Is it possible to focus solely on yoga while doing yoga, and not think of anything else?
Me attempting some yoga move
Seriously – anyone? Any advice?
My mind never turns off. I am constantly thinking of the next thing I have to do, all day long, almost every day. I try to relax. Sometimes I can, but it’s hard for me. I have to really be in the moment. I can relax when I am with friends, running and sometimes when I am watching a movie.
Anyway, during yoga (which I do at home), I find myself trying to focus on my breathing, and being in the moment, but my mind wanders. I think of the things I need to get done before the day is over. My mind slips. I am still doing the moves and following the motion, but I am not finding that inner relaxation that yoga brings to so many.
How do I just “be”?
I tried some at home yoga this morning (inspired by your yoga video work!) and it was challenging to focus on the yoga! I found myself taking a bit more of a physical approach rather than the mind focus, and holding a pose until I felt stretched, or until I had completed 5 breaths. But I didn’t get the meditation-type benefits from this at-home yoga practice as I would have liked.
I do think it’s a lot easier to go to a yoga studio and focus on the yoga more. For me, part of it is the atmosphere, and that it is something truly for “me” (necessary/indulgent /whatever). I can’t be distracted. I go to 2 different hot yoga studios, depending on schedule mostly.
That is kind of what I do at home too – just try to make sure I am stretching my muscles.
I was wondering if going to a studio would help! I have never been to one!
I can never focus 100% on what I’m doing. At work I think about home and at home I think about work.
It might also be that your video is not challenging enough. What stops my mental chatter is having to concentrate so much on getting into and holding the pose.
I do have some other more challenging videos! I think I like this one because it feels so good to follow these stretches!
I’m terrible at just thinking about yoga during yoga. And focusing during meditation. But when I “practice” more, it does seem to get a little easier. I try and focus on my breathing, and perfecting the pose, and that seems to help too.
I do think it is easier in a real class than at home with a video to get more into the moment. But I was always terrible at the end, when the teacher was leading the final relaxation, my mind would be whizzing with grocery lists, chores I had to do, bla bla bla…
Actually the best thing I ever did where I was totally and completely absorbed in the NOW was Tai Chi. You have to be so focused on the sequence of moves that you can’t have your mind wandering to other things. It was awesome!
But anyway, part of yoga is being accepting of where you are at any particular moment in time, and I think that just getting on the mat and doing it is more important than being worried about doing it “right”. Nice triangle pose by the way!
Oh yeah, during the final relaxation pose… well, I can’t even say “during” because I often skip it. Ha!
And I like your philosophy – just do it. It is definitely making me more flexible!
And thank you!
I think the effort to focus is what will get you to that stage in the long haul. It took months of really dedicated practice when I was injured to reach a relaxed state. Also, I found that it really helped me to have an instructor whom I trusted and respected. I let her lead the way. Do you think being at home and following a video might be distracting? I always practiced at my gym’s studio.
I definitely think a class would be better for me! Maybe a groupon for yoga classes will come along!
I go to the yoga class at the gym and some days my mind is so FULL of thoughts. its tough to push them aside but I spend most of the time either a) listening to the instructor as she leads us or b) focusing on the pose and trying not to fall over. It is hard sometime but I just try to only think about yoga during yoga and often I find my mind slipping but I just stop and refocus – of course easier said than done.
I have been so bad about doing yoga lately, since I quit my (2nd) gym that offered free classes. 🙁 I do agree with Amy that, for me at least, it’s easier for me to let go of things when I’m at a studio or away from home. Not sure why? Maybe just being removed from all of my surroundings?
That is an awesome triangle!
Point your right foot towards me and open up the hips! Don’t listen to me, I haven’t done yoga in ages! : ) It’s hard to clear your mind, it helped when Steve did it with me. Concentrate on your breathing – that might help.
Oh gosh, when Steven and I do yoga together, I turn in to a giggling school girl 🙂
You do not step on a yoga mat and all cares wash away. That’s a myth and not something to strive for. I think, for me at least, what’s helped me is focusing on my body and how it feels in the poses and on my breath. Sure I still think about my to do list or run through stuff from my day in my head but that’s not failure.
When you notice yourself over-thinking, try to focus on your breath and how you feel in your body. It doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for other stuff. 🙂
Thanks for the tip! I was hoping you would pipe in!
I think this is why I prefer the harder, more intense yoga (like hot yoga). I’m too focused on doing it right and making sure I’m not dying to worry about all that other stuff. But I noticed when I do the more stretchy yoga I got distracted and irritated. Maybe you should try a different video?
Maybe I should try the Jillian Michaels video, which is more like cardio!
I feel like this video is really good for stretching my entire body, just not at keeping me engaged!
Easy answer for me- no. Or I fall asleep!
This is how I feel about running. People say all the time it clears their mind and is their “me” time and I’m just so focused on not stopping and much my legs hurt to ever focus on my thoughts, ha!
I’ve only done a few yoga videos, but I really want to get into it and go to a studio. (I’m just waiting for some awesome Groupon/Living Social deal. I know it’s coming! ;))
Don’t take this the wrong way….. But I’ve found the whole mind racing is totally a female thing. Ask Steven! I can totally sit on the couch and just stare into nothing. My wife is always seemingly going going going.
Although, the one yoga class I did, I was getting dirty looks because I was cracking jokes. I wouldn’t ever do that, would i??
I don’t need to ask Steven – I know that is true. He can totally veg out on the couch and I can’t. Not even to watch movies.
You? Cracking jokes? Never! 😉
Yoga doesn’t do it for me – The only exercise that takes me to that ‘quiet place’ is weight training. When I’m squatting 215lbs there is no place my focus is going to be other then on my body and breathing. 😀
Well, I’ve never done yoga, but I am pretty much always multi-tasking so I have no advice for you. My mind is always “going” too!