connection - asana
This January in ‘summer yoga’ our focus is on connection. I chose this theme for a couple of reasons. One, it is my personal word of the year and two, it is what yoga is all about. Yoga, translates from Sanskrit to ‘union’ and in further interpreting this, ‘realising our true nature, (our whole, essential nature, if you like), and abiding in it’. In union, or at one, connected with our inner essence.
The yoga path starts for most of us with the practice of asana (physical poses). In yoga asana we connect with the body, as your point of focus. This might not be obvious when you come to class, however as the teacher is guiding you through a class, and cueing you into poses, you are being supported and encouraged to tune in to your body.
You may find yourself focusing on the pose, or sensations in a pose, then the mind wanders off. Then you hear the prompts from the teacher and you come back to the body. And the mind invariably wanders off again, doing it’s ‘thinking’ thing… and at some point, you come back. Through this process of focusing, losing focus and refocusing, the body begins to relax, and by the nature of the mind body connection, the mind follows, beginning to settle and calm a little. This is one of the reasons you may find you sleep better after a yoga class.
In our Flourish yoga classes we focus on what our bodies can do for us, not the limitations we may have. We acknowledge and remember our body is unique. Some of us have longer arms, shorter torsos or narrower hips… meaning some poses can be extended further than others, or may feel ‘easier’ to rest into, while others are more challenging. Practicing gratitude in this way, tempers the judgement mind and honours our ability and our body, right now, with kindness and compassion.
In listening to the body, we connect with its wisdom and are less likely to do harm, through injury. We become aware of the ego voice, and any criticisms or unhelpful drives and demands it has. If our natural tendency is to push through, or hold longer than is helpful, we practice being gentle and pulling back. If our tendency is to be lethargic or sluggish we might hold a touch longer or deeper, while always practicing the first of the yoga philosophies, Ahimsa, ‘do no harm’… through listening, being kind, and respecting our body.
In our yoga class you can give yourself permission to not have to push through, or be perfect. There’s no pressure to keep up, or do what you’re told. You can take supported risks to do the opposite of your default way of being, in a safe, caring and gentle environment. There is no judgement. It is your practice, your body, your time.
You know your body better than anyone else, and if you don’t, this is your chance to get to know it; to become familiar with your body and foster a friendly relationship with it. Through showing up each week and tuning in to what is right for you, in each moment, you will begin to connect with and relate to your body in new and more compassionate ways.
Our body is continually changing and so this is a lifelong compassion practice.
Nicky’s yoga classes are a gentle, hatha style, suitable for beginners.
Along with teaching weekly yoga classes in Beaumaris, Bayside Melbourne, Nicky is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (PACFA), coach and mindfulness meditation teacher.
Get in touch with Nicky to find out more.