Continuing with the theme of being present in the moment, this week students begin by choosing their own area of focus that resonates with them, and then try to maintain awareness with it throughout their practice.
They may have something in mind, but suggestions include: breath control; release of tension in a specific area (e.g. face, neck, shoulders); grounding; noticing how muscles are working in an area of the body (e.g. abdominals, back, legs, arms); or perhaps mind related (e.g. focus, attitude). We can sometimes try to spread our efforts and attention too wide and can feel no progress is being made. So the challenge this week is to narrow it down to more fully experience it: what do we feel, how does it change in different situations, how do we adapt, what have we learned? We aim to sustain interest and curiosity in our chosen area: we engage with it rather than fight it or ignore it, and perhaps begin to understand how to transform it. Applying this away from the controlled environment of the yoga class can prove a challenge. As they say, yoga is not easy. So bring some positive energy and a kind heart to your endeavours as you experiment with new ways to engage with each moment. Play with it, and see what happens. |
AuthorRuth is a yoga therapist and yoga teacher based in Cheltenham, UK. She emphasises yoga as a tool for well-being, for individuals and in her classes, in person or via zoom. Archives
October 2023
Categories |