Yoga: Breathe in the Air

 

Posing for a photo before the session starts –  Credits to Ms. Rachel

This year i decided to join yoga as although i will be continuing cycling, I know that without that feeling of impending doom, I will not actually cycle as frequently and as vigorously. Nevertheless many of my trips within a 5 km radius are undertaken using a bicycle.

I have been to two sessions as of yet and i have a good grasp on really what yoga is all about. Rather than being purely physical, yoga intends to help you live a healthier life. Our instructor frequently gives us many pieces of information that basically tells us how to improve our well being in small ways such as doing a small warm up routine every morning to get ready for the day that not only increases your flexibility, but also your metabolism, attitude, focus and many others.

I also learned that for many years i have been breathing wrong – through the chest not the stomach which surprised me as i didn’t even know it was something you could get wrong. Breathing is a vital part of yoga with every inhale and exhale being carefully choreographed to your movements. Meditation is also a big part of it where you try and clear your mind and get as relaxed as you can, even so far as to fall asleep. The regular pose is shown in the picture below with the mudra (symbolic gesture) of the index finger and thumb touching as it is believed to be connecting nerve endings in the tips of your fingers, with this particular mudra reflecting knowledge.

Credits to our Yoga Instructor Ms. Rachel