Posts

Intuition and Connection

Your body is intuitive.

We are remarkably designed beings, capable of knowing physically, emotionally, and spiritually what we need and when we need it. Although sometimes difficult to remember or wrap our heads around, we are complete and perfectly molded.

Your body is not separate from your mind, which is not separated from your soul. Intuition flows seamlessly though these moving parts of each one of us, and we need only to pay attention to know the answer to this question: what do I need?

When our eyes feel tired, we close them and gift them rest. When our stomachs growl, we eat, and feel fulfilled. When we are sad, we shed tears, and become cleansed. We know, intuitively, how to care for ourselves, and by extension, others.

Even Albert Einstein, who of course is known as a scientist, has been quoted as saying: “I believe in intuition and inspirations…I sometimes feel that I am right.”

The practice of yoga helps us to connect the seemingly separate parts of ourselves, because it emphasizes connection. We use our breath to connect our muscles and our minds. We chant together to enrich and liven our souls; to connect to one another. We close our eyes and place a hand over our heart to connect everything that is us.

“Our minds influence the key activity of the brain, which then influences everything; perception, cognition, thoughts and feelings, personal relationships; they’re all a projection of you.” –Deepak Chopra

At Parallel Yoga, we like to help inspire connection within ourselves, as well as others and the community. If you’re new to our studio, we hope you leave your mat feeling above anything else, connected.

You and I and everyone within our studio—we are the same, and we are intuitively connected because we are divine.

Namaste.

 

 

Yoga: Body, Mind, and Soul

The practice of yoga is one that is personal to each who participates. Although there are many different types of studios that offer many different styles of yoga, there are 3 core entities that can’t be manipulated or ignored if yoga is truly practiced properly. To fully embrace everything that yoga has to offer, the focus must be equal on the following:

Body

Yes, yoga is good for your body. It helps to stretch and pull and bend the muscles and ligaments that are often overlooked. Postures assist with strength, balance, and increased blood flow. Your body reaps the rewards of increased lymph drainage and circulation to the extremities that are typically forgotten.

For these reasons, your body is thankful for your practice.

Mind

In yoga, we are taught to breathe mindfully and look within. We learn patience and self-love, acceptance for what we cannot change, and the joy of bettering ourselves for ourselves—not for anyone else. We learn to direct negative thoughts and kiss them goodbye, and we consciously allow ourselves to have the patience and humility that we need in order to grow and receive light.

For these reasons, your mind is thankful for your practice.

Soul

Yoga is not just about those who practice it—it’s about recognizing the strength we have as a community and the love we are able to show one another. It’s about togetherness, support, and oneness. Through the practice of yoga, we evoke our connection to the earth and to each other.

For these reasons, your soul is thankful for your practice.

So there may be different ways to approach the practice of yoga and different teaching styles, but in its essence, we can’t forget that yoga isn’t just about ‘getting a better bikini body’ or competing for ‘most toned abs’. Yoga is about finding ourselves—our true selves—and reaping the rewards along the way.

Body. Mind. Soul.

What does yoga mean to you?