it helps us to prevent injury. We see many athletes embracing the practice of yoga for these very reasons. Often we come to the mat for its physical benefits but when upon the mat an internal shift occurs. We find a sense of reprieve and relief. Feelings of wellness and wholeness prevail. Here we let go of the stress of having to do our best and allow our best to be, to shine from within.

With yoga’s non-competitive approach we learn with ease and joy to achieve the maximum results with a minimum expenditure of energy. Mind is quiet all energy is free to flow through breath and body. The goal is; there is no goal.  Discovering a refreshing approach to an activity, being in the movement (and the moment) and not just doing the movement. Maybe Nike should change their slogan to “Just be it”. The achievement in yoga is not what we see outwardly in the pose rather how we feel inwardly; being present in the pose. The posture is not as important as the constancy of practise and the commitment to self. If a pose is elusive to someone patience and perseverance will prevail. There is always something to gain from each experience. Often the pose we dislike the most is the one that has the greatest possibility of growth and learning for us. A regular practice supports the realization of full potential. Yoga has much to offer each one of us. Yoga is a direct experience of the extensive interconnectivity of life and all things. The practice leads us along and to a path of peace and core- elation.  At the end of class there is a natural realignment within the body which expands to a natural realignment of perception of life and who you truly are. This is a gift that can be shared with the world one yogi at a time. 

Taking a less competitive approach can be a relief to kids in a world that always demands. Athletes of all levels and all ages feel varying degrees of anxiety/pressure before and during competition. The source of these pressures may stem from external expectations (such as approval from a parent, team mate or coach) as well as from internal expectations. A yogi’s still mind offers a welcome respite from the menacing self talk and critique that accompanies most physical performance. A mind free of mental obstacles enhances the athlete’s opportunity to attain full performance potential. Along with refining focus is the opportunity to build confidence through the repetition of yoga postures. Certain yoga poses foster a sense of confidence and focus (crow, proud warrior, firefly to name a few). When a practitioner comes face-to-face with a challenging pose, the goal is no goal; this is where we score big. Letting go of the expectation embracing the situation and inviting the pose to unfold exactly how the body wishes to express itself. Ahhh a sense of freedom is found within. 

Performance Enhancing Shrugs….Let the self talk go, feel the shoulders soften and the body melt one breath at a time. Awareness to breath brings about mindfulness.

On an inhale (through the nose) draw the shoulders up to the ears and squeeze, tightly, tensely and then on the exhale let it all go shoulders roll back and downward breath flows (out through the mouth) with a long audible sigh. Aahhhhhhhhhhh. Feel the tension leave, the mind still and the body  wilt. Repeat this a number of times until you feel yourself become like pudding (whatever flavour you like best). Mmmmm, enjoy.

Shanti.