Creating space in yoga: a three-part journey inward

This month, our practice is built around a simple but powerful idea: creating space in our yoga practice. Not more time in your day, not a bigger house, but the inner spaciousness that lets you breathe, think, and feel more freely.

We're exploring this through three hatha yoga classes, each focused on a different layer of who we are: the body, the mind, and the spirit.

Space in the body

We began last week by exploring space within the body. In class, this meant postures held a little longer, joints eased open, muscles given permission to release rather than resist. We paid particular attention to the hips, shoulders, and spine – the places where stress tends to lodge itself without us noticing.

The goal was simple: more room to move. You may have felt it afterwards as a lighter step, straighter posture or the relief of a body that finally has some give.

Space in the mind

Next, we'll turn to space in the mind. This class is less about physical release and more about mental decluttering. Using focused asana sequences paired with concentration techniques, we'll work with the constant stream of thoughts, plans, and low-level noise that fills a typical day.

Rather than trying to switch the mind off, we'll practice widening the gaps between thoughts – the small pauses where clarity can surface. It's less 'empty your mind' and more 'give your mind some breathing room'.

Space in the spirit

Finally, we'll close our September theme with space in the spirit: the quietest and most inward of the three.

Here the focus shifts from doing to simply being: long holds, unhurried transitions and extended periods of quiet reflection designed to loosen our grip on daily concerns.

This is where we touch something less tangible – a sense of connection or perspective that isn't dependent on getting anything done.

Each class stands alone, but together they trace one arc: from loosening the body, to clearing the mind, to settling the spirit.

So, come as you are. And leave a little more spacious...