tvawake.com

Popular yogi Seane Corn says, “If you are breathing evenly and not compromising your body in yoga, your practice is brilliant.” 

Brilliant.  Not average.  Not “challenged”.  Brilliant.

Why?  There are several important reasons:

1. Ahimsa (non-harming) is the primary precept of yoga.  Think “safety first”.  As in all sports or exercise, there is risk.  When we’re conscious in the moment with the intention of ahimsa, we’re less likely to experience injury. 

2. When one is aware of the incoming and outgoing breath, one is present in the moment; conscious of pain, peace or out-of-balance. 

3. Almost all styles of Ashtanga/Hatha yoga increase the flow of prana, or life force, in your body.

4. The process of “breathing through a pose” dissolves pranic blockages. 

5. Blocks in life force energy, on gross and subtle levels, cause low energy, pain and dis-ease.  The American Medical Association has even declared that 70-90% of all disease is caused from tension/stress.

6. When our body is in alignment, the breath, which is the conduit of prana, flows smoothly, improving peace and health.  This is a major reason why our everyday sitting and standing posture is critical to good health.   

7. The parasympathetic nervous system is nurtured and strengthened by calm even breathing.  The parasympathetic nervous system regulates blood pressure, heart rate, immune system, digestion and more.  Our Western life-style and exercise philosophy focuses on the sympathetic nervous system, sometimes to the neglect of the health of the parasympathetic nervous system. 

How Does One Safely Approach Yoga Asana (posture) Practice?

Focus on alignment, first.  Range-of-motion, second.

10 Tips to Improve Alignment and Deepen Range-of-motion:

1. Foremost, follow your teacher’s instructions on alignment.  Ask for modifications or adjustments.

2. Use props to facilitate proper alignment.

3. Breathe evenly with mouth closed while holding or exploring the posture.

4. Avoid comparisons with other students or striving to look like the yogi on the DVD.  There is no one “better” than another.  There is only the journey of self-discovery to experience you in the asana (pose) that day in that moment.  In fact, you may even have a greater range-of-motion or better alignment than the teacher.

5. Seek your range-of-motion “frontier” and breathe with acceptance, compassion and curiosity.  You may notice that exploration of engaging or releasing muscle tension, increases the range-of-motion. 

6. Consider private sessions.  CCCC member Rita   “I appreciate the individual attention; having your body gently urged into the posture gives your muscles a memory of what is to be achieved.”

7. Did I mention—breathe?

8. Don’t be surprised if emotions surface. We carry issues in our tissues. This may signify release of pranic blockage.  Face it.  Feel it.  Forget it.  Sometimes one can release of blocked emotion that would take years of therapy to unearth.  If disturbing material arises, consider professional support including private yoga to facilitate release.  An emotional release may be followed by greater range-of-motion or ease in alignment.

9. Back off range-of-motion or support alignment with props immediately if there is any joint pain or “bad pain”.  See if you can find small ways of relaxing or engaging muscles to make micro adjustments and find “the peace in the pose”.

10. Patience, patience, patience.  Realize that coming into alignment and balance in the body and mind is an ongoing process with ups and downs, comfort and discomfort.

CCCC tennis player, Barbara Wibbelsman: “I have always been out of alignment.  My hiking buddies can pick me out on the mountain by how I walk.  I have recently discovered yoga and I am loving it!  The private time with Leena helps me understand how yoga postures are deeply realigning my body.  She supports me to be gentle and patient through the process of change.  My balance has already greatly improved.  It’s wonderful to know that, as a great grandmother at age 72, there will be long term benefits to my practice.  I’m sticking with it.”

Namaste: 

Leena St. Michael, E-RYT200, RYT500

CCCC Yoga Teacher

 
Photo:  CCCC student Alice Anthony coached into alignment in revolved trikonasana with Leena

Leena is available for private yoga and meditation sessions, family sessions, corporate programs and yoga parties at CCCC.  To schedule a session or series, call Leena at 925.200.5130 or call CCCC and leave a message with Christina Doell.

Copyright ©2010 Leena St. Michael. All Rights Reserved