Slow Flow Yoga

This is me during my yoga teacher training, taken around 2013 on the campus of Spirit of Yoga in Tempe, Arizona.

Finding Strength, Serenity, and Self-Acceptance on the Mat

My First Encounter with Vinyasa Flow

During my first Vinyasa Flow class, I was introduced to Sun Salutations – a series of movements linked with my breath. Just when I began to feel comfortable, a variation would be introduced, completely disrupting my rhythm. I felt awkward, weak, and starved for breath. I was unaccustomed to the continuous flow of movement in this style of yoga, having only practiced the held postures of Hatha Yoga. Ironically, as a massage therapist, I expected my arms to be strong. However, they were the first to fatigue. Determined to learn this style of yoga, I took a private lesson. My instructor drew stick figures for me to take home and practice with. I posted the drawing on the mirrors in my massage and meditation room and diligently practiced the sequence.

Discovering the Power of Slowing Down

Fast forward a few years. Now a yoga teacher, I arrived at a studio to teach and realized I had left my class outline and notes at home. As a new teacher, I relied on those notes as I hadn't yet found my teaching rhythm. Fortunately, I had a textbook with me from my training and quickly outlined a new class, including Sun Salutations and their once-daunting variations. This is when I first experimented with "Slow Flow." I deliberately slowed the sequence down and mindfully tuned into my body's sensations, synchronizing slow, deep breaths with each movement. The difference in my body and life since that initial Sun Salutation was remarkable! I noticed how much stronger my arms were, how my muscles engaged naturally, and how my breath lengthened and evened as I effortlessly connected it to my body's movement. Even at this early stage of my yoga journey, it had already significantly improved my life and my relationship with my body.

The Transformative Impact: Strength, Breath, and Body Connection

Yoga is so much more than the physical postures and stretching. I hadn't fully appreciated the profound impact the meditative and philosophical aspects of yoga would have on my practice. Yoga has become my lifestyle, transcending its role as simply a class I teach. I embrace this lifestyle, just as I embrace my evolving relationship with my body – a body that feels healthier, stronger, and continually improving. I know that consistent practice and study of yogic philosophy supports my feeling healthier, stronger, happier, calmer, and more optimistic. I trust that as I continue to study and practice yoga, aspects of my life that no longer serve me will naturally fade away or diminish in importance. This transformation is unfolding now, and I am filled with gratitude.