You don’t have to hit an hour-long yoga class to integrate mindfulness into your every day.
Emily Kane, the owner of Whistler Village yoga studio, Yogacara, says there are small things we can do in the course of a day to stay in the moment.
“Especially right now when anxiety is high, there are tools we can use to be fully present,” she says.
Kane opened Yogacara in 2012 after graduating with a kinesiology degree from the University of British Columbia and completing her yoga teacher training.
Yogacara was built on the idea of smaller classes, capping them at 19 students. Though that number has been reduced even further in light of COVID-19.
“I love smaller classes where you can get to know your teacher and get personalized attention,” Kane says.
“You’re not just a number in a sea of faces.”
Can’t make it out to a class? Kane offers these tips to increase mindfulness in your daily life.
Focus on breathing
“Breath is a tool that can bring us into the present,” Kane says.
“When we become aware of our breathing, we’re less likely to get caught up in what’s happening in our minds and emotions.”
Whether you’re in the mountains or you’re having a tough day in the office, focusing on how your breath moves in your body, what parts of your body move when you inhale and relax as you exhale can help you stay focused.
Meditate on the spot
You don’t have to be sitting quietly with your eyes closed to meditate.
If you find yourself standing in line, take the time to practice grounding by taking your feet hip distance apart, finding an even weight distribution, feeling the length through your spine, relaxing your shoulders, and focusing on deep breathing.
“There are moments when you might feel frustrated and irritated, but you can turn it around and create some presence in your body and breath. What was previously an inconvenience holds the potential to be blissful with the right mindset,” Kane says.
Do yoga in spurts
“You don’t have to practice three or four hours a day to get the benefits of yoga,” Kane says.
You can take a pause to try a position or two for 10 or 15 minutes at a time.
“Start small and work your way up,” Kane says. “Classes have numerous benefits, including commitment and direction, but don’t feel discouraged if you can’t make it work right now. Starting small can make a big impact.”
To learn more about the classes offered by Yogacara in-person and online, visit whistleryogacara.com.
