if you only knew this…
“Do not kill the instinct for the glory of the pose. Do not look at your body like a stranger, but adopt a friendly approach toward it. Watch it, listen to it, observe its needs, its requests, and even have fun. To be sensitive is to be alive.”
–Vanda Scaravelli
When I began yoga, I was a walking head. Despite the fact that I played competitive sports most of my life. I was accustomed to giving my body commands, not being in conversation.
Can you relate?
In the early days of yoga, I liberally applied the subconscious programming of "no pain, no gain" "more is better" and authoritarian top-down direction. Eventually my body complained. In the language of pain. And I began to ask "why is this practice (that's supposed to heal) hurting so much?"
Yoga says that pain and suffering stems from avidya: mis-seeing or misperceiving. That was true. I didn't know my body so I couldn't see it clearly.
As I learned more about anatomical realities, what's functional and sustainable, I could see my body more clearly. I began to move and practice respectfully. Even better, knowledge brought wonder, joy and appreciation.
If there is one thing I wish I knew earlier. Waaaaaaay earlier. It's clarity of intention with backbending and forward bending. Get the cliff's notes of my study in this tutorial here. And I'll make you a promise. If you know this, and apply this, your practice will be richer and more rewarding. You'll be confident in backbends and forward bends. Your spine will be stronger and more supple.
Big promise. I know. And I invite you to test it. Listen to the Serpent Spine Tutorial, apply the knowledge, and let me know if this promise proves true for you. We'll be practicing based on these principles during classes and the workshop at Padma next week. Register Here.
May your practice bring respect for your body,
Alison
