Bringing Yoga Home

Image by Chelsea Gates

“This is why stillness and quiet allow what we see & receive to develop within us into patterns of insight & understanding.” Mark Nepo

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In my Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training we were encouraged to use an instruction consisting of 5 specific words with our students while they were in poses. I have chosen to reverse the order in my teaching because I feel it results in a deeper experience, in posture and in daily life too. Take your time reading through the 5 words and observe your inner experience of the accompanying examples, and let me know what you think in the comments.

Allow

Sensations, thoughts, reactions, emotions, hunger, space, feelings, how long things take, impermanence, preferences, desire, frustration, fear, change, difficulty, wild creativity, stuckness, allowing others to be who they are, irritation…

Whatever arises, allow it, like a train that comes into a station and simply observe it. You do not get on the train but simply watch it as it leaves.

“The master gives himself up to whatever the moment brings.” LaoTzu, Chinese philosopher & poet

Watch

Reactions, resistance, connection, communication, distractions, excuses, commitment, courage, control, inward/outward experience, mind stuff, judgment, desire for instruction, dynamics, relationships, motivation, hurry, habits, impulses, listening, whispers…

“And I said to my body, softly, “I want to be your friend.” It took a long breath. And replied, “I have been waiting my whole life for this.” Nayyirah Waheed

Feel

Grounding, touching the earth, balance, length, lifeforce, core stability, restlessness, softness, inner suggestions, shifts, confusion/clarity, subtleties, tingling, warmth, coolness, thinness, smoothness, spaciousness, fear, love, sunlight, empathy, sadness, uncertainty…

“When women are fully in touch with the experience of their own bodies, they can reclaim the full power within and use that power…to reveal the mystery it is, to transform themselves and our culture.” Elinor W. Gadon in The Once & Future Goddess

Relax

Centered, exhalation, pause, heart rate slows, meditation, rest, quiet, let go, soften, spread out, comfort, warm, shoulders release, earth supports the body, release into the earth, safety, restoration, thoughts leave the mind…

“Everyone needs a place to retreat: A spot where the world grows quiet enough for the soul to speak.” Angie Wiland-Crosby

Breathe

Through the nose, deep, long exhale, pranayama, ribs expand, every cell, into belly, tip of nose & back of throat, the stillpoint between inhale & exhale, full breath, easy breath, nervous system regulation, stillness, peace…

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

May the Earth and all those who live upon her be at peace.

Om Tat Sat