'Yoga' is such a small word for such a deeply layered practice. You can't take out one element of it and gain all of the benefits. So, for example, you can't just do Breathwork or Mindfulness and feel the holistic benefits which touch every part of your life.

In simple terms, Yoga means Union - the union of all parts of oneself. And that can only comes about with a beautiful combination of movement, stretching, strengthening, breathing fully and synchronising breath and movement, concentration to quiet the mind enough for peaceful contemplation, seated meditation with hand gestures and inner awareness, deep relaxation and soulful inner enquiry.

If you are looking to improve any aspect of your life (See List Below!) then the best, best, best way to do that is to start weekly yoga classes. And take it from there. Committing to turning up to class, week in, week out, whether you feel like it or not, is the foundation of a life where you put your well-being at the top of your To-Do list.

Find a class near you, read testimonials, talk to the teachers, find a good fit for what your needs are, wherever you are in your life right now. And if you don't feel ready to join a class, book a One2One and have time with an experienced teacher to ask questions and go through some of the basic postures.

I have created this list to highlight the benefits that I feel come from regularly doing Yoga postures, Breathwork, Meditation, Mudras, Yoga Nidra, and Relaxation.

INCREASED

Flexibility and Strength

Alignment of the whole musco-skeletal system

Digestion and Assimilation

Sleep Quality

Mental and Emotional Resilience

Ability to Rest and Restore

Immune System

Posture and Core Strength

Breathing and therefore Oxygenation of all Organs

Feeling of Self-Worth, Personal Power and Purpose

Connection to Intuition and Inner Strength

Blood Flow and Circulation

Better Choices to create a more Balanced Lifestyle

REDUCED

Stress Response

Anxiety Levels

Low Mood and Depression

Injuries due to improved Balance

Drive to over-achieve and burn-out.

I think that's a pretty good list! Worth a shot?!

ALSO - please know that you don't have to be young, slim and bendy to do yoga! You don't have the 'be' anything. Yoga is for everybody and you just come as you are, with whatever life is throwing at you and you step in to a safe space to begin a journey of inner / outer connection, of mind / body alignment. I don't ask my students to focus on me, at the front of the class. I ask them to close their eyes and focus on their own breath, body, emotions, what feels right in this moment and what does not. With no judgement. All is welcome and all is honoured.

If you live in North Wales, I would love to talk to you about starting yoga classes with me.

Here are my class times and venues.

Tuesdays – 10.00 - 11.30am in St. Grwst Church, Llanrwst

Wednesdays – 6.30 - 8.00pm in Llanrhos Old School

Thursdays – 10.00 - 11.30am in Llanrhos Old School

Thursdays – 12.30 - 2.00pm in Llanrhos Old School

Bookings: https://bookwhen.com/omyoganor...

Questions: kate@omyoganorthwales.co.uk