Finishing your yoga practice

CLOSING YOUR PRACTICE

Most of us know well the feeling that envelopes us at the end of a yoga practice. Be it joy, fatigue, restlessness or pure light, this time is one of going inward.

It is very important to stay connected to your practice during this time. Many yoga students have the tendency to start to think a lot around the end of a yoga practice. I, myself, have often been guilty of this.

A complete yoga practice is one where the student is present from the beginning to the end of the practice. Taking the time to cherish each breath, be they long or short.

Now, when is considered the closing of a practice. I see it as after the back bending session or the spine awakening has taken place. Nearing the end of your practice you may begin to notice a change in your mood and state of being – a newfound sense of calm, clarity and a feeling of heightened perception. These are the effects of yoga at work, a very gentle awakening of spiritual consciousness.

Shoulder stand and head stand are postures that are considered the king and queen of a yoga practice. Shoulder stand is a posture that I find difficult most times but if I persist it really only takes me about 10 breaths to find my surrender and be at one with this pose.

Shoulder stand is a fantastic tool for calming the mind and focusing the breath. It is also a wonderful way to activate the tummy muscles and align the spine. Take the time to find the right position for your shoulders, are they both making contact with the floor in alignment with your neck. Is the big bone at the back of your neck resting on the floor? If not, try a blanket or two and let that blanket support your neck and shoulders.

Now that you are in the correct position begin to rest your mind on the breath. In and out, up and down. This posture will calm and slow the body without you even realizing it if you welcome the breath and its passage in and out. Toes pointed toward the heavens. Considered the queen of all postures, it soothes and nourishes the entire body and strengthens the nervous system.

Head stand is also often referred to as the king of all postures or even the father of them all. Being on the head for some time draws the blood from the heart and it flows through the brain bringing with it clarity and mental vitality. This is a very empowering pose which develops strength and confidence on a physical and emotional level.

These two postures begin the closing of a practice and I can only recommend they are practiced with sincerity and awareness. Our bodies are truly amazing and deserve the attention and gratitude available to them.

Sitting comfortably at the end of a practice and focusing on the breathing will bring with it a renewed sense of clarity and spirit. Yoga is a truly remarkable tool for accessing our own character and finding peace with that. How many times have we all struggled to find ourselves and our own feelings about life.

Yoga brings with it a renewed sense of self and staying present right until the end of your yoga practice will allow this sense of self to appear and stay with you long after you leave the sanctuary of your practice.