2023-06-26 12:04:43
Blindfold Yoga, also known as blind yoga, is an increasingly widespread technique in the world of yoga. It consists of executing postures (asanas) and sequences (vinyasa-krama), wearing a blindfold or mask to block vision.
In India, yogis practiced meditation with the eyes closed to focus inward and achieve a state of calm and balance.
So Blindfold Yoga has its origins in the classical yoga tradition.
Over time, this practice found its way into the realm of physical yoga.
Experienced instructors began to use blindfolds or blindfolds to prevent vision and help their disciples deepen the technique.
This is how Blindfold Yoga is becoming increasingly popular today, especially because by eliminating the sense of sight during sessions, the rest of the senses are automatically intensified, increasing the connection with ourselves and with the environment that surrounds usobtaining important benefits.
The look during each session is directed inward, inviting introspection, to observe the mind and perceive the sensations.
Benefits of practicing yoga blindfolded
Self-awareness: something essential in yoga, since all value judgments and competition with the person next to you disappear. By being blindfolded, we remove any possible distraction or comparison with others. It doesn’t matter how it looks, just how it feels.Muscles and posture: This technique also offers multiple physical benefits. In addition to those inherent in the usual practice of yoga, as it is a little more difficult to maintain balance, we use the muscles more consciously, activating and strengthening them more efficiently. We also improve posture and alignment as we force ourselves to rely on our other senses and become more aware of our own bodies.Stress: Blindfold Yoga can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality. By blocking vision, sensory stimulation is reduced and it is possible to focus on internal sensations, away from worries and negative thoughts. This promotes greater relaxation and better sleep.Trust: Blindfold Yoga can also be used as a tool to build confidence and self-acceptance. It is a personal challenge and involves great inner work. “Walking blindly” makes us face our fears instead of moving away from them, gradually losing their power. In this sense it has a liberating effect.
How to perform a Blindfold Yoga session
A Blindfold Yoga session consists of executing common asanas of traditional yoga, trying to achieve a greater degree of awareness, sensitivity and mind-body connection, through visual deprivation.
Preparation
Before starting the session, it is important gradually prepare the body and mind by performing a brief relaxation, with deep breaths. It is also pertinent to spend a few minutes to locate where we are, the space that surrounds us and the dimensions of the body with respect to the mat. Thus we achieve greater body awareness.
The postures and sequences in this phase should awaken our body, leaving it ready to perform the following postures or asanas that require more physical demands and therefore greater concentration.
during session
When you log in, the yoga instructor will give precise verbal instructions to guide you in the sequence of postures, inviting you to feel, rather than to seek perfection.
The instructions must always be very clear so that you can focus on the journey that is happening within you.
It is possible that at some point you feel vulnerable, but as you progress this feeling will disappear. Visual deprivation can be challenging, so the instructor will use strategies to build confidence and security during practice.
It is convenient to start with simple yoga poses, such as paschimottanasana, sun salutations, and other balancing asanas; but always with the mask on.
After you master these techniques, you can move on to more complex sequences.
To end
The Blindfold Yoga session can end with a guided meditation or relaxation, making the body and mind connect with the internal sensation.
Once the practice ends and you regain your vision, you appreciate its power much more.
You recognize that you can use it to improve your focus and concentration.
What material do you need?
The implements required to develop the practice of Blindfold Yoga they are the same as those of classical yoga: non-slip mat, comfortable clothes to move around, blocks, cushions.
You will only need an additional bandage or mask, it is important that it fits well and does not fall, to avoid distracting yourself by continuously placing it.
Tips and Precautions
Here are some tips that will help you enjoy your Blindfold Yoga experience to the fullest.
It is important that before you begin to practice yoga blindly, first familiarize yourself with the postures and exercises of yoga traditional so that you have a better mastery of the movements.Make sure the space is safe and well conditioned to avoid injury.Let yourself be guided by a qualified instructor and experienced, who fully masters the technique. Because it is performed with deprivation of vision, it is recommended thatthat the session does not imply demanding balances nor a routine of postures that are too physically intense.If you have back, knee, cervical or any other problemsTell the instructor and he will recommend the appropriate postures to help you improve or which ones you should do with greater caution.
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