International Yoga Day

Yoga – to join, unite or ‘yoke’

By Lee Patterson, Head of Strategy

My first Yoga class was at Center Parcs on New Year’s Day about 25 years ago. I managed to stop myself falling asleep on the yoga mat long enough to learn a few basic positions. After the class I felt both relaxed and invigorated and with less ‘aches and pains’ than after other forms of exercise.  

I attended further yoga classes but found I spent too much time people watching; I tried live virtual classes but needed a pause button and my glasses to understand the poses and positions. So over time by reading books, watching youtubers and having a Yoga mat with positions annotated on it, I have developed a routine of 10 positions plus meditation, which I do every day.  

The long term benefits of Yoga are widely known and while there are many different styles and philosophies of Yoga, the most important thing is to find a style that suits you and allow Yoga to become a habit that you enjoy.  

Here are a few tips if you are considering starting yoga. 

Meditation

Meditation is a key principle of yoga and while I can’t say that I have ever been in a meditative state, I can share a few tips on how I relax my mind. 

• Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted
• Sit comfortably in the cross-legged easy pose (Sukhasana) or the kneeling pose (Vajrasana)
• Close your eyes and relax your shoulders and arms
• Do not try and think of nothing! Instead focus on something very specific. For example, birdsong, rain against a window, crashing waves or flowing water. If listening to music, focus on a particular instrument such as the strum of a guitar or beat of a drum
• If your mind wanders, refocus on the specific sound you were listening to
• Notice your breathing. Use a square breathing technique to help you balance and control your breathing
• Cease your meditation by opening your eyes slowly and absorbing all the sights and sounds around you. Bring your mind and body back into the present 

NB. Meditation is not about falling asleep. I suggest you practice in an armchair if that is your goal! 

Practicing yoga is my personal space and I offer you 3 yoga quotes that I try and live by. 

“You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can control what goes on inside” 

“I bend, so I don’t break” 

“Yoga takes you into the present moment. The only place where life exists”