The Power of Yoga

By Natasha Were Yoga is having a moment. A very big moment.

Tens of millions of people swear by its power to transform bodies and minds. In an age where lifestyles are increasingly sedentary, stress levels are high, and there’s a growing desire to find some deeper meaning, yoga is booming.

And that is the key to its popularity: that it addresses not only our physical, but also our spiritual needs.

Better physical health and a calmer mind are amongst the most immediate and obvious benefits of yoga, but the ancient practice goes deeper.

“Yoga focuses on our awareness and helps us establish a more intimate relationship with ourselves. It teaches us to be present and to embrace each moment as it is without judgement or expectation,” explains Claire McGee, founder of Little Island Yoga, a concierge yoga school based on Little Cayman that offers a range of private and group yoga classes, wellness-focused retreats, and holistic massage services.

For those who practice purely for the physical workout, these added benefits may come about as pleasant side effects, Claire adds.

A typical hatha yoga class will include a combination of standing, balancing, and seated and lying poses that stretch out tight muscles and move joints through their range of movement. This leads to greater strength and flexibility, which in turn makes for healthier bodies and helps protect against injury.

Where other sports or exercise classes are competitive and goal-driven, yoga is the opposite. It’s not about being the best, it’s about doing your best. It’s therefore something absolutely anyone can practice, regardless of age, gender or fitness levels.

“I often hear people say they can’t do yoga because they are not flexible enough, but the study of yoga asana (the postures) is not about mastering the poses, it’s about using the poses to understand and accept ourselves in any given moment,” Claire, who has been practicing yoga for almost 20 years, and teaching for the past four, explains.

As well as moving through postures (or asanas) a well-rounded class will also include practicing stillness, breathing exercises and meditation, all of which help focus the mind and to cultivate greater self-awareness.

Numerous scientific studies have found yoga to have a positive effect on a wide variety of health conditions, Claire says. Some of the most well-documented are its ability to lower high blood pressure, reduce stress levels, help with chronic pain and improve insomnia.

Where other sports or exercise classes are competitive and goal-driven, yoga is the opposite. It’s not about being the best, it’s about doing your best.

Wellness retreats Attending regular classes is great for ‘maintenance’ but many people find that periodically it’s beneficial to dive deeper into their own mental and physical wellbeing by going on a yoga retreat.

“The word retreat comes from the Latin ‘to pull back’,” Claire explains. “When you take a retreat you literally pull back from the stresses of everyday life and immerse yourself in ‘me time’.”

Retreats are often held in locations far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life; places of natural beauty and serenity. The absolute tranquillity of Little Cayman makes it a perfect venue for such retreats.

Little Island Yoga regularly holds retreats on Little Cayman, giving participants the time and space to truly disconnect from everyday pressures and focus on themselves. Healthy, plant-based food, wholesome activities, fresh air and plenty of relaxation time all add up to a break that nourishes mind, body, and spirit. A typical day includes an early morning yoga practice on the beach before breakfast; time for cycling, kayaking, snorkelling or a massage before lunch; a workshop or discussion in the afternoon, followed by free time. A second yoga practice takes place after dinner, with a guided relaxation or meditation by moonlight or candlelight.

“By taking the practice outdoors we can deepen our connection with nature,” Claire says.“ This has been proven to reduce anger, fear and stress and promote feelings of wellbeing. Exposure to nature also reduces blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones such as cortisol.”

Not all yoga classes are the same, she notes. “Some focus solely on physical fitness, others take a more

holistic approach. There is a multitude of different styles and paths to choose from. Whatever floats your boat – there is a class out there for you.”

Because Little Island Yoga’s classes and retreats are tailored to the requirements of the group or individual, it’s an ideal option whether you are new to yoga or want to deepen your practice, immersed in the beauty of a tropical island.

Top tips to get the most out of your yoga practice

• Show up. Yoga must be practiced regularly to be understood. • Set an intention for the practice. Have a clear focus. • Practice without expectation. Enjoy the journey. • Avoid comparisons with others. Do your best – don’t try to be the best. • Listen to your body. If something hurts, stop. Modify where appropriate. • Breathe properly. Use the breath as a tool to steady the mind. • Be present. Observe thoughts but don’t get lost in them. • Cultivate gratitude. Close each class giving thanks for the work you’ve done.

Visit www.littleislandyoga.com