Yoga and Life: A Deeper Perspective.
“Nothing exists in isolation.”
These words from Peter Blackaby have had a profound influence on my yoga teaching over the past year. His holistic view of the body and life resonates deeply with my experience—both on the mat and beyond it.
Interconnection in Life
Just as the cells in our bodies form tissues and organs, we as people are also part of broader communities. This truth became even clearer to me recently during a significant life event—moving house.
From the removal team who physically helped us, to the kind messages from neighbours—these moments of support reminded me that our wellbeing is intricately linked to our environment. The health and survival of all living things depend on the ecosystem around them.
A Holistic Approach to Yoga
This interconnectedness also shapes how I approach yoga. Our bodies don’t move in isolation. When we practice, we can ask ourselves:
“How freely do I move?”
By tuning into the whole body, we begin to notice where tension is being held. With awareness comes the possibility of release. Releasing tension isn’t just physical—it creates space, ease, and freedom in how we move through the world.
The Power of Savasana
Some days this week, my entire yoga practice has been savasana—supine relaxation. And that, too, is valid. Savasana is more than rest; it’s a practice in deep awareness.
In savasana, we allow ourselves to be completely supported by the floor. We start to recognize what it actually feels like to be relaxed—so that, by contrast, we can more easily notice when and where we're holding tension.
You can approach savasana with a sense of gentle enquiry. Your mind may wander—perhaps to your to-do list or into the future. That’s okay. When you notice this happening, guide your awareness back to your breath. Let sensation take precedence over thought.
Troubling thoughts may arise, as they have for me this week. If they do, try bringing your focus to your breath. Long, slow breaths can calm the nervous system and soften the intensity of the mind.
An Invitation to Rest
So, if you find yourself tired, scattered, or simply needing a pause—roll out your mat. Lie down. Let the ground support you. You don’t need to do anything. Just be.
Savasana is not about escape. It’s about returning—to your body, your breath, and the quiet wisdom that lives within.
Have you taken time for savasana this week?
I’d love to hear how rest and awareness are showing up in your practice. Feel free to share with me.
Approaching Savasana
Lie down on your back with your legs slightly apart and arms relaxed at your sides. Feel the support of the floor beneath the bony points of contact—heels, pelvis, shoulders, and back of the head.
Turn the arms and hands so the palms face up or down, depending on what feels most comfortable. Allow the arms to settle naturally, without strain.
Bring awareness to your knees. Gently lift one knee, then let it drop back down, releasing any tension. Repeat with the other knee, allowing the legs to fully relax.
Gently rotate your legs, turning the toes inward so they point toward each other, then outward so they point away. Repeat this a few times, then let the legs relax completely.
Check in with your body. Notice how it feels on the floor. Make any small adjustments you need to feel more supported and at ease.
Shift your attention to your breath. Feel the body as it breathes. Allow your awareness to rest with the natural rhythm of your breath, observing without effort or control.