Getting to Know You
One of the many benefits of yoga is the idea of getting reacquainted with you. In yoga, there is the instructor who guides you on your journey of self-discovery, and there’s you, the active participant being directed.
A good instructor will cue you to reflect on the different feelings you may experience: after a particular pose, say pigeon pose on the right side; he or she may ask if you feel a difference between your right and left hip, thus causing you to stop and reflect on your body. After camel pose, a simple question, how does your chest feel? Will draw your attention to the lightness you now feel as a result of the pose.
A good student will take the practice further and into their daily lives. While driving, you may come across a rather aggressive driver ‘riding your bumper.’ Without thinking, you react: your heart rate may increase, your attention is drawn to the rearview mirror and away from the road, your jaw and abdominal muscles may constrict or clench and perhaps you perspire a bit. As all this is happening unconsciously, consciously, you may plan your ‘punishment’ for the belligerent driver. Perhaps you’re going to slow down, or block them should they try to pass you, maybe you prepare a few choice words as they maneuver to pass you…or maybe you do nothing.
Being in the moment, knowing how the experience is making you feel can help you deal with the emotions in a healthier way (and possibly help you avoid an altercation or worse, an accident). Just my insight on how yoga can help in everyday life. How do you feel right now? Are you more curious about yoga? Maybe you’re interested in taking an introductory class, or jumping back on the mat?
Tomorrow: A New Twist on Mommy and Me Yoga
A good instructor will cue you to reflect on the different feelings you may experience: after a particular pose, say pigeon pose on the right side; he or she may ask if you feel a difference between your right and left hip, thus causing you to stop and reflect on your body. After camel pose, a simple question, how does your chest feel? Will draw your attention to the lightness you now feel as a result of the pose.
A good student will take the practice further and into their daily lives. While driving, you may come across a rather aggressive driver ‘riding your bumper.’ Without thinking, you react: your heart rate may increase, your attention is drawn to the rearview mirror and away from the road, your jaw and abdominal muscles may constrict or clench and perhaps you perspire a bit. As all this is happening unconsciously, consciously, you may plan your ‘punishment’ for the belligerent driver. Perhaps you’re going to slow down, or block them should they try to pass you, maybe you prepare a few choice words as they maneuver to pass you…or maybe you do nothing.
Being in the moment, knowing how the experience is making you feel can help you deal with the emotions in a healthier way (and possibly help you avoid an altercation or worse, an accident). Just my insight on how yoga can help in everyday life. How do you feel right now? Are you more curious about yoga? Maybe you’re interested in taking an introductory class, or jumping back on the mat?
Tomorrow: A New Twist on Mommy and Me Yoga
posted by Andrea | 12:12 PM
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