As we approach the start of a new season, it's important to take some time to slow down, center ourselves, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. It can be tough to enjoy the present moment when there are so many distractions and obligations competing for our attention. That's where mindfulness comes in!

Mindfulness is all about being fully present and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment or distraction. It's a powerful tool for reducing stress, improving mental health, and increasing overall well-being.

We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Midtown Yoga member and UNC basketball alum, Marcus Ginyard, to chat about the importance of incorporating mindful practices into his daily routine:

1. What does mindfulness mean to you?

Mindfulness for me always begins and ends with presence. Being fully present in the moment.

2. How has your mindfulness practice evolved since you started practicing yoga?

When I first started practicing over a decade ago, I really had no idea what I was doing. I looked at yoga more as a cross training workout to complement my basketball training. Fast forward to today and yoga has become a tool to ground my mind and body, a vehicle to practice being still in the midst of chaos, and a constant reminder of acceptance.

3. How does Midtown Yoga help you achieve mindfulness?

In our crazy hustle and bustle lifestyle, sometimes the only opportunity I can be sure to be fully present is the hour that I’m on my mat at Midtown. That’s a powerful opportunity to offer. There’s also the element of community that Midtown creates. It’s incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by a room full of other people who are also on their own journey of mindfulness. Midtown also offers an incredible support system.

4. How does Midtown Yoga support you?

Again, creating a safe space that’s filled with an amazing community is already a great deal of support. There’s also support in the form of a smile when I walk through the doors. Or a “great job today” from an instructor… or free coffee after a morning flow. For me, I feel the support in the energy that is always present in that space.

5. How do you apply mindfulness techniques outside of your yoga practice?

Breathing has become so important to me, especially when faced with stress. I can cut my stress response in half, almost instantly with a few rounds of intentional deep breathing. Another thing that I take from yoga outside of the studio is the idea of acceptance. “This is what is happening right now. This is what you’re faced with. Now how do I navigate it.” Perhaps I need to stop what I’m doing, or maybe there’s a modification that can be made in this moment.

6. How do you stay motivated to maintain a regular mindfulness practice?

Sometimes I’m motivated most by the moments where I see that a lack of mindfulness has led to unnecessary suffering. I think learning the “hard way” is a good thing sometimes. Outside of that though, I also have a desire to experience all that this life has to offer. There’s so many things out there for us all. Experiences, connections, opportunities to grow and help others do the same. We can only tap into those opportunities if we are mindful of our own existence and the existence of others. 

7. Do you have any favorite mindfulness quotes or teachings that have resonated with you?

“Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at the moment.” – Eckhart Tolle

We invite you to join us in embracing a month of mindfulness. Come explore the resources and classes offered at Midtown Yoga, or simply set aside a few minutes each day to breathe and be present. With a little bit of practice and intention, you may be surprised at how transformative the practice of mindfulness can be.