choosing to consciously breathe, transforms our practice into an embrace of clarity. Yoga practice becomes more than moving with intention. We fall into a rhythmic moving meditation accepting all that comes our way. The ebb and flow of the breath provides an anchor for the wandering mind. Peace and strength take over as we enter into a state of meditation. If we place breath awareness at each Chakra, we can observe how our thoughts and emotions shift with the breath. Noticing the subtle changes in breathing patterns teaches us how to regulate our thoughts and emotions. and cultivates a sense of liberation.
We invite you to explore breathing together as we focus the mind in Chakra Meditation or move our body in space with asana classes. Sign up for a class here.
Reach out to us with your questions at info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com. We are here to help. ❤️❤️❤️
Aviva Tulasi is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and studio coordinator at Dogwood Studios. Aviva applies the teachings of classical yoga (movement, focused breathing & meditation) to nourish the nervous system. Aviva’s classes empower students to explore their thought habits in order to promote greater wellbeing both on and off the mat.
SAM Sather, founder of Dogwood Studios, is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and an Insight Yoga Institute (IYI) endorsed teacher. She individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on finding calm and improving health. She offers several live, online and in person yoga classes as well as private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.
