Alright, we all know when we’re in yoga class we’re supposed to clear our minds. It’s the very thing that first attracted me to yoga. You step on to your mat, close your eyes, and breathe. Focus on the present, focus on each breath, and just be.

Now it would be absolutely fantastic if I could do this every time I stepped into class. But the reality is…and I’ll go out on a limb and say for most of us…many times our brains are doing the exact opposite.

I literally shock myself at how much can run through my head at any given moment.  Sometimes there are just so many thoughts that run through my head in yoga…that have nothing to do with yoga!

• What am I going to eat for dinner tonight?  
• How am I ever going to get all of my Christmas shopping done?
• I really need a pedicure…I hope no one  looks at my toes.
• I should probably clean this mat.  It’s looking a little discolored…I hope that’s not mine that smells funny.
• Did I put deodorant on before class?
• Should I wear my new shirt tomorrow or Saturday?
• Did I just hear what I think I heard?  That wasn’t me was it?  Awkward.
• I need a vacation.  Maybe I should book one.
• I love this song.  It reminds me of college. I miss college sometimes.
• What would I be like as a yoga teacher?
• I like that quote on the wall.  I should look at quotes on Pinterest later. 
• I think a lot during yoga.  Breathe Kelsey, focus on your breath.  
• Maybe I should write a blog article on how I can’t always concentrate in Yoga.

Alright, I think you get the picture.  Please tell me I’m not the only one with such a scattered, racing brain!

I do know that some days I’m more relaxed than others.  Some days I can control and suppress these thoughts better than others.  I’ve found that on the better days it’s simply because I’m more relaxed.

Give yourself enough time…there is nothing worse than rushing to get to class whether stuck in traffic or caught on a slow train.  There have been plenty of times when this has been the case for me, and it’s almost impossible to turn off my thoughts when I get into class.

Lastly, if you are relaxed, try to focus on your breath.  I literally visualize breathing in through my nose and letting it out like a continuing cycle or wave.  If there’s music in class, focusing on one beat in the song always helps me a lot too.

No matter what happens during your yoga practice in that brain of yours, as long as we are more aware of our bodies and our thoughts, we’re on the right track.