16/01/2025
Sometimes when we consider a yoga pose, especially one that might feel challenging, we can find ourselves coming to it in a stand of dread. Thoughts of "I can't do it" compete with "I need to master it!". This kind of all-or-nothing mindset is at odds with the ethical codes of Aparigaha (non-grasping), and Ahimsa (non-violence), and may end with us becoming competitive with others, risking injury to ourselves, and involving ego in our yoga practice.
When considering how to do things differently this year, I wondered how it would be to get curious about a pose?
Instead of needing to 'master' a pose, how about seeing what comes up for you when you try it? What happens in your emotions when you try it? How does it feel in your body? What might the answers to these questions tell you about yourself, your body, and your life as these things currently are? Does the pose in its so-called 'classical' form suit you? How can it be adapted for your ease and comfort? Does your body like it, or not like it, and why might it be that you feel this way?
With this in mind, I've decided to set myself and my classes 'curiosities' each quarter. In this coming winter quarter until the Spring Equinox, Sunday morning classes will explore all aspects of Vasisthasana (the side plank), and Monday evening classes will explore Navasana (boat pose). Each week we'll include these poses in our practice, trying different variations and seeing how our feelings change week by week.
What do these poses bring up for you?
