The How
Consistent practice over a long period of time…. the Way of Ashtanga if you will. The important thing to remember is the HOW of practice. How much is too much and how much is too little. We want to drive the mind throughout the body and deep into the subtle layers so as to awake latent energies. This requires a lot of exertion and the benefits are well worth the effort. However, we want to be available to our people, our loved ones and we want to fully participate in the roles we have assumed in the world as husband, wife, mother, father, employer, etc. Too often people attack practice and get run down. They feel defeated and quit. Ashtanga is a slow slow steady climb. There is no rush and there is no agenda. We at Ashtanga Portland are committed to working with you as an individual and meeting your individual needs, giving you the guidance from over 20 years experience. There will be times when you come up against a major roadblock in practice. This or that refuses to budge. Huge amounts of determination will be needed to make the slightest headway. You have the time and space to dig in and go for it??? Great! That means you can take a nap later and eat a nutritious homemade meal. Perhaps you are strapped at work and there are complicated family issues. Now is not the time - you need your essence and energy to deal with daily life. And practice can assist you here too - , a place of refuge where you embody your physicality and redeem your breath and life force to face the challenges.
The key is paying attention and surfing the wave of practice and life, monitoring energy levels, knowing when to dig in and do some heavy lifting and when to back off. When we practice this way, we look forward to coming in the room and our practice supports and provides. It’s a big conversation, probably the biggest one as student of hatha yoga, and one we look forward to helping you explore.
The essence of practice can be found in a quiet space just you yourself, your body and your breathing. If a Mysore room, teacher and instruction is not available, you can access the essence of practice by carving out a small chunk of time, preferably in the morning before you start your day, and being with yourself. Reduce distraction: turn off the phone, the TV and other screens. Read a short poem or text that inspires you. Sit in a comfortable position and be present to yourself like you would with any person you deeply care for. Ask yourself: How do you feel? How can I assist in caring for you right now? What do you need? There is no hurry and no “right” answers. Begin small movements synchronized with breath when an intimate connection with your self is realized. Move and breath in a way that nourishes the nervous system. Beginning in this way will correctly orient your body and mind.
Original post can be found at: https://www.ashtangaportlandme.com/blog
Featured Blogger
Rich Ray has over 20 years of yoga and meditation experience, Rich offer fresh insight and clarity into the often hard to navigate waters of yoga philosophy and meditation practice. He is a former Zen Buddhist monk and a Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher. He resides in Portland Maine. Check him out at Ashtanga Yoga Portland Maine.