Slow down, soften and reconnect with your body in this gentle, grounding yoga practice for the shoulders, upper body and nervous system. 🤎 This class combines slow, mindful movement with longer, quieter breathing and plenty of time to notice how your body feels. We’ll use a strap and bolster throughout the practice, with lots of shoulder movement including Thread the Needle, gentle opening and some slightly more challenging options if you feel like exploring them. There’s no need to push or achieve anything here the invitation is to move slowly, breathe deeply and give your nervous system a chance to settle. 🌬 Breathing with the strap At one point we use the strap gently around the lower ribs while breathing. This gives you some gentle feedback around the ribcage, helping you become more aware of how your ribs move as you breathe. As you inhale, notice the ribs expanding into the strap in different directions. As you exhale, feel them gently soften back in. This can help you experience a fuller, three-dimensional breath and bring your attention away from busy thoughts and back into your body. Slowing the breath and making the exhale comfortable and unforced can also support the body’s natural shift towards a calmer, more settled state. Have a strap and bolster nearby if you have them, but you can always adapt with what you have at home. Move at your own pace, choose the options that feel right for your body, and remember less can be more. 🤎 If you enjoy this practice, subscribe for more slow yoga, mindful movement, breathwork and relaxation practices.