THE POWER OF SLOW FLOW
In a world that prizes speed and efficiency, I've found that the practice of slowing down often feels counterintuitive. Yet, within the tranquil walls of Yoga Creative, I’ve come to embrace the profound benefits of slow flowing movement combined with longer holds. Learning to slow down, move with intention, grow present and aware of what is happening within us as well as around us, opens our mind and our hearts to new level of consciousness in our lives, where we need it the most.
Understanding the Power of Slow
Slow flow is movement based, but allows more time to transition and explore the pose than a faster exercise. Combined with slow mindful breath, it becomes a meditation in motion. However, slow can also be more challenging than fast. It can test our patience, and our resilience. It teaches us the therapeutic value of quiet, present-moment awareness in the face of challenge, vital skills that are increasingly being lost in our fast-paced world.
This pacing allows us to observe and respond to both our interoception—the sensations within our bodies—and our proprioception—our sense of body position and movement in space. It emphasises balanced action between inner and outer stability, mobility and strength, moving with more awareness, balance and grace. The slow pace gives you time to transition and sustain poses with care, exploring your felt-sense ability to adjust and modify using props to expand into your individual, optimal potential. Studies show slow flow with breath awareness can alleviate chronic pain such as arthritis, promote cardiovascular indurance, and elevate the immune system.
Beyond physiological benefits, the more subtle, ‘un-seen’ power of slow flowing movement lies in its ability to regulate the HPA Axis, the core of our stress response system. It allows much-needed time for signals of safety and wellbeing to flow between the nervous system and the brain as we move in new and novel ways. This is proven to reduce the production of stress hormones and create feelings of happiness and calm.
The Path to Energetic Awakening
Yoga effects energy in two ways: It can both stimulate energy flow and reduce or remove blockages to that flow. Slow movement and longer holds create tiny electrical currents and magnetic fields in the body with the potential to clear, heal and nourish energy. Slow flow also gets the lymph moving, stirs up circulation, and stretches muscles, nerves and tissues so that energy can flow freely.
When we practice this movement with rhythmic breath, it can create a vibrational flow of energy within. Slow flow not only benefits the energy within our body and mind, but also our spirit. The latin root of the word ‘spiritus’ being breath. By slowing down and controlling the flow of breath we can stimulate our vital life force energy.
Isometric Holds: Strengthening Heart Health
Incorporating static isometric holds into our sequences is another cornerstone of our practice at Yoga Creative. Meta-analyses investigating various forms of exercise have shown static isometric exercise to be the most effective in lowering blood pressure, even more so than running, cycling, or other aerobic activities. These holds engage muscles without movement, bolstering heart health, reducing hypertension, and lowering the risk of strokes. Coupled with slow, even breaths, these holds calm the nervous system and can significantly boost mood.
Neuroplasticity and the Present Moment
What if we came to our practice with more wonder? Let go of pre-conceived expectations and goals? Slow movement is an invitation to approach our practice with a ‘beginners mind’ of curiosity, experience, discovery, compassion … allowing space and time for the whole of you to unfold into the present moment.
Mindful engagement focused on the present moment, breath control, feelings of safety and wellbeing, curiosity, compassion, discovery… all this can influence the pathways of the brain - neuroplasticity. Essentially, your yoga practice can rewire and train the brain to think, perceive and feel in these ways, enhancing our overall wellbeing.
Embracing the Healing Power of Awareness
Body awareness can be its own form of medicine. By shining a spotlight of awareness on areas of pain or restriction, we direct the body’s healing resources to where they are most needed. This transformative healing process is only possible when we slow down, and guide meticulous attention to our bodies and minds.
You can do a little experiment on your own: For one minute, direct your awareness to the tip of your thumb. After the minute, your thumb will be measurably warmer. Awareness will help dilate blood vessels, allowing more energy to flow to the attended area.
Join us at Yoga Creative, and immerse yourself in the science and serenity of slow flowing movement and longer holds. Discover how this intentional practice can unlock a deeper connection to your body, reduce stress, and enhance your overall health and well-being.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Peace Peace Peace
JoJo