Do you know how many times I’ve said “listen to your body” when teaching a yoga class? No, neither, but it’s been a lot.
I’m not alone, I’m sure you’ll hear it in yoga studios all around the globe, it’s the yoga equivalent of fast foods “do you want fries with that”. You’re never going to be surprised to hear it.
And for good reason, it’s great advice.
When I first opened my yoga studio in Invercargill, I felt like a complete imposter. I’m not the most flexible yogi, you’re not going to hear me refer to poses in sanscript, and having two left feet means my rights aren’t not always right.
Trying to prove to myself that I was good enough, I threw “listen to your own body” to the side, and held onto “as long as I look good” crazy tight, which, you guessed it ended in an injury that haunted me for years.
It was a huge lesson for me. Here are the top 3 things I learnt from that.
WHY ARE YOU HERE?
Creating an intention at the beginning of each yoga session is such a powerful tool.
Ask yourself, why are you here and how do you want to feel when you leave?
Find a simple statement or affirmation that connects you to that intention.
Perhaps it’s “to feel connected with myself”
“To relax and feel peaceful”
“To lovingly find my edge”
CLOSE YOUR EYES
OK, so it may seem weird, but I can happily spend most of a yoga class with my eyes closed.
As humans we are hardwired to compare ourselves, it’s actually one of those survival things we needed in our caveman days. But we don’t need it in a yoga class.
So if I catch myself comparing, if the teacher cues something that I know I can’t do, if
I’m feeling self conscious, instead of taking my awareness away from myself and my mat, I close my eyes.
I then feel more into my body and repeat my intention for showing up for myself.
I also find it makes it easier to really be in the moment without the outside world distracting me.
ITS ALL ABOUT YOU
Carving out time to go to a yoga class can be a challenge. It is an act of self care, so take it to the next level.
The hour we spend on our mats has the potential to be life changing, if we want it to be.
Obviously, there are benefits to moving your body. But since you are quiet and there’s nothing else that needs your attention, you can mindfully focus your awareness, you can begin to observe your thoughts. Notice your internal story and start to redirect it when it’s not kind or helpful.
If you notice you are trying to go against things you know are right for your body, use is as a self learning moment - and ask yourself ‘what is the driving this?’.