Dear friends,
Often in class, I remind my students to do what feels right in their bodies - there is no standard or goal that we need to meet in a pose. I use the phrase "There are no yoga police here." Someone chuckles, everyone relaxes, and class continues.
That's yoga. Yoga is more than just a shape or a pose. It's the sensation, the exploration, the adjusting and noticing. Yoga is learning about how our body, mind, and breath work together and affect the nervous system. It's about connecting to ourselves, and through that, connecting to each other and the universe.
So, you can imagine my surprise to learn that there is an effort underway to add yoga to the Olympics!
There is a group called Yogasana (from India) that has grouped yoga postures into judged disciplines. The photos of all of the 'bendiness' are incredible. All of the people are smiling brightly.
Whether or not yoga is added to the Olympic schedule (perhaps in 2036) doesn't bother me. All of those super-flexible people can compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals - though I'd probably load up on the muscle relaxant cream and massages now!
For me though, yoga is a not sport with rules. I come to my yoga practice to relax, not to be judged. It gives me a sanctuary to explore my own being. I hope that I convey that to you in my classes as well.
So whether you practice yoga standing up or sitting in a chair, whether you are hyper flexible or have a restricted range of motion, our yoga class is a judgment free zone. You took time out of your busy day to tune into yourself. That alone is gold medal quality in my book!
Please join me in your practice.
Love & yoga,
Nina G