Long before disciplinary sciences, the ancient practice of yoga has granted serenity to countless individuals throughout history. It is no surprise why it is still extremely popular today. In my experience, the benefits of yoga speak for themselves and it is an incredibly rewarding ritual. I often find that people put a lot of energy into improving their mindset without noticing the intense connection between mind and body. This type of full body mindfulness is a key aspect of yoga and helps many to work towards personal growth and peace.
The nature of yoga as a predominantly indoor activity makes it a great recreation option during cold months. According to yoga magazine, Shvasa, “[y]oga can easily replace your outdoor physical activity and also give you a similar workshop, making sure you can sustain your physical routine even through harsh winters”. For myself, going to the gym is not always an ideal activity. It is often packed with people and the overall vibe leaves something to be desired. I love the flexibility that yoga provides. I have had some amazing practice sessions in the comfort of my own home by myself or with friends. Youtube has a lot of great and completely free options for yoga classes that give me a challenging workout and leave me with a euphoric afterglow when I finish a session.
A few weeks ago, my girlfriend introduced me to Everyday People yoga studio in Eugene. We have both enjoyed attending a monday evening Vinyasa Flow class led by Joanna Cashman. This specific type of yoga focuses on constant movement. “Vinyasa is a dynamic and high-energy practice that builds heat in the body, develops strength, and stimulates the cardiovascular system,” (Yoga Basics). I like this style because I get bored holding one pose for too long. This style allows me to shake out my winter jitters and I find that I am able to get deeper into each stretch once I build a sweat from the active nature of Vinyasa.
At the end of each session at Everyday People, Joanna leads the class into a delightful Savasana. This involves everyone lying down comfortably with their backs to their yoga mats. The achieved tranquility felt throughout the room during Savasana is aided by Joanna’s own sound bath and chanting performance. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this part of the class. It is perfectly synonymous with the ebb and flow crescendo of energy in an ideal yoga session. In Savasana, Joanna grants each person with encapsulating harmony to hopefully carry on to life outside of the studio.
Sources:
https://www.shvasa.com/yoga-blog/the-importance-of-practicing-yoga-during-winters
https://www.yogabasics.com/connect/yoga-blog/benefits-vinyasa-yoga/
Jack Skidmore 
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