Why It’s Good To Slow Our Flow

We all need different levels of physical intensity to feel our best, and a fast flowing yoga practice can feel amazing - especially afterwards 😉. But going slow, removing the urgency, savouring our breath, fully embodying the pose can feel like coming home.

The benefits of slowing our flow?

1 Greater Strength And Control

Going slow means minimal momentum and maximum control. Greater control generates greater strength. Imagine lowering from plank to the mat in five seconds and compare it to lowering in half a second. Which one is tougher? That’s the one that builds strength and control.

2 A Calmer Mindset

Our fast paced lives have been normalised - we’re all used to living at 100mph. We move quickly from one thing to the next without even noticing we’ve done so. Slowing down our practice down, even a little, can help reset our speedometer and remove some of the urgency we feel in our nervous system.

3 Builds Skills and Hones Precision

Going slower, we have time to notice the details and nuances of a pose or flow that simply can’t be grasped when moving at a pace. Going slower we can articulate our bodies more clearly, embodying the postures with greater skill and precision. And from here we can get a clearer perception of what we’re doing in each moment.

4 Stillness And Reflection

Slowing down moves us into a quieter, stiller mode. It gives us the space and time to reflect, to find connection with ourselves. It can help move us into to a more meditative state - and we all need a little more of that.

5 It Feels Good!

Put very simply, it just feels great!

Fast or slow, what’s your preferred M.O.?