The overall health benefits of yoga are very real and have been experienced by many. Even so, there are three things which lead to these satisfying results that are often pushed aside for the more flashy, showy world of yoga postures and inspirational quotes. And yet, the power of these three things should not be overlooked.
1) Breathwork
Years ago, one of my yoga teachers began the class by saying, “It’s not how deeply you do the posture. How deeply can you breathe while you’re in it?” At first I was baffled. It took me a few years of living this sentence to get it.
Without the breath – there is no posture. Breath tells us so much. If it’s shallow, reluctant, or restricted we are most likely stressed. If it’s deep, flowing freely and expansive we are probably in a chill state
Everything we need to know about our current state can be observed in the breath.
Also – the breath is always and only in the present. Which is why, if we are practicing being present (not an easy task) we begin by focusing on the breath (which makes it a bit easier).
The amount of peace that comes from simply breathing deeply and observing the breath is so subtle. And yet, it’s as powerful as an ocean current. It surges beneath the surface and determines the outcome of our personal tide as we ebb and flow throughout the day.
I jokingly say my day job is traveling around the city reminding adults to breathe.
I joke, but really it’s pretty spot on.
2) Learning our Limitations
These days “limitations” is almost a gauche term. But they exist. We need them. To say we have none is just plain ridiculous. It sounds like something a 20 something millenial life coach who hasn’t faced their own mortality would say. Try telling someone with a chronic illness “you can do anything!!” Say it really close to their face. Give them a chance to slap you.
Limitations are not bad, evil or to be avoided. They are guideposts. If you have a torn muscle, that’s a limitation you must honour. When we are on the yoga mat, we learn to observe and honour these limitations by not pushing past them unnecessarily.
We learn to work within and with them. They force us to be creative by making us find alternative ways to exist. Learning our limitations is a big part of the practice. It is humbling and helpful. Humility is a trait many of us need a good dose of. (Author of this article included)
3) Sivasana
For the love of Palo Santo and Sage, please, PLEASE stop skipping Sivasana!!! I understand if it’s the middle of the day and you need to get back to the office. But when you have the ability to stay for that last, all important pose, DO IT! Or better yet, tell your boss, yoga makes you a better employee (not a lie) and if you skip Sivasana your end of year report will suffer. Pinky swear you will? Cool! I’m glad we had this talk.
Still don’t believe Sivasana is the best? Read this article citing over half a dozen world renown yoga teachers extolling the virtues and value of Sivasana.
There’s a reason t-shirts that say “I’m just here for the Sivasana” are best sellers.
So there you have it. Three things we tend to miss or even avoid in the practice that are so very powerful and hold the very health we are seeking.
Take them with you the next time you go to class. You won’t be disappointed.
