In a yoga class, being fully aware of the present moment, i.e. feeling and observing what is happening in the moment without judgment, is often (but not often enough) automatic. It frequently happens when we adjust our position: the stretching of a muscle, the contraction of another, the breath momentarily found in the body. And then we lose it: we analyze our position, we wonder if we are doing it right, we remember that we should buy stamps after class ... these fleeting th

Try to do this exercise now taking time with each point. It should only take 5-10 minutes (although you can take longer if you want): Find a comfortable sitting position (on a chair, on the floor, on a cushion). Feel your sit bones, sharp bones of the buttocks, (and feet on the ground if you are sitting in a chair) anchor you to the ground. Feel your spine lengthen, your shoulders relaxed down your back, and the top of the skull joining you to the sky. Find your breath in you

​ To get out of position, bend your knees and place them on the ground. Benefits • Energizes the body and relaxes the mind • Strengthens the arms and shoulders and the feet, ankles, thighs, abs and back • Stretches the hamstrings and back muscles • Stretches, tones and lengthens the spine • May help relieve headaches (when supporting the head with a block or pad), insomnia, back pain Precautions and contra-indications • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Uncontrolled hypertensio

The practice of yoga can be much more than a series of postures or breathing exercises as explained in the article on the Yoga Sutras. The ethical practices (Yamas) and personal practices (Niyamas) suggested by the Yoga Sutras are precepts that can help us in life and in a yoga class. Ultimately their practice gives us a more authentic, rich and happy life. The Yamas: • Ahimsa - do no harm: to the other or to ourselves. See article on the importance of Ahimsa. • Satya - be