5 Ways to Practice Mindfulness on Your Mat

1.  Remove all Distractions from your Practice Area

It may be difficult, but don’t bring your cell phone into class unless you absolutely must!  Cell phones and electronics are an easy way to get distracted during class.  Even seeing a missed call could send your mind into a completely different headspace.  Allow yourself the full time of the class to truly disconnect from the outside world.  Anything outside of your practice will still be there when you get out.

2.  Know that your Practice is not a Competition

Your yoga practice is just that – a practice.  It is not a time to compete with your neighbor for who can lift their leg higher or balance longer.  Often times we get so caught up in what shape we ‘should’ be making that we forget that yoga is all about how you feel.  Try to focus on your own practice, and what makes you feel good in your body.

3.  Spend Time in Savasana

Savasana is the meditation/resting period at the end of your practice.  It may sound crazy, but this posture is often the most difficult for people to stay in.  Once your body becomes still, it’s easy for your mind to start to wander.  The end of class can also trigger your mind to start thinking about all the things that come next in your day.  During savasana, allow your body to completely relax and absorb the benefits of your practice. If you find that your mind still wanders off, try focusing on your breath and counting to 5 with each inhale, and then again to 5 with each exhale.

4.  Listen to Your Body

A huge part of practicing mindfulness is listening to your body. Rather than forcing your body into physical movements that don’t feel good, stay connected to your breath and notice when you need to take a break. Trying to get into postures that you are not ready for can be frustrating and lead your mind to start thinking negatively. If something hurts or is painful, you always have the option to modify or come to child’s pose and take a break.

5.  Allow Yourself to Truly Enjoy the Practice -- Let Go of Negative Thoughts

Try to distance yourself from any specific goals from your practice (Example: losing weight, getting into a certain pose, being more flexible, etc.).  While personal goals are great, it can also lead you to push yourself too hard or solely focus on that goal instead of feeling good in your own body.  Allow yourself that time just to let go and be the best you can be. Everything else will fall into place.

Sirsasana I (Headstand Pose)

Benefits: As with many of the inversion poses, when your brain needs to find peace, this is a pose to take away mind-fog, relieves stress, and boost your energy. It strengthens your arms, lungs, and core. 

How it's done:

• Kneel down
• Interlace your hands, bend down and place them on the mat in front of you.  Your hands will cup your head.  Tuck pinky if you tend to roll on it, or it makes your pose unsteady
• Position your elbows so they are shoulder-width apart.
• Come up to your toes and walk up into a dolphin-like pose.  Go up to your tippy toes. 
• You can bring one knee, or both into your chest.  Find your balance. 
• Slowly raise legs one at a time, or both together up to the sky. 
• Your ankles should be over your knees, your knees over your hips, and your hips over your shoulders.

Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose with Mermaid Bind Pose)

Benefits: This iconic pose provides an all-around body stretch - thighs, hamstrings, calves, arms, shoulders, hips, and abdomen while helping you develop core balance. 

How it's done:

• As an intermediate pose, this is one that you work into as your body learns its abilities. You won't be perfect the first time, but each time you will grow in confidence. Click the picture to watch a video for full instruction on this pose.

Savasana (Corpse Pose)

Benefits: This is the great calming pose.  The pose that everyone looks forward to at the end of yoga class.  It calms and quiets the mind, relieves stress, and relaxes you. 

How it's done:

• You may want to put on socks, or a sweater to stay warm 
• Lie flat on your back
• Hands at your sides, palms up facing the sky, in a comfortable position
• Your shoulders are pulled back and under
• Legs are straight, open, and relaxed
• Close your eyes
• The focus is on your breathing and relaxing all the muscles of your body.
• You may rest your head on a blanket, and/or cover your eyes with a lavender infused mask if you wish