A Yogi Shares What Yoga Means to Her + 3 Favourite Poses
WHAT YOGA MEANS TO ME
When I first started Yoga it was all about the physical practice, but I came to learn the physical element was just a vehicle for what I really experienced deep down… an inner peace that was simply indescribable.
True peace. Calm. Mind, body, spirit awareness. An awareness of a universe so far outside of myself and beyond myself. Beyond everything I go through, to just coming into my own as a human and trying to figure it all out.
Yoga and meditation help me maintain power and control over my mind. Because when we have that power and control, we can greatly reduce our own suffering and find inner peace. It has taught me a ton about myself and opened my eyes to an entirely different side of who I am. The side of me that loves to teach, connects with deeply rooted spirituality, thinks less and trusts my gut, allows my intuition to lead the way, and so much more.
It’s about what happens internally that keeps me sane, keeps me coming back for more, and makes me so incredibly grateful that I found this practice.
3 YOGA POSES THAT MAKE MY WORLD GO AROUND
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, a.k.a Upward Facing Dog
I love this pose for so many reasons. First, it’s a nice, restorative backbend that strengthens your arm, vertebrae and wrists. It’s a great stretch for your shoulders, abdomen, upper back and even your lungs. Hold for about 10 deep breaths or as long as it feels good.
Utthita Trikonasana, a.k.a Triangle Pose
THIS is my #1 favourite pose. Triangle is an incredible release along the chest, upper back and shoulder blades. It is also a great stretch for your thighs and hips. I love Triangle the most for the hip benefits, actually, because every time I get into the pose I feel my hips opening up (and I hear them… I’m a crack-er), and it feels AMAZING. Breathe, and enjoy the stretch! I also like the stretch/roll out my neck in this pose because it allows me to get super deep.
Urdhva Dhanurasana, a.k.a Wheel Pose
Ahhh, wheel pose. If you’re a gymnast, you’re probably used to calling this Bridge Pose. But in yoga, Bridge is different from Wheel in that the shoulders, neck and head stay on the floor. You can practice Bridge until you are comfortable trying Wheel. Wheel feels freaking awesome. It is the ultimate heart opener. It’s an intense pose, so allow yourself to feel that. I usually like to stay up for 5-10 breaths, and come up about 3-5 times in a row. Heart OPENER, baby.
About the Author: Kirsten Scott
Kirsten is a Bondi based Holistic Health Coach, Certified Yoga and Meditation Instructor with a passion for all things wellness. When she isn't caught up working with clients you can find Kirsten on her yoga mat, swimming down at Bondi Beach, sipping on green smoothies and laughing way too hard at her own jokes.
Instagram: @kirstenscotthealth / Facebook: Natural Power Fitness