Challenging Asanas are Great, But Yoga Can be So Much More Than That

I recently hosted an arm balance workshop which prompted me to reflect on the reason I practice Yoga, what it has changed or improved in my life, and how I can share these experiences with the world.

One of the first questions that came up for me was, “how can I make yoga accessible to all, while still teaching challenging asanas such as arm balances?”, especially since arm balances are considered an advanced asana.

Subtle Benefits of Yoga – More than Just a Physical Practice

Many people across the globe, myself included practice yoga for a myriad of reasons and this may differ from person to person. One of these is the challenge of working towards achieving a more difficult asana (posture). Therefore, when we offer workshops on more challenging asanas such as arm balances, we provide a space for those who are working towards the asana, as well as those who are already there. For some, the journey is as fulfilling as arriving at the destination.

However, what I have realized is that there are many lessons that I learn on my mat that I carry over into my day-to-day life. So, here I am, sharing a recount of my personal journey with arm balances and what they have taught me.

Humility

The experience of falling on my face is humbling. The experience of not being able to do something right away is a humbling one. The experience of trying again and again and still not succeeding is – you guessed it – a humbling one.

Perseverance

When things don’t come easily to us, we all respond differently. This may bring up feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt which can make us feel like giving up. Depending on the day (and so many other factors that make me human), I may dig in and persevere while on other days I really could just throw in the towel. But the beauty of yoga is that we have time, and even if we don’t make the pose happen right away, we always have later or tomorrow to try again. This, in itself, is a lesson of patience, compassion, and forgiveness – there is as much benefit in working on a pose as there is in achieving it. Failing gives us an opportunity to learn, to grow, to try again, to explore new strategies, and our mats are not going anywhere. We have time.

It's All in the Mind and It’s All in the Body

As much as we would like to, we can’t think ourselves into an arm balance. There is a major physical aspect that is required, in terms of strength, to get us into these asanas. However, the mind plays a crucial role in this process. When practicing arm balances, a great deal of mental presence and connection to the body is required.

Skillfulness

When it comes to arm balances, it’s not just about having the physical strength and correct mindset – it takes a decent amount of skill too. Placement of hands and legs, where you focus your gaze (dristi), and just the right amount of lean are all building blocks to a successful arm balance. Without these, physical strength is just a matter of fact.

Emergence

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Aristotle was onto something when he coined this phrase centuries ago. When applied to yoga, once you master all the mental, physical, and skillful elements, it suddenly all comes together in one effortless motion and suddenly you realize you can make the impossible happen.

Letting it All Go

The truth is, whether I achieve that arm balance or not, is not actually what it’s all about. The outcome is not the most important thing. What’s more valuable is my/our ability to practice non-attachment to the outcome and to accept it as part of the arm balance journey. In summary, the important things were:

·        Did I try my best? (And did that look the same every day?)

·        Did I learn something new? (And how can I apply that to other areas of my practice and daily life?)

·        Did my body and/or mind feel challenged in a new, exciting way? (And how did this make me feel?)

·        Was I able to stay present throughout my practice? (If not, what was taking me away from my mat?)

·        Did I have fun? (Yes, it sounds cliché, but it’s an important part of practicing yoga)

All About Yoga – Yoga Classes in Cape Town

Using a combination of styles including Iyengar, Vinyasa, Synergy, and Forrest, I offer a fusion of slow, technically focused yoga classes in Cape Town. I offer both online classes as well as in person classes at my beautiful home yoga studio in Tamboerskloof.

To find out more about what I offer, or to book a class with me, please don’t hesitate to contact me. All are welcome.