Zara Buchanan Sept 16th, 2023
Zara expertly took us through her own specifically designed ‘Autumn Flow’ session incorporating a variety of vinyasa flow, balancing asanas, Yin & Yoga Nidra. We were encouraged to, firstly, explore and challenge our stability thus enhancing our overall balance and coordination.
The delightful steady pace of the flow yoga sequences allowed considered time for stimulation of prana, promoting overall energetic balance and strength development, especially in the core, legs, and ankles! The guided mindfulness approach throughout the practice, particularly within the balancing poses promoted mental focus, body awareness and clarity, fostering a deeper mind-body connection.
Zara weaved, through her calm and clear tuition, offerings of a multi-dimensional approach addressing various aspects of the self. With reference to the Annamaya Kosha, strengthening the physical body; practicing pranayama (breath control) and asanas (postures) how they affect the Pranamaya Kosha by helping to balance energy flow and vitality. We were encouraged to consider any rise in our emotional well-being:
‘Flow yoga cultivates mindfulness and awareness, positively impacting the Manomaya Kosha, which deals with thoughts and emotions’.
As we transitioned into the Yin section we were supported with emotional release and extending inner peace, impacting the Vijnanamaya Kosha, the layer of wisdom and intuition.
Meditation and introspection work on the Anandamaya Kosha, fostered a deeper connection with spirituality. This was explored further during the delicious Yoga Nidra and Savasana stage.
This wonderful session was interspersed with a reminder that 'Life is a balance of holding on and letting go'( Rumi) and another poignant quote from the Max Ehrmann poem ‘Desiderata’, 'You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here'.
Zara gracefully incorporated both Yin and Flow Yoga with Kosha layers, we all experienced deep physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and left the session feeling very balanced and harmonious indeed!
A wonderfully intuitive session THANK YOU ZARA!
Julia (SYA Chair)