Reflecting on this term's yoga

This term of classes has flown by. Kids and those who work in education have been hard at it for 8 weeks and next week is half term. We've also done a lot with our yoga practice over the last 8 weeks. It is good to reflect on what we have been doing. 
 
Each term always has challenges and discoveries to explore and new ways to help you feel more established in your practice. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner. 
 
This term has built strength, technique, stability, insight and depth. Getting familiar with the posture set and breath, which in turn helps our focus and clarity of mind to become more tranquil.
 
 
Physical development
At one level, the poses have progressed to become either more adaptive or more demanding, and more precise as we get to grips with what we are doing. This term we have strengthened our backs, knees, core and hips in particular.
 
At the start of term, each of us had to discover what was possible as a starting point. Gradually strength and stability are embodied and you to start to feel more spacious and confident in your practice (and throughout the rest of your day). Thank you for bearing with the challenge of locust pose over so many weeks! No-one's favourite I suspect. But it will have left us all with stronger posture and breath, and at less risk of injury going forwards.
Hurrah and well done!
 
Breath development
At another level, our breath has developed. The exhalation has been encouraged to lengthen and become smoother, which in turn will calm the mind and nervous system. We've learnt a wonderful balancing pranayama technique and spent several weeks becoming more proficient. I often go to classes where pranayama is sprinkled in without much introduction and the technique and refinement leaves you hoping for the best.
 
Once learned properly, the 'deer' hand mudra needed, the quality of inhale and exhale, and familiarity with the pattern alllow you to settle into a much more subtle practice. You need to get past the initial 'this is curious' stage of trying things, to allow these ancient techniques to become subtle, absorbing and thereby more effective at the rebalance, clarity and calm they can invoke.
 
Calm, spacious presence
We've all felt it. We can't really put a name to it. That wonderful quality that arises in moments during our practice, or at the end when we sit or lie down, or as we go back into the rest of our day feeling lighter and more open.
 
What we cultivate during our practice is a connection to a quiet, calm space that is ever-present within us but that gets cluttered over by the day-to-day 'stuff'. This regular reconnection appreciates over time. It becomes easier to be calm and present, on and off the mat. It gradually gets to be our default setting as we go about our day. And ultimately helps us feel better about ourselves, our lives and cope with whatever comes our way.
 
 
I hope you have enjoyed this term.
As you know, each class is stand-alone too, but taken over the weeks you have experienced the progress and depth that can develop.
 
As always, come and chat about anything that you find confusing. As teachers we are all here to help guide you towards the benefits, and help you overcome the obstacles that we all encounter along the way.