There is a wide-spread misconception that Yoga consists of easy stretching and relaxing. This eliminates the fact that to feel truly relaxed it is very helpful to exert yourself first, and that Yoga is definitely also strengthening; as well as also coming at us with the mental and emotional challenges this sort of exertion presents. Yoga is a truly transformational practice.
Stepping onto our Yoga mat every day is not always a ‘nice time out’, it confronts us with the emotions which lay dormant. Issues we find difficult to deal with, undigested memories which might be uncomfortable to face. Our Yoga practice displays our character traits, may they include a tendency to rush and omit what we don’t like, or the opposite; we might have the habit of procrastinating to avoid what we find difficult. Our practice might demonstrate absentmindedness, clumsiness, allover stiffness – not only physically but also mentally – flightiness, doubt, an over-analyzing mind etc. So why would we want to practice Yoga you might wonder, if it is so confronting?
There are many reasons as to why we wish to practice, and you will have plenty of your own. I will share a few which come to mind:
Primarily it makes us feel very good having accomplished something which was difficult. It is very satisfying to have overcome some sort of hurdle, be that mental and/or physical. We have shown up for ourselves. And of course the practice also brings so much joy; it is fun, and moving the body is beautiful. We love to learn something new and marvel at the capabilities of our bodies reaching into positions we initially thought not ever possible.
We develop as human beings on an emotional and spiritual level. The practice teaches us so much about ourselves, and gives us room for change and growth. It creates a connectivity to something deeper within ourselves. Over time we process uncomfortable memories, and are more practiced at facing our inner demons. We develop compassion, not only for others, but also for ourselves, which can be truly enriching and transforming.
But the sweetest of all is the delightful rest at the end of a practice, which is true relaxation! Many students just come for that 😉 We all long for the rewarding experience of deep relaxation.
OM Shanti,
Angelika