Yoga; What it means on and off the mat.

With the arrival of International Yoga Day coinciding with the Summer Solstice, encouraging an influx of Yoga appreciation posts on social media, it might seem a little controversial to say that I have not stepped on my mat at all today. I know, I know. Bad yogi. How dare I call myself a teacher, etc, etc. For this reason, I wanted to extend a little nod to how yoga doesn't have to be restricted to what we practice on our mats.

It's not just about the asana, meditation and pranayama we practice. With the utmost sincerity I can say this past year, what my yoga practice has taught me off the mat has had the most impact.

It's taught me how to sit with my emotions, and assess my feelings. The really hard, sick to the stomach kinda feelings that are all too easy to ignore. It's taught me what is right, and isn't right for me, and how to say yes and no to what I need. How to manifest what I want and move towards it. How to seperate ego and pride, and admit when I'm wrong. Learn the lessons and keep going.

So even though I haven't spent time on my mat today, what was the Real Yoga for me, was getting up at 3:20am with the Yoga Therapies team, to support at and photograph a Summer Solstice Event on the beach at sunrise. Connect with the community there, marvel at the burst of bright pink across the deep blue sky, the dolphins dancing about in the sparking water, standing barefoot in the sand, watching, observing, grounding, connecting, feeling present just right where I was.

Just know that even if you aren't stepping on your mat today, yoga is anywhere and everywhere we choose to be mindful and kind. Get home from work, and shake off your day. Cook yourself nourishing, delicious, feel good food, call a loved one and tell them you're thinking about them, surround yourself with those that bring out the best in you, and bring out the best in those around you. Cheer, support, encourage. Give out warmth, to anyone who needs it today. This is how we grow. This is the REAL YOGA.