Page 51 - Port Douglas Magazine 44

wellness.

How often do you give yourself time to consciously rest? Sitting
Mindful in front of the TV or grabbing your phone to scroll and tune
out does not constitute rest. Unfortunately, neither does sleep,
as what appears to be rest is your body relaxing and your mind
Minute signing out. This, however, is not conscious.
Poor sleep can lead to stress, unclear thinking, and emotional
reactions. Not only does your lack of conscious rest affect you
but also everyone around you.
Conscious rest enables the brain to enter a meditative state while
still being gently aware and awake as the body experiences deep
relaxation. Not dissimilar to a trance, conscious rest is the bridge
between waking and the sleep state, where a sense of spaciousness
and peace abide.
Mindful practices such as Yin or Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra,
Pranayama, Meditation and Mantra all appease a chaotic mind
as stillness in the body aids in slowing down the fluctuations of
thought.
This restores a sense of calm and order, creating space for
reflection and integration which daily life frequently denies as
pressures and demands only seem to increase.
The time in which you retreat and focus on something internal,
you are cultivating a concept like what the Buddhists refer to as
‘Refuge’. A refuge is a safe, sacred space in which you can return
to time and again when the harshness of the outer world becomes
overwhelming. The more frequently you return to the practice,
the more apparent the results of your commitment will be.
In creating time to devote yourself to a practice that invites you
to intentionally shift your perspective and perception while the
body remains still will offer you new opportunities through which
to view the world where once you had seen only restriction. The
body is the gateway to access higher states of awareness. When
you choose to turn inwards and consciously rest you open
yourself to recalibrating physically, mentally and spiritually.
Join a class

yIn yoga

slow down, relax, turn Inward
Help alleviate stress and restore your energy levels

ALANA GRAINGER
0460 435 237
[email protected]
INSTA @alana_grainger
Open to all levels,
BOOKING ESSENTIAL Yin Yoga is a nourishing,

Private and group bookings welcome reflective practice.
At Deep Yoga Studio Port Douglas