“It’s not about being good at something,
it’s about being good to yourself.”
Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning the SKL office becomes a yoga studio, we lie down the mats and spend an hour with Chai our teacher. Despite the fact that we are surrounded by computers, printer, and desks we manage to make our shapes and end up feeling refreshed and energised to start the day.
There is a wide range of experience between us, and yet, as yoga so regularly teaches, we all have our strengths and areas to work on. Once you realise this you feel free to tackle anything (or choose not to – which can be just as if not more challenging for some). At any one time Chai may have one of us with our legs up the wall resting and others practicing their handstands and headstands – yes it’s amazing what you can achieve in a small office space.
So why yoga?
When we moved into the office in Pitt St we discovered a yoga studio around the corner. I have practiced yoga for some years and loved the opportunity to spend lunchtime in a class. Jas joined to improve his flexibility and decided it would be beneficial for the team and so he organised a teacher and we haven’t looked back. Yoga appeals to some instantly, for others it takes time – I took my first class at university and yet never dedicated enough time to it until about 10 years ago, always too keen to get my heart rate racing in a cardio setting, I had to learn to slow down.
We all find that our bodies move more freely after a class but more importantly feel that the time spent practising is worthwhile, and that we operate so much more efficiently and effectively as a result.
“In truth yoga doesn’t take time, it gives time “
– Ganga White, yogi
Everyone gets something different from the classes:
Jenny – “I practice myself and have studied a 200 hour teacher training course (which proved to me I am such a beginner). I have benefited from Chai providing almost individual instruction and also from the bond it has created between those of us in the office – talk about breaking down barriers and building self confidence when you are doing forward folds and back bends together.”
Jas – “Love the focus on breathing because it helps me to stay in the moment and improves my concentration during the day.”
John – “I’ve discovered yoga is a whole body workout and by matching the breathing to movement it helps you forget which muscles you are using. I am amazed at how much I have improved over time.”
Aliza – “I find yoga to be stimulating and calming at the same time. It is stimulating for my physical body and I am constantly amazed at what my body can do through yoga. Yet, I feel a sense of calm and peace in my mind once I finish class. The breathing you do in yoga grounds me and my mind feels so much more refreshed afterwards.”
“Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down.” – Jigar Gor
