In every yoga class, there are opportunities to enhance your yoga class experience and make your yoga practice more meaningful. Here are three simple tips that can help you deepen your connection to yoga, making each session more fulfilling. These 3 tips can be done independently or together. Incorporate them as you see fit, and remember to keep your practice gentle and relaxed. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s perfectly okay.
Tip 1: Arrive 5 Minutes Early and Sit with Yourself
Arriving early to your yoga class is a simple way to get more out of your time on the yoga mat. Make it a habit to arrive at least 5 minutes before the class starts. This allows you to settle in and prepare mentally for the session ahead.
- Action Step: When you arrive, peacefully put away your belongings and sit on your mat. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, trying to bring it to a steady, perhaps slower pace. Take a few deep breaths, in and out.
- Alternatives: If sitting feels tiring, you can lie down in shavasana with your hands on your belly or try a supported child’s pose, taking at least 5 deep breaths.
Benefit: This practice will help you feel more grounded, calm, and centered, setting a positive tone for your class. Will ease the distractions of the day away.
Tip 2: Practice Mouna on Your Way Home
The time right after class is potent because you’ve just removed physical and pranic blockages from your body. To extend this rejuvenated feeling, try practicing a short period of mouna (silence).
- Action Step: After class, take a vow of silence for 20-30 minutes. This can include:
- Driving home in silence, without talking to anyone.
- Avoiding your cell phone or any screens for 30 minutes.
- Not listening to music, radio, podcasts, or speaking to anyone on the phone.
- Focusing on your breath and staying present.
- Not eating anything right after class (drinking water is okay).
- Minimizing eye contact with others and reducing mental chatter.
Benefit: Practicing mouna helps you maintain a stronger sense of inner silence and clarity, allowing you to be more at ease internally.
Tip 3: Spend Time in Reflection
Reflection is key to personal growth and deepening your yoga practice. Use the calm state from tips 1 and 2 to foster a habit of reflection.
- Action Step: Set aside a specific time each day for reflection. You can use the silence after class or create a separate ritual for this purpose.
- Reflect on your day and ask yourself: Where could I have responded better instead of reacting?
- Practice self-compassion during reflection. There is no ‘end’ goal; simply observe and learn.
- Over time, this practice helps you increase your ability to respond mindfully rather than react impulsively.
Benefit: Regular reflection enhances your self-awareness and emotional intelligence, leading to more mindful responses and a more thoughtful approach to life.
These three simple practices can transform your yoga experience. Start incorporating them into your routine, even if imperfectly, and notice the changes over a few weeks. You can even customize this ato suit your needs. Once you’ve practiced for a while, let us know how it’s working for you. Did any of the 1 of the 3 tips work better than others for you?
Sending joy,
Arundhati
