Hi everyone
Happy September! Two more units of yoga study have happened since the last newsletter: safety and relaxation. There have been some interesting, open-minded exchanges with students on these topics, so read on!
I've also recorded another 10-minute mindfulness walk for you to enjoy, this time through a lush tropical garden. Scroll down!
But first, here's an illustration to remind myself of why I practice yoga. And it does take reminding. Often.
Safety
There's a difference between being safe in yoga and feeling safe. Being safe in my practice means knowing what I'm doing, and moving in and out of postures injury-free. With a solid foundation, this is pretty straightforward. But feeling safe can be a moving target; to feel safe I need to trust the instructor, trust myself, and be comfortable with vulnerability. If I allow myself to be vulnerable – admitting there's something I don't know, that I feel unsafe – then I can address it with honesty and work toward the next level in my practice. Consider whether you feel safe during your practice; maybe that needs some attention.
Relaxation
There are also two ways to interpret this: if I'm lying on my back it's fairly easy to relax. But what about in a lunge? Or a headstand? Or the splits? Can I relax in a strenuous posture? Yes. By returning to my breath, I can clear my head and identify only the body parts that need to engage. In effect, I'm working to relax my mind; the physical and mental stamina from this conditioning is a useful side-effect. Even if parts of my body start to tremble with exertion, I can hold the posture longer because my mind is nottrembling. Consider this during your practice. You'll see a difference.
Safety + Relaxation = Recovery
One of my long-time teachers recently pointed out that safety and relaxation are necessary for recovery. If I don't feel safe or relaxed, then recovery takes longer. It's easy to imagine many circumstances beyond the mat where this is true: recovery from mental trauma, addiction, physical illness or injury all require safety and relaxation. Assuming the basics of shelter, food, and medicine are in place, then my task is to simply 'get out of my own way' and let my body and mind do what they're built for: get me back on my feet and happy.
A ten-minute walk through a tropical garden.
Speaking of relaxation, I've recorded another 10-minute mindfulness walk to transport you, just for a bit, away from your desk. Put your headphones on, sit back, and enjoy. Other walks are archived here.
Back to the mat.
Summer is drifting away. The light has changed; later sunrise, earlier sunset. If you've taken a break from yoga recently, this is a good time to get back to your mat. Think of your practice as an anchor, a source of ongoing learning with school days well in the past, a place to build resilience and flexibility, a place to slow things down and savor the reality of change as you make your way through the rest of the year. Whether it's with me or another teacher, make time for yourself to re-establish a regular practice. You'll be glad.
Happy practice!
Stefane