Maybe Move Less?

Happy International Yoga Day and Summer Solstice week, folks!!

Team MFML at International Yoga Day in London

All these long summer days and nights makes me just want to keep moving, it really does feel wonderful to move more and move more often, moving body and mind – especially in the beautiful long, summer days. Movement for Modern Life can be the perfect antidote to our often sedentary and overwhelmingly busy lives.

I don’t think that there is a better way to move than yoga, which moves our bodies and breath in every single way. Yoga has an almost magical effect on our bodies, on our nervous systems, on our minds. Did you check out my summary in the blog on the Health Benefits of Yoga? But especially when the days are so long and can be so demanding, maybe it’s time to think about, should we always move more? Especially those guys, those gym-bunnies, and work-out folks – do you need to move more, really?

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m so stressed and over-whelmed and frankly exhausted that flowing vinyasa or strengthening classes are what I’d go for – because I’m so twitchy – but are they always what I need? Maybe my nervous system needs a bit less excitement than the stronger practices would offer. Maybe what I really need is to check in with myself, find some quiet time, some peace.

I have been rather late finding Yin – I’ve been practicing yoga for over 20 years and it has to be said, I didn’t really know or appreciate it for the last two decades. But right now, it’s absolutely perfect. And what I really love about yin is that it’s just so grounding, so calming. My nervous system feels so nourished and my mind feels so much more spacious after practicing yin.

And it’s the perfect practice to do at home. Sometimes it can be nice to feel a group energy in a vinyasa or more dynamic class. But for Yin, I personally love to feel more grounded, slower and centred. For me, this is best done in the comfort of my own home, in my PJ’s, with my favourite candles lit.

Often, those of us who feel the need to yin should be doing something more dynamic to build up their inner fire. And those who run on adrenaline and are really focused on our goals often give Yin a miss. How about you give your body and mind what you need, not what you want? And if it’s yin that you need, we have the next in Norman’s amazing series of Yin, which I hope you really enjoy.

Also this week, we’re so proud to introduce a brand new Post-Natal Series with our awesome Sally Parkes. There’s just not enough support for all those new mummies out there, so this is for them. Enjoy it yourself or share it with someone who needs it – subscribers get 50% off gift subscriptions here!