Dear Students and Friends,
Thanks to the vaccinations, we started meeting at the studio over the Summer. It was encouraging and invigorating to see you again! Zoom has worked great for our yoga, but there is nothing like being together in the same room. We are currently wearing masks for the classes.
If you feel like your practice has waned during the past several months, you are not alone.
Practicing the poses helps you learn to focus your mind and support your body’s health and well-being. In Iyengar Yoga, we do our poses to observe the whole Self. When we stay aware of what we are doing and the effects, we are able to steer in the direction we want to go. Learning to focus takes practice over time!
Asana makes your body stronger and more flexible, but it is important to remember that the physical aspect of “doing” yoga is only part of a whole yoga practice. When you practice truthfulness, when you think before you speak, when you try to remain balanced in your attitude toward all people (not just people that are easy to like)….all of these are ways to practice yoga.
Over my many years of practicing yoga, my asana practice has gone through phases. There have been long periods where I show up and do my poses every day. And other times, I’ve been discouraged and could manage only a half-hearted effort. There have also been phases when I needed to focus on healing an injury to controlling pain.
Looking back, I remember an unexpected phase. I got my first dog, Mr. French, and my practice started looking very different. I didn’t practice as often, and when I did manage to get on my mat, Mr. French thought it was time to play! Some days I gave in, putting my yoga “practice” on hold for later. At that time of my life, I enjoyed training and bonding with a new puppy. It was a (much-needed) joyful time and fun for both of us! Over time, Mr. French learned to participate in my practice and learned how to be still and quiet (most of the time).
Life offers its ups, its very ups, its downs, its very downs.
Then there are many times when ups and downs occur at the same time.
I will leave you with this:
Do not give up when you feel you have slacked off.
Do not give in to inertia that will only keep you stuck in the same groove.
Every day is different.
You are in a different place today than you were yesterday.
Your yoga is always there, and will meet you where you are.
Wishing you peace and happiness today — no matter what else is happening.
Namaste.