Today, we took a yoga class as one of our team activities on our work retreat. These are two things we DID NOT do. We are beginners at Yoga and did an hour of meditative Yoga. The hour-long class was a positive experience for all of us. We return on Thursday 
and are eager to learn more about what we experienced. Tonight at dinner, we talked about how the process of Yoga challenged us in ways we did not expect. Sometimes, it was about our balance or flexibility, but more often, it was about something deeper within us. The invitation to release our thoughts and tension and bring peace and kindness to our bodies and minds. One segment of the workout was thinking about ourselves and speaking a kind message to ourselves.
What I walked away with was not new, but a reminder was definitely needed. I have been thinking about the importance and power of breathing since our session ended this afternoon.We started with an awareness of our breath. We went into feeling our breath in our lungs, inhaling and exhaling. We held certain poses for a certain number of breaths. We learned about the power of breathing and the extreme goodness it does for our mind, body, and soul.
I have come off of a year of a failed double Achilles surgery and double knee replacement, and now have one of two Achilles surgeries completed. Six surgeries in the last year have left me feeling tight, limited in my mobility, and discouraged with my fitness goals. One yoga session today did not propel me into success, but it did remind me of what my body is capable of. It reminded me how much restorative healing can happen through simple movement and the decisive exercise of paying attention to my breath!
How aware are you of your breath?
Pay attention today.
When is your jaw clenched?
When are you breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth?
When do you slow down your reactive nature with a slow, calming breath?
Be kind to yourself today in your thoughts and actions and
❤️ trish