Here in Texas, it’s hot. While we’re in the last stretch of the third quarter of the year already – and the fall equinox is just around the corner – fall may still feel aways off (despite what social media may be telling me with its cozy blankets and soups). I still with a back-to-school mentality many years later, and so to me fall seems to be when things start to pick back up again. It’s not quite the busy holiday season, but…we know it’s coming. And even if there isn’t back to school, summer vacations may be winding down which means with people back in town, the social gatherings picking back up. Taking time for one’s self ticks back up in importance.
A good yoga class is one great way to take time for oneself, in my humble opinion. For one: it’s a distraction free hour. Or slightly more if you consider the time getting to class early to put your things away and find “your” space in the class. Then there’s also after class where you wipe down your mat and maybe catch up with a classmate or two.
There’s also the class itself. Not only is it distraction free time, but it offers movement. A way to stretch those parts of the body tight from sitting all day (or perhaps from too much running around!) and build strength. A class can offer breathwork by linking breath to movement. And then there’s also the rest period in savasana at the end.
And as I also like to highlight, keep an eye out on any workshops or other classes that may be offered in the upcoming months. By these other classes, I mean a class that is different from the regular schedule, like another upcoming sound bath at The Mat in October! A workshop may help support that “back to school” feeling that, if you’re like me, you have and want to dive deep into a topic of interest. And then those other classes – like a sound bath – are just another opportunity to slow down and support yourself.
Enjoy the class you take for yourself. Allow the to-dos bubbling up in the mind to stay off the mat for the one hour. And since it’s fall, maybe grab a delicious fall flavored coffee after class. Though since it’s still quite warm as of this writing – maybe make it iced.
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
