Yoga can often feel like a mix of separate parts— asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), and meditation. But what if they could seamlessly blend into a single mindful experience? That’s exactly what Perry Lewis’s one-day hybrid course with the British Wheel of Yoga, Getting Your Mind in the Right Place, explored. I attended virtually.
The day began with a relatable question: Where is your mind during your yoga practice? How often do thoughts wander—checking your pose, planning your day, or thinking about your food shop? Perry encouraged us to pause and reflect on how present we really are, highlighting how much we miss when our minds drift.
Turning Yoga into a Moving Meditation
Perry led a practise which helped us explore yoga as a moving meditation. Perry showed us how to let postures, breath, and mindfulness flow together naturally. It’s a shift that turns yoga into more than just going through the motions—it becomes a harmonious rhythm where mind and body are in sync.
This reminded me of this scene from The Last Samurai, where the Tom Cruise struggles with distraction until he’s told to focus solely on the task at hand. That idea of “no mind” resonated with me. During the course, there were moments when everything aligned, and time seemed to stand still—those moments where yoga feels truly amazing!
Reflecting on Your Practice
Another valuable part of the day was reflecting on what yoga means to each of us. Perry asked us to consider:
- What does your practice look like now?
- Why does it matter to you?
- What do you want it to become?
These questions reminded me that yoga is a personal journey, and taking time to reassess can make it even more meaningful. As I look back, my own practice has changed over the years and continues to change from day to day.
Insights for Teachers and Students
As a yoga teacher, I found Perry’s tips for creating mindful experiences in class especially useful. He emphasised fostering an environment where mindfulness feels effortless, helping students fully engage in the present moment.
Applying Yoga to Daily Life
Perry tied everything back to life off the mat, reminding us that yoga builds resilience and steadiness to navigate life’s challenges. Drawing from the Yoga Sutras, he highlighted:
Sutra 2.46: Asana is a steady, comfortable posture.
Sutra 2.47: Perfection in asana is achieved when the effort to perform it becomes effortless and the infinite being within is reached.
Sutra 2.48: One is undisturbed by the dualities.
These teachings reinforced that yoga isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about cultivating ease and balance, both in practice and in life.
Yoga Nidra
The day ended with a beautiful, relaxing Yoga Nidra session! It felt like everything we’d explored gently settled into place, leaving me feeling refreshed, grounded, and inspired to carry these lessons into both my practice and teaching.