When we find ourselves fully immersed in our yoga practice with a feeling of energized focus, we have entered what is called 'the flow state of mind'. This has been described as a very productive and creative state of mind. A sudden vibrant energy is present and you feel at peace, connected and happy. At this point you are in the flow.
When we are inactive for hours throughout the day, the mind can feel like it’s running a race. Practicing yoga enables us to quieten the mind and achieve clarity, putting aside the juggling thoughts running around in our minds each day.
The Gentle Practice has specifically designed a yoga session to help you experience the Flow State.
The importance is allowing yourself to become completely immersed in an activity, be it physical or mental. To focus on your breathing, to begin a sense of calm, to begin to withdrawal from things around your physical and mental space.
In The Gentle Practice, we begin with a series of steps that allow you to become so focused on how your breath and body feels, you may not notice your dog or cat walking around you or any distracting noises from family members or coworkers, should you be at home or at the office while practicing.
Flow state is generally what makes people have this type of relaxed feeling or state of mind at the end of our Gentle Practice.
You can also find this sense in our Core Practice session. The first 30 minutes is a blend of Yoga/Pilates and strength training. The second half is a deep stretch guided breathing that helps you enter that flow state of mind.
You can take this with you for the rest of your day, deep breaths and a direct focus on whatever tasks you have at hand.
“Control of consciousness determines the quality of life.”
― Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
by Deanna Cahill, E-RYT 200 - Yoga Alliance Expert Level Teacher
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