Are You Growing?
How do you know if your practice is advancing?
This week in classes I have focused on the subject of
growth. How do you know that you are
growing in your yoga practice? I asked students to think back to the first time
they came to the mat and compare the current experience to that first
experience. We considered the increased strength
and flexibility as well as other, more difficult to measure, changes. Following our 7pm Wednesday evening class, one of
our students, Angela, looked at me and stated “January 13, 2007”. This is the date of her “yoga birthday” which
she celebrates each year. If you talk with her, your will discover that she has
clearly identified ways in which her practice has enhanced her life
experience.
In our physical practice, we practice awareness of the sensations
of the body and respond appropriately to those sensations. When
we feel a sensation in the hamstring that feels beneficial, a “good stretch” we lean into it, breath into it, enjoy it. When the sensation is too much, we back away
from it. When we begin to apply the same
concept to other areas of our lives we see changes beyond the physical body.
1. We begin to eat mindfully. We notice how we are feeling when we eat
certain foods. Some make us feel good
and healthier. Other foods drain us,
make us uncomfortable and feel less well. When eating mindfully, we tend to consume
foods that make us feel well and resist those that do not. Not
only do we become aware of how foods make us feel but we begin to notice more
about our food, we become less detached from the processes and consider how our
food is grown and treated and develop preferences from that knowledge as well.
2. We begin to choose recreational activities that
are beneficial to us spiritually. Prior to a mindful yoga
practice, we may not have noticed the relationship between our actions and how
we feel. For example, watching a certain
type of movie or television show may us feel irritable or anxious. Time with a particular
person may lead us to feel less satisfied with ourselves. When living mindfully we begin to notice
connections between our actions and how we feel. Progress on the mat allows us to be more at
ease with the true self because we are leaning into right actions, with
regard to postures, food, relationships,
activities, even whether watching the daily news is helpful or harmful to you
3.
We begin to notice a spiritual connection with the
true self, or perhaps simply open up to the concept that we each have a “true
self”, one that may be different than previously viewed. We develop more confidence in the inner voice
(your truth) and are less swayed by others and by prior conditioning.
4. In time, we
experience fewer conflicts in our relationships as we grow in acceptance of
ourselves and in turn others. We develop an awareness of our connection to each
other, recognizing that we are all truly connected. With this knowledge we find a greater sense
of community and less conflict.
Enjoy the physical challenges the mat offers and apply the
lessons off the mat. Much love and light to each of you as you
grow in this beautiful practice.
If you haven’t yet experienced the practice of yoga, we
welcome you to join us at Mindful Motion Yoga in Jacksonville, FL or contact us for a recommendation
of a great yoga studio in your area.
Namaste,
Terri
