Relaxation

“For fast acting relief, try slowing down.” Lilly Tomlin

As I moved through lots of classes these past two weeks, I’ve really had to make sure my relaxation practice was daily. And it changed the way I teach. Approaching a physical asana class with a conscious attention to inserting moments of ease, of stillness and time for yogis and this teacher to turn inward has changed the way I practice and teach! What a gift to approach a pose I’ve done a million times by pausing first to allow my mind to settle and then with intention and calm attention beginning to move. Ever had a day when balance was just not your jam? Me too. I don’t have an easy answer on how to change that, but I do have something that helps. Take a moment or three to find ease in the body and calm in the mind before launching into tree, dancer or warrior three. Can you take a moment in a deep seated forward fold to turn inward and become aware of a sense of unwinding? The physical sense of the back body lengthening and letting you in, the beautiful idea of feeling warm white light around the heart center growing with each inhale.

“When you get tired learn to rest, not quit.” Banksy

It helps me to prioritize my relaxation practice when I approach it as a way for my mind to deep clean itself. Sleep and relaxation are two different things, both of which we need. Adding in more moments of ease, practicing the pause in my yoga teaching has allowed us to turn inward to that space that is always there. Even if we haven’t been turning inward or coming home to the self in months, that space is still available and accessible. I love it when this concept turns up off my yoga mat. Driving my daughter to school, not worrying about being late and having to walk her in to the office in my pajama pants, but instead taking my awareness to the beautiful morning light bouncing off the clouds and lighting the mountains in the distance allows she and I to be in a much nicer moment. And hopefully models a healthier mindset.