Over the last few years, regular yoga practice has found its place in our increasingly busy lives. Many people are making it part of their daily or weekly routine, seeing not only physical benefits but also an improvement in their mental state. For many, yoga is more than just exercise, it’s a way to relieve the mind. Yoga even has its own special day dedicated to it; International Yoga Day on the 21 June.
To see what all the fuss is about, I sat down with Yogi Leesa Constantine who shares with us some of the best things about performing regular yoga.
Before we begin, let’s here a little about Leesa’s Yoga Journey:
“Yoga has been a part of my life for the past 40 years. I started young, in my teens and it’s been a wonderful part of my evolution on this planet. The Yogic lifestyles reminds me that everything is connected, and we all have our path to stay in connection with ourselves, each other, nature, the planet and the Divine.”
After many years of watching Swami Sarasvati on TV in her black leotard, Yoga become more ‘mainstream’ and Leesa began formal classes, including the lineage of Iyengar Hatha yoga , which is the practice of precision, paying close attention to anatomical details and the alignment of each posture.
“I also explored Prana Vinyasa flow, a creative, energetic and fluid form of vinyasa, prana flow is guided by the flow of pranic energy through the body resulting in near- continuous movement, likened to a moving meditation.”
“Kundalini Yoga is a favourite for me, a multi-dimensional spiritual practice which uses dynamic rhythmic movements, breath work and sound to stimulate and move energy through the body. Alternating between exercises known as kriyas, and short periods of relaxation, this practices has been known to release stored emotions.”
Is yoga really for everyone?
In my opinion, I believe yoga is for everyone as there are so many different styles and variations out there now; it does cater for everyone’s needs. I feel the more people practice yoga and integrate yogic principles in their daily lives, the more love and light we spread through out the world. Yoga can make every aspect of your life better, and that can create an outward ripple effect on your family friends your workplace and the community.
What are the benefits a person can expect with Yoga?
A general improvement in well being overall. Yoga works on mind body and soul, strengthening toning and having more flexibility in the body. It builds a heightened feeling of positivity and deeply rejuvenating, oxygenating blood to internal organs glands nervous system and calming the mind chatter.
Yoga means Union, yoga is the union of the body, mind emotions and intellect.
Not enjoying your usual yoga class, maybe it’s not the style for you...
Firstly you have to find the right style and class for you, and there are lots of options out there.
You need to consider your reasons for practising, a sweaty workout or restorative benefits or relief from back pain? Truth is, you may not even know what you are looking for until you start trying on styles, however, you will know when you have found the yoga that is right for you.
How do you know if it’s working
Be mindful of how your body feels during and after class, pay attention to emotional and mental shifts and notice what inspires you, whether you have checked out and lost interest.
It’s important for a student to find the yoga that they resonate with, there is no right and wrong superior or inferior style, just what is a good fit for you.
About Leesa
Leesa Constantine is a naturopath, hoslitic health coach and energy medicine practitioner who is passionate about living a healthy clean natural lifestyle to enhance one’s quality of life and well being. She travels extensively, attending conferences retreats and workshops all over the world always learning more about new innovations and discoveries in the health and wellness realm. She facilities workshops in Australia for women who need time out from busy schedules and simply need a day to unwind with yoga, qi gong meditation and mindfulness practices.
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