Chop chop, busy busy, work work, bang bang!
You’d probably think that stillness comes easily to me – since I’m a yoga teacher.
No, not at all! I resist it – There’s a deep restlessness in my being that is hard to describe (Although it makes sense since I discovered I have adhd.)
I have a constant urge to be somewhere else, to move, a stirring and distractedness, every time I pause for ‘stillness’.
I’ve studied meditation, bought books and programs, and yet, I am constantly challenged by stillness.
But, that doesn’t mean I don’t do it, or that I can’t do it! Each of us can find an entry point to get into the flow, to let go of the oars and become still.
Breath is our biggest ally, and luckily I find that bit easy. My breath capacity is good and it helps me find a place to ‘get into the river’.
However, I notice for many, that’s not the case.
Yoga can really help. Yogic breath patterns are more useful than anything else I have found to enhance breathing technique and lung capacity and crucially, get into a place of stillness.
Yogic breathing is very pacifying for the nervous system, affecting vagal tone, which in turn offers many health benefits.
Vinyasa yoga, one of the styles of yoga I teach, marries the breath with movement. It can be challenging to begin with, but most satisfying and effective with practice, increasing vagal tone, and activating the parasympathetic nervous system which in turn increases the ability to relax more effectively after stress.
It also contributes to cardiac regulation, increased self-awareness and generally enhances health and well-being, physically, mentally and emotionally.
Who knew!
One simple thing you can do for yourself to start the journey … notice where your inhale lands in your body and whether you breathe through your nose or your mouth?
Let me know below 
And, if you’re interested in more yoga ‘stuff’ and more conversation, join me at my FB page …