Connection & awareness
Spirit in our Practise
Spirit in Yoga Practise
Spirit in our Yoga practise is not religious, it is a sense of connection with ourselves, others and perhaps something greater than ourselves. In movement, breath an meditation/reflection, be the observer of what and how you are feeling, and then how you express yourself in life. Our life is our mat!
I always loved the way my first teacher Fiona would impart deep spiritual truths within our classes. Equally, some really don’t like it, and I’ve lost students because of it. At Centenary Yoga, spirit is not something separate from practice. It is woven through every breath, every moment of awareness, and every quiet return to ourselves. Spirit is not about perfection or performance, beliefs or being ‘godly.’ It is the feeling of connection that arises when we slow down enough to truly listen.
For many, Yoga begins in the body, but it doesn’t end there. A simple posture practised with presence can become deeply meaningful. Our breath softens, the mind steadies, and we begin to sense something beyond the constant movement of daily life. When breath and movement unite, practice becomes more than exercise; it becomes an experience of wholeness (T.K.V. Desikachar).
Meditation can be an important part of this spiritual practice. Sitting quietly can sometimes feel peaceful, but often it feels uncomfortable or restless. Thoughts wander, emotions surface, and the mind resists stillness. This is natural. Meditation is not about emptying the mind or ‘getting it right.’ As we practise, we can learn to remain present with compassion. When practice feels challenging, the invitation is not to force or judge ourselves, but to soften and stay curious. Even one conscious breath is enough to begin again.
The Bhagavad Gita reminds us, there are seasons when practice feels inspired and flowing, and seasons when simply arriving on the mat takes courage. Both are valuable. Spirit expands not only in moments of ease, but in the willingness to keep showing up gently and honestly.
At Centenary Yoga, we honour the quiet inner life as much as the outer form. As B.K.S. Iyengar said, Through movement, meditation, and breath, we slowly come home to ourselves; steadier, softer, and more awake to the sacredness of ordinary life.
with love,
Sarah
