The Acting Yogi

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦? 🤯

In the digital age, we are constantly being pulled in all directions. Consequently, we’re spread too thin and unable to concentrate on anything fully.

“This constant fragmentation of our time and concentration has become the new normal,” says Harriet Griffey in a Guardian article.

So, how can we stay focused?

😌 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘮𝘢, an umbrella term for yogic breathing techniques, has been used for thousands of years. There are lots of different patterns to explore.

Let’s keep it simple for now: how about deep breathing for two minutes?

Deep breathing …

🔹reduces brain fog
🔹 increases noradrenaline production (the “focus” chemical)
🔹Diffuses anxiety (by activating the parasympathetic nervous system)

So, the next time someone tells you to take a deep breath when you’re feeling scattered…don’t knock it! Try it. You may be pleasantly surprised. 😇

Do you practice deep breathing? Let me know with a 🌬 in the comments!

𝘍𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺?

We already have so many things to do between…
🔹 Taking care of home and family obligations
🔹 Keeping up a social life
🔹 Making a living

Adding yoga and meditation may seem like one more thing we don’t have time for.

But, did you know that mindfulness and embodiment practices actually 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦?

How? 🤯

Taking time to get cultivate awareness and embodiment means you spend less time…
🔹Scrolling on social media
🔹Procrastinating and losing focus
🔹Stuck in spirals of negative thoughts and self judgement

So, next time you ask yourself if you have time for that ten minutes of meditation…remember that the answer is yes. 😊❤️

Drop a ⏰ in the comments if you’re ready to take the time. 💫

Self development is not selfish.

When we work on expanding our consciousness and leveling up, it means we can show up as the best version of ourselves for our loved ones, our jobs, and our life in general.

On the mat, meditation and yoga encourage us…
🔹 To breathe through and sit with discomfort if it arises
🔹 To release gripping, “fighting it,” and trust in the process
🔹 Somatic regulation (recognizing cues from the body and adapting accordingly)

Off the mat, that means more…
🔹 Learning to find ease in uncomfortable situations (home, work, etc.)
🔹 Releasing what does not serve us instead of dwelling or stewing
🔹 Awareness of what we need in the present moment based on what the body is telling us.

What’s one quality you’ve developed through meditation and yoga?

Patience? Calm? Adaptability? Let me know in the comments! ✨

You have a body.

In our culture, we often forget.

There is so much emphasis on intellect (a lot of jobs nowadays involve some form of sitting at a computer for hours on end) that we sometimes see the body as “lower” and neglect caring for it.

But, did you taking care of your body can affect…
🔹 Your mood and emotions
🔹 Your ability to focus
🔹Your immunity and ability to fight disease

🤯

Diet, of course. That’s a given.

But we’re talking exercise and meditation, too! Exercise produces endorphins, the “happy” chemicals in the brain. Meditation calms the nervous system.

You wouldn’t trash your own home. So, treat your body with the same respect and reverence!

What’s your fave body-nurturing practice of the moment? 🌿

There are some newbies here, so I wanted to re-introduce myself.

BASICS 📚
🔹33 years old
🔹American born and raised (PA)
🔹Have lived in France for 9 years
🔹Was naturalized French in 2020
🔹Partner, no kids

INTERESTS 🎭
🔸Theatre & Film
🔸Reading novels, writing fiction
🔸Spirituality and meditation
🔸Reiki
🔸Personal development
🔸Gluten-free baking
🔸And yoga of course!

YOGA 🧘🏻‍♀️
I’m also a professional actress (hence 😉) and originally discovered yoga as a warm-up before going onstage. I did my 200-hour training with the fabulous in 2019, and haven’t looked back since. 👩🏻‍🏫

Teaching yoga gives me such a sense of meaning. I’m grateful to be able to accompany students as they strengthen the body and mind and reconnect with their deepest selves. I truly believe that yoga is non-competitive, and my classes are for you regardless of your experience in yoga or fitness.

HUMOR 🤹🏻‍♀️
That all sounds very serious, but I do have a sense of humor and tend to make jokes or be silly sometimes during class. I think humor works wonders in diffusing tension and creating cohesion. 😉

AND YOU?
Tell me about you! Drop a random fact about yourself in the comments! 💬