This yoga move increases awareness and confidence in your body

My inner ear always perks up when I hear an instructor say that the following yoga moves can be intuitive. This usually happens while the class is moving past the Cat-Cow, causing it to enter Downward facing dogOr sometimes he stands strong Warrior 2 Our arms move like a flowing river.

It’s an invitation I find liberating – I close my eyes, feel my whole body, and then let go. I know this is not the case for everyone. But I strongly believe that if you can give yourself permission to Go thereIncorporating free movement into your practice is one of the best ways to make it authentic to you.

If you ask yoga teacher Joey Prater Yoga with joyAllowing yourself to move freely comes with benefits that extend to the rest of your life as well. “The awareness of body, mind, and whole being that develops from intuitive practice in this way encourages a sense of clarity and awareness in daily life,” Prater says. Not only does intuitive movement build your sense of body awareness, since moving your limbs and torso without instruction requires you to make use of your body, but it boosts self-confidence and confidence.

You are the only one who knows what feels right for your body. When you allow yourself to embody that knowledge, it becomes easier and easier to listen to that inner voice, on and off the mat.

How to practice intuitive yoga movement

Yoga teacher Helen Maria Valivino He is also an advocate of intuitive movement and agrees that Cat-Cow is an ideal starting point. “I encourage people to move in different lines and patterns than they normally would,” she explains. This translates to moving your hips from side to side, making circles around your mat and then back toward your heels, or whatever else feels right.

“Standing poses are also great, with stability from the feet, which can feel stable and comfortable enough to allow your upper body to explore,” explains Valivino. This can look like waving your arms, moving your shoulders, or simply swaying from side to side.

If you’re feeling intimidated by intuitive movement, both teachers suggest starting small. Prater points out that you can choose to be still, simply wiggle your fingers and toes, or take gentle rolls on the neck. Valivino suggests maintaining an anchor point, such as placing your feet on the mat, and exploring with the rest of your body.

“How far can you reach? What happens when you twist? What if the forward fold was also an opportunity to swim or explore with your arms?” Valivino Lists. “The intuitive movement doesn’t have to be big or wild. It can be subtle. A little shoulder roll feels good.”

Practicing at home can also help you feel more comfortable with a self-inspired movement before trying it in a studio class. Although yoga is never about performance, the tendency to compare may still be there. Stay still and secure in your space and watch the action to come. Then maybe take it to your next class.

The point is not to think too much about whether you’re doing it right or how it looks, it’s all about how you feel. Your body knows what it needs in a way that a teacher can’t, Valivino adds, which is why the space of discovery with free movement is so essential here. Intuitive movement is a reminder that your body, mind, and practice are entirely your own.

As she says: “If it’s good, go for it.”