Breath and Well-Being!

We all know that it is important to take care of ourselves, going to doctors and eating well.   Do we ever connect that our health revolves around our mind, body and spirit?    That is what practicing Yoga is all about building a connection with our mind, body and spirit.   Practicing Yoga is not only a physical practice that helps you get your body into shape and achieve more flexibility and strength, the practice of the asana in class helps you get your body ready to meditate.  Not only do you see a change in your body but you experience a change in your mind as well.  Over time your practice changes your mind and thoughts.  You begin to see things clearer and you learn how to relax and calm the mind. 

Another important part of the practice of yoga is when you incorporate your pranayama practice (Breath).  So when you focus on the breath, whether you are in the mix of your physical practice or just meditating, breath keeps you grounded and links your mind, body, spirit together using breath.  By just breathing you calm the mind, relax the nervous system and release toxins in the body.  Whether you are on your mat practicing or off, it is so important to “just breathe”.

Remember that your thoughts and stress can actually make you sick, weakening the immune system and create inflammation in your body.  This can lead to all kinds of problems like colds, sleep disorders, eating issues, heart disease and cancer.  When you practice yoga you are releasing that tension and stress and with breath bring vital oxygen to the organs.  You are also releasing toxins in the body that can make you sick.  The practice brings down the inflammation by moving the body in a natural way.

So let’s take time every day to move, breathe and meditate.  Even if it is 5 minutes every day, from there you can make your yoga practice your own.  Remember take time for yourself, be in tune with your well-being and remember to breathe!!

NAMASTE :) Donna Mezzina

Donna Mezzina is a registered yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance and trained at Inner Light Yoga Studio.  She has extensive teacher training with senior teacher Sean Corne in Vinyasa Flow, as well as workshops with Kino Macgregor (Ashtanga), Sharon Gannon and David Life (Jivamukti), Dharma Mittra and Doug Swenson (Ashtanga).   Donna has been practicing yoga for 10 years and has been teaching since 2007.    She shares her down to earth and easy going style to her classes.  She feels that finding inner peace and serenity is the greatest gift a teacher can give.

Yoga Plus Herbs, Marlboro Plaza, Intersection of Rte 9 and Rte 520 in Marlboro, NJ 07726, 732-617-2020, http://www.yogaplusherbs.com/, info at yogaplusherbs dot com