New students sometimes ask why class starts with everyone flat on the floor. It can feel like we are wasting time. We are not.

Arriving takes a moment

Most of us walk in carrying the commute, the inbox and whatever happened at lunch. Lying down removes the effort of holding yourself up, which gives your attention somewhere softer to land.

What changes in your body

A few slow breaths with a longer exhale nudge the nervous system toward rest. Your shoulders drop. Your jaw unclenches. The first standing pose feels different because you are actually there for it.

Next time, notice how your breath sounds at minute one and again at minute three. That difference is the whole point.