Class Theme- week 3 May 2015- Take Another View

I am gearing up to review the Kleshas, aspects of ourselves, sometimes referred to as afflictions, which hinder our progress.  But before that, a few thoughts on the yoga concept of Pratipaksha Bhavanam- to take another view or perspective.  If you are in a negative pattern- feelings, words, energy- then first of all, recognise that this is going on.  Step away from this pattern for a few moments and be that non judging observer.  Then make a decision to reframe your perspective to a positive one each time you notice negativity creeping in. 

Sometimes in a yoga class, the teacher will invite a different approach to a familiar asana.  You are encouraged to step away from the habitual, and see what you discover.  It could be entering an asana a different way, slightly changing the distance between the feet, or the angle of a back foot, that becomes a breakthrough moment for you and opens up new possibilities.  Or you could choose one thing to be your primary focus for an entire practice, e.g. your grounding, playing with slight alterations to observe the effect.  Each cultivates the ability to actively observe what is going on and take decisions to make positive changes.

So be aware of your habitual patterns, when they have become unhelpful, and then take another view and see where it leads.