My first experience with yoga was when I was a teenager in college. A friend and I took an after school class in the sports hall and giggled our way through it. The silence, the unflattering poses and the ‘looking within yourself’ all felt silly and uncomfortable to me, and it would be many years before I would try it again.
In my mid thirties a friend of mine opened a brand new yoga studio and I started going to her classes mainly to support her new venture, but also because I’d grown curious about the benefits of yoga and wanted to get a bit more active. I’m by no means a fit or particularly sporty person and the gentle nature of yoga intrigued me. Before long, my Tuesday evening classes had become a sanctuary for me. The stretching, intentional movement and breathwork always left me feeling lighter, looser and more open somehow. If I went in stressed or unhappy, I could pretty much guarantee that I’d leave feeling totally calm and rejuvenated. It was like magic. I used to love the final five minutes of the class – savasana – where we’d lie down in the dimly lit room, the heat would be turned up and a relaxing soundtrack would be played. We were encouraged to let our bodies melt into the mat and not think, just be. It was perhaps the only time during my hectic week where I’d fully switch off and relax and I loved it.
Unfortunately, Covid hit soon after and the studio had to close in line with lockdown rules. I sought out a new teacher, one who was carrying out sessions online and I still attend her classes today. It wasn’t quite the same. I’d exchanged a studio for a spare bedroom and face to face contact for Zoom but nevertheless it gave me the weekly downtime that I’d grown to rely on. And the more I practiced the more confident and comfortable I became with the poses and the yoga flows.
As the world reopened and the warmer weather arrived it would be this teacher who introduced me to the unique beauty of practicing yoga outdoors in nature. I attended classes at Central Park in Scunthorpe and soon realised that nature’s studio really was the best place to be. Soaking up the sun’s rays, rooting my feet within the earth and having birdsong as my soundtrack became my favourite way to practice. In the coming years this teacher would also introduce yoga and brunch sessions in a rural café where we’d practice for an hour then take brunch afterwards. Having always attended classes alone, it gave me the opportunity to meet other like minded people and chat about yoga (and other things). It’s now one of my favourite things to do.
I think there are many misunderstandings surrounding yoga. It isn’t just something you do to ‘get flexible’. It doesn’t have to involve sitting in a circle chanting mantras (although this can be a lovely thing to do if you want to). It truly is a completely nourishing workout for mind, body and soul. Physically it will strengthen and condition your muscles and it can also improve your digestive health. But the benefits are mental and emotional too. Taking that time to be fully present in the moment, to breathe, to shake stagnant energy out of the body will work wonders for anyone’s mood. It will reduce stress and leave you feeling lighter in
mind and body. For that reason, I think it’s something everyone should try at least once. Whether it’s in a studio, in a park, in your spare bedroom or following a tutorial on Youtube. Give it a go and I’m sure you won’t look back.
Namaste.
Laura Fidell
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