Words by guest writer, Maryanne Edwards, Yoga Alliance
How Yoga rejuvenates your entire system (including your skin).
First of all, we know that when our mind comes into a gentle presence, not too intently focused but more aware and relaxed our brain starts to produce Alpha Waves. The presence of this slowing, rolling brain activity is a signal to the entire system that we are alert yet calm. The perfect state to restore and balance our nervous system along with many other key functions of our bodies. Plus, it’s accessible in our waking hours, so while sleep hosts an abundance of rejuvenating properties we can also be repairing and nourishing our body on the go.
If you’ve been to a yoga class before there’s a good chance it involved some movement and stretching, an even higher chance it involved slower than usual breathing. There may have been some moments that were physically challenging, where you attempted to stay calm and breathe. It probably culminated in a posture called Savasana that is more-or-less conscious rest. For many of us the physical exertion that precedes Savasana is designed to help us relax, to prepare us for the recalibrating medicine that our body distributes when we lay comfortably with not only our brain rolling in gentle waves but the waves of sensation that course through our limbs – much like our blood doing the rounds distributing oxygen to all parts of the body.
The physical practices of yoga usually revolve around unlocking tension in the spine and creating a sense of freedom in our daily movements. Essentially, it’s about creating space. If we take pressure off anything, such as the spinal tissues, we give the material a chance to breathe, to open and to accept nutrients for it’s repair or maintenance.
While there are many detailed claims for the benefits of each yoga pose or breathing exercise, the more valuable resource is your own direct experience. For example you could add Savasana to the end of your next work out and notice how you feel after just a few minutes resting wakefully. You could take some breaths to the count of 4 in and 4 out a few rounds and then notice how you feel. You could lay on the ground and curve your spine in different directions, side bends, twisting, rolling bridges, notice how you feel.
Noticing how you feel without judging it as good or bad is what aligns our attention with our present experience. Notice how you can be reading this AND aware of your own breathing. Our bodies are incredibly intelligent, sensitive and resilient. As we create space in the body through yoga we allow the innate intelligence to come forth – healing, balancing and rejuvenating our entire being.
Why Yoga rejuvenates your entire system (including your skin).
First of all we know that when our mind comes into a gentle presence, not too intently focused but more aware and relaxed our brain starts to produce Alpha Waves. The presence of this rolling medium paced brain activity is a signal to the entire system that we are alert yet calm. The perfect state to restore and balance our nervous system along with many other key functions of our bodies. Plus it’s accessible in our waking hours, so while sleep hosts an abundance of rejuvenating properties we can also be repairing and nourishing our body on the go.
If you’ve been to a yoga class before there’s a good chance it involved some movement and stretching, an even higher chance it involved slower than usual breathing. There may have been some moments that were physically challenging, where you attempted to stay calm and breathe. It probably culminated in a posture called Savasana that is basically conscious rest. For many of us the physical exertion that precedes Savasana is designed to help us be able to relax, to prepare us for the recalibrating medicine that our body distributes when we lay comfortably with not only our brain rolling in gentle waves but the waves of sensation that course through our limbs – much like our blood doing the rounds distributing oxygen to all parts of the body.
The physical practices of Yoga usually revolve around unlocking tension in the spine and creating a sense of freedom in our daily movements. Essentially it’s about creating space. If we take pressure off anything, such as the spinal tissues, we give the material a chance to breathe, to open and to accept nutrients for it’s repair or maintenance.
While there are many detailed claims for the benefits of each yoga pose or breathing exercise, the more valuable resource is your own direct experience. For example you could add Savasana to the end of your next work out and notice how you feel after just a few minutes resting wakefully. You could take some breaths to the count of 4 in and 4 out a few rounds and then notice how you feel. You could lay on the ground and curve your spine in different directions, side bends, twisting, rolling bridges, notice how you feel.
Noticing how you feel without judging it as good or bad is what aligns our attention with ouguer present experience. Notice how you can be reading this AND aware of your own breathing. Our bodies are incredibly intelligent, sensitive and resilient. As we create space in the body through Yoga we allow the innate intelligence to come forth – healing, balancing and rejuvenating our entire being.
About Maryanne
Maryanne Edwards has spent the last 7 years studying various forms of yoga and self-development. She teaches vinyasa and yin yoga classes around Sydney, as well as leading teacher trainings and workshops. Maryanne believes in the power of these art forms to cultivate a steady calm interior to support you through the dynamic – often chaotic – world we live in. Maryanne is registered with Yoga Alliance as an experienced 500 hour teacher as well as a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider. Maryanne is also a certified Embodied Flow and Embodied Flow Yin teacher.