Here are a few general things to think about when you’re
practicing, regardless of the pose you’re in:
Stay connected to the breath. When you feel your mindwandering, don’t become frustrated but simply let that be a
reminder for you to come back to the breath. Over and over
again.
Keep the spine long. Think about the crown of your head as anextension of the spine—never tip the entire head back but be
conscious to keep space for the neck.
Relax your face and your hands. When we’re in long holds ordeep stretches we sometimes unconsciously transfer tightness
from one part of the body to another. Notice if you’re making
fists with your hands or clenching your jaw. Relax. Soften.
Release.
Every time emotions pop up in our practice it means that yourbody is releasing emotional tension that’s been stuck in certain
body parts. It’s absolutely natural to cry on your yoga mat—I do
it all the time! Our yoga mat is a place of silence where we
wholeheartedly can give ourselves the time we need to feel, and
it’s not uncommon for strong emotions to surface. Let it be! Cry
when you need to. Allow the heart to open and your body to let
go. Inhale to create space where space is needed. Exhale and
release anything you might have been holding on to that is no