Flexibility isn’t showing off how far your leg can stretch. It’s showing how far your perseverance can stretch – Chane vdW
We use our flexibility every day, tying our shoelaces or picking up an item from the floor. We may not think about it day to day, but for many reasons, it is an important life skill to maintain as we get older, and flexibility training should always be part of any balanced fitness routine.
A regular yoga practice will help you become more flexible. Flexibility is a skill. The great news is that this can happen at any age, how amazing is that! It really is never too late.
I came to yoga at 48 years old, having never done gymnastics or dance. At just ten months into my own yoga journey, I feel I am just at the beginning.
I’m curious to find out what my full range of motion is. What is my body capable of? How mentally strong am I? most importantly, how synchronised is my mind, body and breath connection?
Personally, I’m finding flexibility takes time, with patience and the ability to listen and respect my body being the priority. However, the good news is, it does improve!
Through a daily practice I have made significant progression, from where I started, to where I am today. I appreciate and celebrate all the little hops, jumps and occasional leaps that I make with gratitude for my body and mind.
Yoga really is for everyone, no one is too inflexible to start. Remember we all start from where we are and use what we have. The main thing to get flexible with before you even start moving your body is your mind.
Changing your mindset and being open to possibility will open the door to your self -motivation and commitment to this journey. Yes, a positive mental attitude is powerful. Think it, believe it, achieve it.
Learning to be mentally flexible, will give you inner strength, enabling you to stay positive and accept that your body will be different each time you step onto your mat. It will help you overcome any frustrations as you face plateaus of progression, keeping you committed during your journey and giving you faith in the process of stretching.
All the while treating yourself with kindness, not ego. Awareness between your body and mind will enable you to practice safely, taking any modifications you require. Props are not a sign of weakness and we all use them, even experienced yogis.
Coming from a place of kindness will go towards helping you avoid injury.
I’ve found this is crucial on the path to flexibility, it is a fine line pushing and pulling back and there is beauty to be found throughout this process.
Intentionally connecting to your breath allows each inhale to flood your muscles with oxygen, every exhale you can move deeper within a stretch as your body opens up finding space within.
Gaining flexibility, like building strength, takes time and dedication.
Remember, never compare yourself to others, we all have a different natural range of motion and are at unique points within our own practice.
Your individual practice, where you are is beautiful.
Practice and all is coming – Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
Listen to your body, no one knows you better than yourself. Be kind. Every time you practice take time to be thankful for what your body has enabled you to do. Not what it can’t.
Your body is amazing, so are you.
Be kind and go with the flow.
Jo x
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