_ Mindfulness is a focused non-judgmental awareness of each moment—being fully present in the now. Cultivating mindfulness transmutes yoga asana practice from the purely physical to that of a moving meditation.

The breath is a powerful tool to bring about mindfulness.  Vinyasa flow practice engages Ujaayi (victorious) breath to create heat in the body and a focal point for the mind, drawing the senses inward.  Over time this breath becomes a self-sustaining rhythmic vibration that you can tap into as life presents challenges. As your mind rides on the wave of each inhalation and exhalation, initiating every movement with this breath, the flow from one pose to another becomes a dance of consciousness.

Flowing through your practice, allow the breath to elucidate areas of tension or stuck energy, both in the physical and emotional bodies, by being aware of the quality of your breathing as you sustain and adjust each pose. Subsequently, direct this same breath to these areas, as a vehicle of prana or life force, to surrender to release andhealing.

Consistently creating the space in your daily routine for mindful practice has the power, not only to create healing, strength and flexibility of body and mind, but also to reveal a steadiness in thought and actions beyond the poses that can truly transform your life.