Happy September!

Welcome to HHAPY Newsletter #8!

For many of us, around this time of year we embark on a new school year, a new calendar year for some…Fall often feels like a new beginning as summer and vacation time come to a close.

So in this spirit of beginning anew, today we embark on a 4-part newsletter series.

Over my next 4 newsletters I am going to present to you the 4 Rules of Thumb that I share with every person who attends a yoga class with me for the first time. (And as many of you know, I repeat them often in each practice.) While they are universal principles of any asana practice, they serve as the foundation of my personal style of teaching.

#1 - Breath Is Paramount ~ The most important aspect of any yoga asana practice is to keep breathing ~ deeply, smoothly, continuously ~ through your nose. Getting to know your own personal rhythm of your breath is something that usually takes some time and practice. Many of us naturally cultivate longer and deeper breaths as we become more acclimated to yoga asana practice.

And something to note – the pace of your breath will change as you move from one pose to another, from a relatively relaxing pose to a more strenuous pose. For example, your breaths will likely be faster in Plank vs Child’s Pose. However, the DEPTH of your breath should remain the same, always breathing in full, deep breaths even if you are doing that faster…and same with your exhale.

So tell me, do you feel like you know well your own personal rhythm of breathing?

Do you easily remember this principle as you practice yoga?

Email me and let me know!

I would also love to hear about anything that lit up your day, inspired you, made you smile, or made you feel good...so reply to me and tell me! ✨

Namaste,

Melissa 🦋

Stand Tall...Walk Proudly...

Lift Your Heart…and Breathe…