One of the biggest changes has been my mental state. Practicing such steady and precise breathing quieted my mind and released all the endless ruminations. Stressful thoughts evaporated as soon as I stepped on the mat, and after some time, started decreasing even off the mat. The next huge change was my body. People started making comments about my arms and abs when I went out dancing... a lot. Things got tighter, leaner and more muscular. Huge accelerations also happened in my feelings of spirit. I felt energy zipping through my body and had a sense that I holding more light and life force. The feeling of being a channel between heaven and earth was tangible and visceral.

Meanwhile, while all this yoga has been happening, my personal hoop practice quieted. There have only been so many hours in the day... and it feels nice to change it up a bit. I have still been training students, but my own training decreased while I focused on integrating this new modality.

Yoga has very tangible and specific things which it is feeding my body which I know will make me a better hooper. I want to share these insights with the hope that you may also check out yoga... it is such a rewarding practice!

First of all, what I love about yoga is the breathing discipline it cultivates. The use of the conscious inhalations and exhalations calms my nervous system. This has direct application to hooping... it reduces jitters and sloppy movement and amplifies a sense of focused presence.

The second thing I love is yoga's emphasis on precise lines and heightened awareness of physiology and anatomy. I find that when I hoop after doing yoga, I am able to discern muscle groups more clearly, engage places previously ignored (which thereby creates more beauty and elegance) as well as articulate my joints and create planes with purpose.

Finally, what I love most about yoga is how it moves energy: physical, emotional, and spiritual. I experience a tremendous awareness on all levels. It is incredible cross-training for any hooper who desires a more tangible grasp of chi. Also, when I teach hooping after doing yoga, my voice is richer, more grounded, more articulate and infused with spiritual energy.

I can't say enough about how grateful I am for the gift of this new practice! Check it out and please let me know how it influences your hooping...

xoxo
Christabel