07.08.09
It’s not about the pose.
The yoga postures feel good, look good and reap many benefits, but ultimately, yoga doesn’t have much too do with the poses. Yoga Sutras chapter 1 verse 2 says “yoga is control over the thought waves of the mind.” Huh?
Yoga is about the experience you are having while doing a posture. Does the posture “push your buttons?” Do you like it? Would you rather be anywhere else in the world except doing that particular posture (i.e. revolved triangle.)? So, as soon as you notice a reaction to a posture, get into your breathing, stay calm, relax and simply find the posture “interesting.”
For instance, balance postures can show us our control issues. Watch your mind play the next time you’re in tree, king dancer, etc. If you have thoughts like, “I’m going to hold this pose no matter what!”, you may have control issues. (I only speak from experience.)
Get into child’s pose or yoga mudra and build up to holding it 25 minutes at a time. Yes, it’s really possible and can be absolutely transformational when you’re ready to work through some anger and learn more about your ego.
So, come to class, practice on your own, do the best pose you can do and then watch your mind and your breath. Take a challenging posture get some self-realization and then allow it to become a meditation. Now, you’re experiencing who you are and using the postures as a tool to help you get there. (And don’t take yourself too seriously.)
