Embrace the Binding

Embrace the bind in your practice and unlock a deeper connection with yourself, your body, and the present moment. In this connection, you'll find the true essence of yoga a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Binding in Yoga Poses

Izzy, our student teacher currently working with me, and I have recently been teaching and deepening binding in yoga postures.  In the world of yoga, each pose offers a unique blend of benefits and challenges. Among these elements, the yoga bind holds a special place, adding depth, intensity, and mindfulness to your practice. Often referred to as "yoga mudra" or "yoga gesture," a bind is a powerful tool that can transform your yoga experience.  I remember the first time I managed to clasp my hands it was a moment of accomplishment.  I have been inspired to share and write this blog for you to deepen your understanding about binding and all the reasons why we practice binds.

Binding in Yoga

Yoga binds are deeper expressions of traditional poses which require patience and consistent practice to develop the necessary flexibility and strength.  It's essential to approach binds with respect for your body's current limitations, using props like straps when needed, and never forcing the pose, as the journey toward the full expression is just as valuable as achieving the bind itself.

Expanding Your Range of Motion

Yoga binds often involve clasping your hands or reaching for a body part that seems out of reach, actively engaging muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This engagement gradually enhances your flexibility, expanding your range of motion and bringing greater ease to other poses. It's not just about touching your toes; it's about pushing your boundaries and discovering freedom in movement.

Building Strength and Stability

The act of binding requires a harmonious blend of strength and stability. As you clasp your hands or interlace your fingers, you engage muscles in your arms, shoulders, and upper back. This not only helps maintain the bind but also improves posture and upper body strength over time. Additionally, the stability gained from binds enhances your ability to balance in challenging poses.

Cultivating Mindfulness

Yoga is as much a mental practice as a physical one. Binds serve as a tool to deepen your mindfulness. Focusing on forming a bind brings you fully into the present moment, allowing you to observe your breath, sensations, and body alignment. This heightened awareness helps you tune into your body's needs, reducing injury risk and advancing your practice.

Enhancing Alignment

Binding often encourages better alignment. In poses like Revolved Triangle (Parivrtta Trikonasana) or Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana), binds help square your hips and shoulders, preventing misalignment that can lead to discomfort or injury. Proper alignment ensures the full benefits of the pose and maximises energy flow through your body.

Releasing Emotions

The physical act of binding can also feel like an emotional and psychological release.  Yoga offers a space to release pent-up emotions and stress, and a deep stretch in a bind can help release stored tension in muscles. This physical release often leads to an emotional release, leaving you feeling lighter, more open, and emotionally balanced.

Deepening Your Mind-Body Connection

Ultimately, the significance of a bind lies in its ability to deepen the mind-body connection. By integrating breath, focus, strength, and flexibility in a bind, you create a holistic experience that transcends physical yoga. This connection enriches your daily life, enhancing overall wellbeing and mindfulness.

Exploring Your Bind

Continue to explore your bind and, most importantly, be patient. Izzy and I will support you and together we will celebrate everyone’s small victories as though they were our own.  Through binds, you will expand physical boundaries, build strength and stability, cultivate mindfulness, enhance alignment, promote emotional release, and deepen your mind-body connection. Embrace the bind in your practice and unlock a deeper connection with yourself, your body, and the present moment. In this connection, you'll find the true essence of yoga – a journey of self-discovery and transformation.  I’m very excited to continue our journey with binding.

“The pose begins when you want to leave it.” B.K.S. Iyengar

If you would like to learn more or join one of my classes, then please get in touch by emailing nina@yogasansaar.co.uk or book a class online.

www.yogasansaar.co.uk