How To Use Yoga To Practise Mindfulness

It’s widely known that yoga is not only a great way to stay in shape physically but also mentally. It is a peaceful practice that is almost more art form than it is exercise. But how can you take full advantage of its benefits? In this blog, we’re going to be talking about ways you can practise mindfulness through the art of yoga, and how coupling it with a Morning Peninsula Hot Springs tour is the perfect way to achieve this.

 Woman Doing Yoga Serene Backdrop

 

What is yoga?

It is crucial for something like this to understand its origins and how it has come to be what it is today. It was developed in Northern India over 5000 years ago by the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation. Yoga is the art of achieving integration between mind, body and spirit. It is all about journeying inwards and exploring yourself on a spiritual level.

There are many different avenues of yoga that can be practised, but the one most commonly explored in western society is known as Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga was born from Tantra yoga techniques around the 15thcentury. In the grand scheme of things, Hatha yoga is a fairly recent technique.

 

What is mindfulness in yoga?

Mindfulness is the feeling you experience when you objectively observe a present experience. Instead of reacting to it in a way you usually might – being angry, happy, sad etc. about it – you simply just observe it and see it for what it is. It’s similar to being on the outside but looking in, so-to-speak.

This is not something that occurs exclusively whilst performing yoga, but also off the matt. It is intended to strengthen and enlighten your general awareness and teach you that even if something is painful or unpleasant, it will eventually end, so getting into a bad mood over it is counter-productive. It teaches you to be a silent-observer to your own thoughts and emotions, limiting the likelihood of a negative reaction to trivial things.

 

Using yoga to practise mindfulness

This can be a unique experience, and everyone will have their own way of practising mindfulness, but here are some popular steps you can take to help you out:

  • You shouldn’t have any distractions such as phones in your practise area.
  • Whilst it can be enjoyable to do these sorts of things with friends, it’s more beneficial for you to enter your own internal space to maximise your result.
  • Whilst you may be practising yoga for a multitude of reasons, you should set those reasons aside for the moment and just concentrate on the whole process unravelling itself naturally to you.
  • Try not to compete with others if you’re in a group session.
  • Be aware of things that may cause you to become frustrated. If something like this happens it could be a good opportunity to utilise your mindfulness.

It is important that you achieve a completely relaxed and undistracted state of mind when attempting to achieve mindfulness. When you do you will be able to apply this state to all things, not just whilst performing yoga. This will help you in your day-to-day life as it will improve your overall mood and outlook on things in a positive way. When you are less angry you tend not to overreact and make rash decisions, which is ultimately a good thing.

 

The perfect setting

Achieving peace within is important for yoga but practising yoga in a serene environment can also be extremely helpful when attempting to achieve mindfulness. A beautiful park away from roads or a quiet beach down by the coast are examples of blissful locations where you can practise yoga with a tranquil backdrop, complete with ambient sounds of nature. The Peninsula Hot Springs is a fantastic location as well, as they have specialised group yoga sessions you can take part in – both on land and within the hot spring pools.

 

Thinking of taking a tour to the Peninsula Hot Springs?

If you’re thinking of taking a Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs tour for a day then Melbourne On The Move has you covered! The Hot Springs also offers a variety of yoga classes in the pools and on mats for you to choose from.

If you’re after a relaxing day of yoga and hot springs, then why not consider a Peninsula Hot Springs tour. If you have any further questions about our shuttle services then please give us a call on 1300 55 86 86 or contact us through our website.