What a joy it has been to spend the last 12 weeks with you, sharing my love of Yoga and it’s foundational principles. All this time, as you sat at the computer and read along with me, you were doing yoga!
The beauty of this ancient practice is you can do it all the time. And the more you do it, the more limber your body, mind and breath become.
There are many misunderstandings about the practice and many false thoughts, like you need to be in shape before you begin yoga or you have to be a contortionist in order to do yoga. None of this is true. Yoga is a simple and beautiful practice that is available to both women and men of all shapes & sizes. It’s great for anyone who wants a little spiritual tune-up. When you begin with the heart, your tune-up will extend out into the mind and if you choose, right into the body.
ASANA. The physical practice.
The beauty of the Asana practice is you first begin to have domain over the body, so that you can still the mind and use the breath to move deeply into spirit. In some ways, it’s easy to start with the body, we all deal with many of the same issues of pain & discomfort. As I said several months ago, a rotator cuff problem brought me into the yoga studio and 12 years later, I am still here. Maybe after this ‘Off the Mat’ series you’re considering trying ‘On the Mat’ yoga. I hope so. It will change your life. If you do, here are some tips:
* Shop for a good studio & teacher. We are all different as are our needs. There are lots of yoga studios out there – either get a recommendation from someone you trust or simply find a teacher and a practice that suits you. Many studios offer ‘first class for free’ so you can see if it’s a good fit. If you can’t afford a class or don’t have the time – check out You-Tube, there are many great yoga videos where you can follow along. I do, however, recommend doing some classes in person as the instructor can help guide you in the beginning.
* Remember Balance. Yoga is all about balance. If we stretch the left side, we always remember to stretch the right as well. If you are a highly active individual, a quieter restorative yoga class may be where you should begin. Similarly, if you find you are low energy or have a lethargic routine, you may benefit more from a moderate class where you get the blood flowing. Watch your ego as you choose and follow your instinct. It’s all about mindfulness, even in the selection of the class.
* Remember your Yoga Principles. When you find a class, the first thing you’ll notice is how you compare yourself to others…and it won’t be pretty. Notice your self-judgments and be mindful. It is called a yoga practice because it is just that, a practice.
Final Thoughts:
As you drive to work, sit and watch soccer matches or go food shopping, watch all the ways you can do your yoga off the mat. Practice kindness to yourself (Ahimsa) while you are being truthful (Satya) about where you are and how you feel. Try to be aware if you are taking what is not given (Asteya – non stealing) from your partner, children or friends and be attentive to taking on excess, be they food, sexual energy (Bramachariaa). Is your situation making you feel greedy or hoarding (Aparagriaha) and if so, be mindful of those feelings and watch what is actually beneath them (Saucha) keeping a healthy body & healthy mind.
Notice if you resist what comes your way and think about acceptance without judgement (Santosa). Tap into the fire of dedication (tapas) and hard work that will transform your everyday inner & outer experience. Use the world around you as a mirror to reflect your lessons and wisdoms back to you (Svadhyaya). Finally, lay your burdens down at the feet of God and surrender to the knowledge that the Divine has your greatest interests in mind, even though you may not be able to see it clearly in the moment (Isvara pranidhana)
Yoga is the union of body, mind & spirit with the breath as our guide inwards. We use the physical Asana practice along with Pranayama (breathing) to harness our energy and discipline our body. From there, we take those principles along with meditation, to quiet or more aptly have dominion over our minds (rather than our minds running us ragged). This harnessing of the physical and attention to the mental, guided by the breath brings our life force energy deep within, to the spiritual.
Yoga simply recognizes that we are a collection of our body, mind & spirit and it helps bring ALL OF US into alignment.
Thank you for joining me.
Namaste.
To access the entire 12 Part Yoga Series, click here.
Brenda McMahon is a full-time Ceramic Artist traveling nationally & internationally showing her artwork and teaching clay workshops. She creates meditative porcelain vessels and Yoga Oms in her private studio. Brenda is a passionate student of metaphysics and has been a Yogi for 10 years.
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