What is a Mindful Yoga and 5 yoga studios in Singapore that can help you practise it

If you've clicked your way here, chances are you're curious about yoga - a timeless practice with countless benefits. But we're not just going to talk about your average yoga here, we're about to venture into something called 'Mindful Yoga'. Sounds intriguing, right? And let us assure you, it's as promising as it sounds.

First things first, let's talk a little about yoga in general. Born in ancient India, yoga has evolved over the centuries, blending philosophy, spirituality, and physical postures to help us connect our body, mind, and spirit.

Imagine a morning routine where instead of rushing through a cup of coffee and a bagel, you dedicate some time to your mat, stretch out the stiffness, and attune your mind to your body's rhythm. That's what yoga is about - a journey of self-discovery, one pose at a time.

Now, let's take it up a notch to 'Mindful Yoga'. This is where we incorporate the principles of mindfulness into our yoga practice. The idea is not just to strike a pose but to be fully present in it, to feel every breath, to acknowledge every sensation, and to listen to our bodies as we flow from one pose to another.

Mindful Yoga is not just about building strength and flexibility, but also about cultivating an awareness that extends beyond the yoga mat and seeps into our everyday lives.

But hey, let's be honest. Navigating through this journey alone can be tricky. That's where the yogis, our trusted yoga instructors, come in. They're the experienced guides who help us correct our postures, deepen our practice, and also encourage us when we feel like we're about to fall over (literally and figuratively!).

And the good news? We're blessed with some fantastic yogis right here in Singapore, ready to help us master Mindful Yoga. So, let's get started, shall we?

Source: Pexels

Understanding Mindful Yoga

Alright, now that we've covered the basics, let's dive a bit deeper into what Mindful Yoga is all about. You might be wondering, "Isn't all yoga supposed to be mindful?" Great question! You're right in a way. Traditional yoga does indeed promote mindfulness. However, Mindful Yoga is a specific style that blends yoga poses with meditation techniques.

So here's the deal. Mindful Yoga is about fully experiencing the present moment while you're twisting, bending, and stretching.

It's not just about nailing that difficult pose, but also about being aware of your breath, your movements, your thoughts, and your feelings as you do so. And no, it doesn't mean you need to be super flexible or have the balance of a tightrope walker. It's not about performance, but about awareness.

If you've ever tried meditation, you know how it works. You sit quietly, focusing on your breath or maybe a mantra, and try to quiet your mind. Mindful Yoga takes that concept and incorporates it into your physical yoga practice. It's like adding an extra layer of awareness to your yoga routine.

But what's the payoff, you ask? Well, practising Mindful Yoga can have a ton of benefits. For starters, it can significantly improve your mental wellbeing. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, help improve focus and concentration, and even boost your mood.

On the physical side, it can help improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall fitness. And let's not forget the spiritual aspect - many practitioners find it brings them a sense of peace and tranquillity that's hard to describe.

The best part? Anyone can do Mindful Yoga. Yes, you heard it right. It doesn't matter how old you are, how fit you are, or whether you can touch your toes. All you need is a willingness to be present and to explore your own body and mind.

The elements of Mindful Yoga

You know, the beauty of Mindful Yoga lies in its simplicity. It's a blend of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, all woven together by mindfulness. This practice is not just a form of exercise; it's a way of life that brings harmony to the mind, body, and spirit. Now, let's break down the essential elements that make up Mindful Yoga:

1. Asana

First off, let's talk about Asana, which refers to the physical postures that are often associated with yoga. In Mindful Yoga, Asana is all about paying attention to each pose. You're not just doing a stretch; you're feeling it, experiencing it.

It's about being aware of every sensation as you move from one pose to another. Forget about those impressive pretzel-like shapes you've seen on Instagram; this is about connecting with your own body and feeling grounded.

2. Pranayama

Next up, we have Pranayama, the art of breath control. You see, in Mindful Yoga, breathing is not just a necessity of life; it's a tool for cultivating awareness.

It's about observing the breath's journey, from the moment it enters your nostrils to the moment it leaves your body. With every inhale and exhale, you're not just breathing; you're deepening your connection with yourself.

3. Dhyana

Now let's move on to Dhyana, which means meditation. Meditation in Mindful Yoga isn't about reaching some mystical state of emptiness. Instead, it's about observing your thoughts and emotions without judgement. It's like taking a step back and watching a play unfold in your mind. With every scene, you're learning more about yourself, all while fostering kindness and compassion.

4. Integration of Mindfulness

Lastly, we come to the core of Mindful Yoga - integrating mindfulness into your practice. This is where Asana, Pranayama, and Dhyana come together, creating a tapestry of awareness. You're fully present in your practice, attuned to the sensations of your body, the rhythm of your breath, and the wanderings of your mind.

There you have it, the key elements of Mindful Yoga. It's a beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-awareness that extends far beyond the mat. Now, are you ready to give it a shot?

5 noteworthy yoga studios in Singapore for practising Mindful Yoga

Source: Yoga Movement

1. Yoga Movement

Let's start our tour with the Yoga Movement. They have built quite a reputation for their Mindful Yoga classes that they call Zen Classes. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, Yoga Movement has something for everyone.

The studio's calming ambience and passionate instructors create a nurturing environment that's perfect for Mindful Yoga. Plus, with eight locations island-wide, finding a Yoga Movement studio near you should be a breeze.

📍 Address:

• Orchard Flagship - 6 Handy Rd, #02-01 Singapore 229234
• Robertson Quay - 22 Martin Rd, #02-01 Singapore 239058 (Entrance on Arnasalam Chetty Road)
• East Coast - 237 East Coast Rd, #02-01 Singapore 428930
• Tanjong Pagar - 12 Gopeng St, Icon Village 01-58 Singapore 078877 (Behind Nick Vina Bakery)
• Serangoon Gardens - 54 Serangoon Garden Way, Serangoon Garden Post Office Singapore 555950 
• Tiong Bahru - 11 Yong Siak St, #02-01 Singapore 168646
• Circular Road - 1A Lor Telok, #02-01 Singapore 049014
• Novena - 8 Sinaran Drive, Novena Specialist Centre, #01-08 Singapore 307470

Source: Mindful Movement

2. Mindful Movement

True to its name, Mindful Movement is your ideal stopover for an enriching Mindful Yoga journey. Their 'Gentle Yoga' and 'Yoga + Meditation' classes are carefully curated to offer an immersive mindfulness experience. With a small, intimate class size, they ensure each participant receives individual attention even within a group setting.

But what truly sets them apart is their customised approach. They offer specialised one-on-one private sessions designed to cater to your specific needs. Whether you're healing from an injury, aiming for a specific goal, or looking to deepen your practice, Mindful Movement is committed to making your yoga journey personal and impactful.

📍 Address: 43D Beach Rd, #5th Floor Evershine & Century Complex, Singapore 189681

Source: Yoga Mala

3. Yoga Mala

Yoga Mala is your ultimate hub for an array of Mindful Yoga experiences. The studio offers diverse classes such as 'Guided Meditation Yoga,' where you'll learn to channel your consciousness towards achieving inner peace. Then, there's 'Yoga Therapy,' designed to restore balance, enhance vitality, and uplift your attitude. Not to mention their 'Yin Yang Yoga,' a slower-paced practice that works deeply on your joints and connective tissues while calming your nervous system.

Nestled at Boat Quay with a splendid view of the Singapore River, Yoga Mala is more than just a yoga studio. It's a sanctuary that exudes a homely and cosy atmosphere, inviting you to unwind and disconnect from the city's hustle. With Yoga Mala, you're not just practising yoga; you're coming home to a community dedicated to mindfulness and wellness.

📍 Address: 49A Circular Rd, Singapore 049404

Source: Como Shambhala Urban Escape

4. Como Shambhala Urban Escape

Let's head over to Delfi Orchard Road and explore the tranquillity that is Como Shambhala Urban Escape. Renowned for its wellness-focused approach, this studio is a true sanctuary amidst the bustling cityscape, providing the perfect backdrop for your mindfulness journey.

Their Mindfulness & Sound Healing programmes are carefully designed to help you discover balance and tranquillity in the midst of the urban rush. These programmes offer a range of classes that cater to your mindfulness needs.

One of these is their 'Mindfulness Meditation' class, which offers practical techniques to help quiet your racing thoughts and dissolve negativity. Imagine being able to slow down your mind and focus on the present moment, a true oasis of calm amidst your busy day.

Next, they offer 'Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR)'. This is where you learn to be truly present and cultivate a sense of calm within your mind and body. It's like having a secret weapon to combat stress and handle life's ups and downs with more grace and composure.

And then there's 'Pranayama Yoga,' a unique yoga practice that focuses on controlling and channelling your breath or life energy. The word 'Prana' translates to 'life force' or 'energy', and 'yama' means 'control'. So, Pranayama Yoga is all about guiding your inner energy through mindful breathing.

📍 Address: 402 Orchard Road, #06-01/02, Delfi Orchard, Singapore 238876

Source: Mindful Flow with Angie

5. Mindful Flow with Angie

Rather than a traditional yoga studio, our fifth entry is Angie, an esteemed yoga teacher and trainer. Inspired by the teachings of renowned yoga instructor Jason Crandell, Angie's approach is deeply rooted in the understanding of anatomy and functional alignment.

Her classes and training sessions emphasise the importance of mastering the basics. In Angie's perspective, the journey towards advanced yoga poses begins with a firm grasp of the simplest poses and the minute details that come with them. She strongly believes that achieving challenging poses safely is a result of this foundational understanding.

Currently, Angie shares her expertise at Hom Yoga Singapore where she conducts group classes and training. Additionally, she offers specialised yoga classes and private sessions at The Physio Circle Singapore, bringing her unique touch of mindfulness to various settings.

Beyond this, Angie also organises yoga workshops open to all levels of practitioners. Whether you're looking to dip your toes into yoga or dive deeper into your existing practice, Angie's Mindful Flow offers a well-rounded, mindful experience that goes beyond the mat.

☎️ Contact: https://www.mindfulflowwithangie.com/contact

How to choose the right studio for you 

Alright, let's dive into the exciting task of choosing the right yoga studio for you! With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. But fear not, because we’re here to guide you through the process and help you find your perfect match.

1. Teaching Style: The teaching style varies from one studio to another. Some teachers may have a more hands-on approach, while others might guide you verbally. Consider your learning style and preferences when choosing a studio.

2. Types of Yoga Offered: Not every yoga studio will offer mindful yoga. Make sure that the studio you choose offers this practice, and consider the diversity of the yoga styles they offer for a more holistic practice.

3. Class Schedule: Your yoga studio should be able to accommodate your lifestyle and daily routine. Look for studios with schedules that can fit into your day, ensuring consistency in your yoga practice.

4. Studio Environment: The environment and ambiance of the studio play a critical role in your practice. A tranquil, welcoming, and clean environment can enhance your yoga experience.

5. Location: Ideally, the studio should be located somewhere convenient for you. If it's too far away, you might find it difficult to motivate yourself to attend regularly.

6. Cost: Consider the pricing structure of the yoga studio. Look for one that offers reasonable prices or packages that suit your budget without compromising the quality of instruction.

We understand that finding the right yoga studio for you can be a challenge. And once you find the right one, keeping track of your progress and scheduling can be just as challenging.

That's why we highly recommend a yoga studio that uses a fitness management software like Rezeve. 

Rezeve makes it easy to manage your classes, track your progress, and communicate with the instructors. With Rezeve, you can sign up for classes, view your progress, and receive updates all in one place. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to manage all your fitness classes, and you can access it from anywhere, at any time!

Source: Pexels

Conclusion

Phew! We've covered quite a bit of ground on our Mindful Yoga journey, haven't we? From understanding the elements of Mindful Yoga to exploring some amazing yoga studios in Singapore, we've delved into a world where mindfulness meets movement.

Now, as we reach the end of our adventure together, we want to leave you with a sense of inspiration and possibility. Mindful Yoga is not just a passing trend or a fleeting exercise routine. It's a way of life, a path to self-discovery, and a tool for finding peace in a fast-paced world.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, taking the time to practise Mindful Yoga can be a game-changer. It helps us reconnect with ourselves, tune in to the present moment, and find that much-needed inner calm. It's a reminder to slow down, breathe, and truly experience life with all our senses.

Whether you choose to roll out your mat in a cosy studio, at home, or in a serene park, the essence of Mindful Yoga remains the same. It's about being fully present, embracing each posture, each breath, and each sensation as a gateway to self-awareness.

So, go on, we encourage you to embark on your own Mindful Yoga journey. Explore the different studios we've discussed, try out various classes, and find what resonates with you. Allow yourself to be open to the experience, the growth, and the transformative power that Mindful Yoga can bring!

Good luck!

Friska 🐨

Read next: The benefits of mum & baby yoga and 3 studios in Singapore that you can practise safely

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