Some of us were discussing a number of these ideas today. Taking our Practice “off the mat” is not mere lip-service. It is, indeed, the proper aim of any work that happens on the mat. When we encounter Stress, or difficult People or Situations, it is important to remember that these are all opportunities to test our Practice.
Tag: beyondthephysical
-
Remember
There is no standard.
Do as much as you can.
Do as much as you want.
Do as much as feels right in that Moment.
Even the most acrobatic yogi on Earth may just lay on the mat some days.
Have goals, but let go of Expectations. We come to the mat to take the small steps. The giant leaps are actually little surprises that often show up when we least expect them.
If a certain posture or physical achievement is your goal, Practice with all due diligence.
If your goals are not so physically inclined, Practice with no less Intention, but know that, of course, your work may look a little different than the Athlete or Dancer.
Our Practice is inherently unique based on our own objectives and experiences, but what we all share when we roll out the mat is Being, Here, Now, with The Breath.
-
Why Asana?
Asana is the aspect of yoga which encourages the development of a “steady comfortable posture.”
The physical part of yoga is very clearly expressed in this aspect. Posture implies our physical structure, but also implies our capacity to be aware of it and to influence it.
While many of the more impressive postures and sequences do require great strength and flexibility and focus, these very qualities are cultivated in the more simple postures.
The Basics are always important.
If we hope to achieve or accomplish a physical Practice full of flourish and grace and power and strength, we must be willing to find the true Asana in the simple postures.
To Stand.
Just this.
Steady, and unmoved by the “modifications of the MindStuff.”
Comfortable, at ease and not striving to Be, simply allowing for it.
Discover the joy in the simple postures. Steady and Comfortable can come off of the mat with you. Relax. Often.
If you value the ability to demonstrate or conquer the more complex physical postures, then Practice is exactly what it takes and there will be times when great effort may be necessary.
Diligent, dutiful Hard Work with the physical Practice is precisely what many of the people who seem to do yoga with ease have experienced.
Yet, it must be remembered that those specific postures are not the primary goal. They are roadside attractions. The hard work of the physical practice is not the true aim either; merely the road.
The destination, the aim of Asana; is to find a feeling of Ease and Stability, wherever we decide to go.
Even with simple postures we can promote skillful communication between the Mind and Body. This is the core of the physical skill of Yoga.
Yin-Yang-Yoga 