We all come to the practice of yoga with the bodies we have at any given time, on any given day. Some are supple, flexible, and strong. Some carry extra weight, have stiff joints, or weak muscles. Some are strong on one side, weak on the other. Some are recovering from injuries. Some have limitations that have been, or will be, lifelong. If yoga was only for the fit, the whole point of it would be lost. We come to yoga for peace, calm, and acceptance of what is -- while also seeing the possibilities for what might be a way to move toward greater emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
In class last week, Karen assisted new students with finding the shape of the pose she was demonstrating. I overheard the words, "yes" and "no" in equal number. I thought this was a great exchange between teacher and student. I even silently said a few "yeses" and "nos" during the practice myself. I have been an irregular practitioner for a few weeks and am suffering through a painful bout of plantar fasciitis. I'm not feeling my strongest, most flexible self right now in spite of my 10 years of practice. (I didn't even start yoga until I was 57. See? Hope for everyone!)
I notice the tendency in myself and others, again especially new students, to hesitate to say "no" to a pose. We want to push, to please the teacher, to feel competent. But saying "no" when a pose is too challenging or causes discomfort is really a "yes" to your body and to taking care of yourself. That "no" is really a "yes" to committing to getting stronger and more flexible over time...and to not rushing and likely hurting yourself by pushing too far, too soon.
In the process of learning what is a "no" we also learn what is a "yes" and may find delight in a body that teaches us to pay attention to what pleases us as well as what hurts us. Backing off a "no" pose and finding the "yes" sweet spot is cause for celebration. Saying "yes" to an easier form of the pose is a strong "no" to denying your own limitations.
We all want to feel competent, to be flexible, strong, and balanced. Sometimes finding the "yeses" and "nos" that guide us there is the best and most important lesson we can learn... on the mat and off.
Noticing when and where we deny our true selves and when and where we embrace our true selves; when and where we choose to grow and when and where we choose to remain stuck -- those are the lessons of yoga we take into our homes, families, workplaces, and community.
Let your practice on your mat be your guide. Your body will say "yes" when it feels good, "no" when it doesn't, and maybe even "not yet" when you see the possibility of moving to "yes". Like I always say...Yoga is life. ©
Namaste, donnajurene
Picture Credit: Copyright: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_sorad'>sorad / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
Ahhh... yes.
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