Yoga, Breath and Meditation by Natalia

Introduction: In addition to the standard yoga practice suited and built to cater the needs of each individual student I also incorporate different pranayama or breathing techniques that can be used on and off the mat. These techniques range from body warmers that build up heat and energy in the body to increase the heart-beat ( a sort of yogic cardio routine) to relaxing breaths that calm the mind and release tension. These can be used on a daily basis outside of the class. I also incorporate meditation techniques that the student can practice outside of the class if it’s something they are interested in pursuing. I love watching my students improve over time. No matter what their goal is: weight loss, strengthening, relaxation, relieving injuries, relieving stress, prenatal, postnatal, or so many other individual needs all of the students evolve in their own unique way. In some the physical change is noticeable in their improvement with every class or a specific pose, in others it’s an internal change they notice outside of the class that can be manifested as anything from emotions, to stress relief, to anger management, or just more peace in their day. Being able to watch students improve themselves with tools I’ve shown them is incredibly gratifying; even more when the student can see that difference in themselves.