ALL STUCK UP

December 16th, 2016

So many of my students react to a pose that they find is difficult by saying,  “I am so tight,” or “I can’t do this pose,” and  “I will never be able to do this.”  “I have always been tight.” 

Well, if it is true that your thoughts affect actions then hanging out in a pose repeating that you will never change, assures that you will never change.  And, that you will probably not even notice the subtleties of small, yet important changes. These thoughts keep you from relaxing in the pose which keeps you from

becoming more flexible.      022shelley-studio-1

Yoga is calming the fluctuations of the mind – the second sutra in the first chapter of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.  Then your body also can begin to relax.

If you do find yourself sort of “stuck” in a pose, go with it!  This is meditation in action.  Begin to watch your breath to find the true freedom in the asana.  By leaving your thoughts and moving your attention to your breathing, your mind quiets and that in itself is the key to experiencing the freedom within the asana, wherever you are.  Then with practice in calming the mind you relax more in the pose. 

So the next time you find yourself in a pose that is hard, Go into the real Yoga.  Breathe deeply, wait, and watch your body slowly letting go.  The real question here is this:

Is your body stuck, or is your thinking stuck?  Do the practice and you will be surprised at the outcome.