This is a website devoted to yoga and somatic movement and I will be using this blog to share some personal reflections on these two topics. Given the many facets of these subjects, the problem for me has been deciding where to begin. I can see that keeping it simple will be a challenge for me. It’s a case of having a lot to say, so many opinions to share and a huge number of practical tips up my sleeve.
It struck me while sitting down to write something about the Art of Rest earlier today that much of what we therapists hear about from our clients and students are all the things they consider to be wrong with themselves. (And of course, I for one wouldn’t do this work if I wasn’t the kind of person who likes to try and address the many mysteries and problems which our mortal bodies manifest.)
Sometimes however, I feel that this means the starting point for our movement or yoga practice can be somewhat negative; we practice because we feel tired or stiff, because we are stressed or sick, to get away from it all or to lose ourselves… These are all reasonable motivations, and certainly we need whatever motivation we can muster up in order to get ourselves onto our yoga mats, but I think there are other more positive reasons besides all the ways in which we expect to be fixed! Afterall, isn’t it better to be motivated by how much you enjoy doing something rather than by how much you might dislike the consequences of not doing it?
So, I have decided to begin with this little list of 5 great reasons to practice which we can remind ourselves of when we need a dose of positive motivation:
- Remember, as long as you are breathing you are moving. Every breath you take is an affirmation of life!
- We move because the human body loves to move, it is designed to move. Movement brings us a sense of joy, of purpose and of achievement. Even the smallest, most subtle movements which can be imperceptible to the outside eye, can create profound change within us.
- We practice because we will never “know it all”. That is why we call it a yoga “practice” and that is why it is always an adventure. The feeling of being challenged that is an integral part of being a student is exceptionally invigorating!
- Sitting down to meditate is a beautiful act of rebellion in a world that asks us to be busy and distracted so much of the time. So, go ahead and connect with your inner rebel.
- Each time you remember to be mindful of your movement or your breath or your thoughts you become better at changing your negative patterns and habits, you build up more inner strength and resilience and empower yourself.
It’s my belief that the motivation that drives your yoga practice will change the quality of your practice, so get yourself inspired and get practicing!!
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