The Power of Yoga
This month, we’re delighted to shine a spotlight on one of our cherished long-term clients, Ellie Callen. Together with her mother, Nicky Callen, the Callen’s have been loyal guests of Davey Dublin since day one – and even before through our previous ventures.
We’ve invited Ellie to share something a little different with you this month.
Questions with Ellie Callen of El & Flow Yoga:
What would you say to someone who feels they’re ‘not flexible enough’ to try yoga?
A common misconception about yoga is that you need to be flexible to start. I believe you can begin your yoga journey exactly as you are, no matter what your level. Strength and flexibility will develop and improve over time but it’s not the only focus. Instead, priorities connecting your mind with your body and let your yoga practice grow from there. In my classes I encourage connecting to how you feel in the moment, as it’s ok for your practice to change each day. It is important to listen to your body, move with compassion and avoid causing harm or injury.
In your experience, how does yoga support mental and emotional wellbeing – not just the physical side?
In my experience, yoga is so much more than the physical side of the practice – although that is one of the great benefits! By combining breathwork with mindful movement, we activate our parasympathetic nervous system, allowing our body to feel safe and supported, and encourages relaxation. Through yoga we can naturally produce endorphins to ease tension, which often build in the jaw and shoulders bringing a sense of lightness to our body and helping to regulate our emotions.
Is there a simple pose or breathing technique you recommend for stressful days – or even in the middle of a busy workday?
A lovely breathing technique that I often practice is the 4-2-6 breathing method. You can do this anywhere, and at any time, in your day to help ease stress and quieten the mind.
Begin by inhaling and exhaling through your nose. After a few rounds of breath, start to breathe in for a count of 4 seconds, then hold the breath for 2 more and then slowing breathe out through the nose for a count of 6 or longer until empty. There are many benefits to this technique; while counting you are giving the mind something else to think about, quietening any stress or distractions. As we exhale for a longer amount of time than we inhale, we encourage our body to relax, signaling to our mind that we are safe. Finally, by breathing through our nose we lower our heart rate which in turn can help reduce anxiety.
Begin by inhaling and exhaling through your nose. After a few rounds of breath, start to breathe in for a count of 4 seconds, then hold the breath for 2 more and then slowing breathe out through the nose for a count of 6 or longer until empty. There are many benefits to this technique; while counting you are giving the mind something else to think about, quietening any stress or distractions. As we exhale for a longer amount of time than we inhale, we encourage our body to relax, signaling to our mind that we are safe. Finally, by breathing through our nose we lower our heart rate which in turn can help reduce anxiety.
Yoga often teaches us to ‘listen to our bodies’ – what does that mean to you, and how can we get better at doing it?
To me ‘listening to our bodies’ means turning inwards and noticing how we are feeling in the present moment and to acknowledge that this may be different each day. For example, some days I crave an energising flow filled with dynamic poses to build strength while other days I prefer gentle breathwork or a short meditation on my mat. No matter which version I choose, I am still showing up for myself and listening to what my body would benefit from today – not comparing it to what I did the day before. It takes time to understand your body’s needs and I am still learning when I can push myself a little further and try new poses as well as understanding when my body needs me to slow down. There are so many different styles of yoga so don’t be afraid to get creative and explore a yin, restorative, or a vinyasa class to see what style flow you enjoy and what suits your body best.
What is one yoga practice, mindset, or habit you think everyone should try to incorporate into daily life and why?
A yoga habit or mindset that I believe everyone can and should try to include each day is the practice of daily gratitude. It is a very simple but an impactful habit that you can achieve either on or off the yoga mat.
One day it might be about being grateful for the movement you do with your body, and another may be appreciating nature or even spending time with a loved one. You can practice gratitude anywhere, at any time: first thing before you get out of bed, setting an intention on your yoga mat before your practice, or expressing your thanks for people in your life. These smaller, inner moments shift our perspective and improve our mindset, helping us navigate the challenges and busyness we experience in our daily lives. Take some time now to be grateful!
One day it might be about being grateful for the movement you do with your body, and another may be appreciating nature or even spending time with a loved one. You can practice gratitude anywhere, at any time: first thing before you get out of bed, setting an intention on your yoga mat before your practice, or expressing your thanks for people in your life. These smaller, inner moments shift our perspective and improve our mindset, helping us navigate the challenges and busyness we experience in our daily lives. Take some time now to be grateful!
Ellie has also created a beautiful 20-minute yoga flow video exclusively for our readers—a perfect way to reset and reconnect in your own time. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or already unroll your mat regularly, we hope Ellie’s insights bring a little peace and inspiration into your day.