Q is for Quality

Alphabetical Benefits of Yoga: Q = Quality

Let's start with quality of breath. On average we take about 20,000 breaths a day. I never took any notice of my breath, then I started getting into yoga I made a huge 'confusing' discovery our ribcage EXPANDS when we INHALE and releases on the EXHALE. Since forever I thought we needed to suck in and up for a good inhale! This I now know is called reverse breathing, it can cause secondary muscles to work overtime, causing tightness and bringing the nervous system into a heightened sense of awareness which can be pretty exhausting 😴

Reverse breathing is no longer an issue for me but chest breathing can be. Shallow breathing (when we breathe into our chests) arises for me when I'm feeling overwhelmed, my practice has given me an awareness to DROP THE BREATH DOWN, this helps soothe the nervous system, calming the mind which helps me be a more grounded person, which lets face it increases the quality of life of those around me 😉

The movements of yoga improve our physiology, bone mass increases, we rediscover a greater range of movement. Muscles that support us become stronger... these are the obvious benefits which can help us enjoy our days with our loved ones.

We become more aware of how we're moving, standing or sitting. There's a famous yogi quote "issue in your tissues" Your body is your very own time capsule, it remembers movements, thoughts and feelings. Not just in your brain but throughout your whole body. A vague example: If you have been chronically worried in the past your body may be holding onto that worry, moulded into a particular posture. The initial worry may have been resolved a long time ago but the body still remembers which may mean the jaw still tenses, the shoulder still collapse in. Through movement and breath we can slowly release hidden tightness, enhancing our body, breath and mind which just may lead to a better quality of life for you and those in your life ♥️

“The body begins to form around the feelings that animate it, and the feelings, in turn, become habituated and trapped within the body tissue, itself.” Ken Dychtwald