I came across a really interesting post about the advanced yogi on a yoga blog, OM SHANTI. It really hit home because he talks about the advanced yogi as not necessarily being the strongest or most flexible, only that it someone who can appreciate the practice of yoga whether it be a relaxation yoga or a sweat dripping, heart pumping killer workout. She isn't disappointed when it is not the latter.
This is embarrassing to admit but in the past I have leaned towards what he calls "Hard Attachment" exhibited by the (this term makes me laugh a little) "yoga jock" and can even be competitive.
I know.... yoga being competitive?! I can say from personal experience that this definitely happens. The writer states it perfectly; "A lot of people think that an advanced yogi is someone who attends the hardest (i.e., the most physically demanding) yoga classes in town, and has mastered difficult backbends, inversions, and other Cirque du Soleil tricks.”
Now that the New Year has rolled around I made the decision focus on the more spiritual side. Originally I had thought of adding a new arm balance or bind once a month but I decided to just let it flow. Just do what feels right rather than forcing myself to learn a new posture or pose. I realized the advancement will come naturally. Yoga is a practice after all. I will always consider it my meditation in motion but I hope to become a bit more introspective rather than being conscious of what is around me. I want to practice what my teacher Alyson calls Karma yoga throughout the day. Working to release judgment and promote peace and good will.
Wikipedia describes Karma yoga as the following; "Karma Yoga is described as a way of acting, thinking and willing by which one orients oneself toward realization by acting in accordance with one's duty (dharma) without consideration of personal self-centered desires, likes or dislikes. Acting without being attached to the fruits of one's deeds."
4 comments:
I think I'm guilty of being competitive with yoga practice when in a class with others. Guess that could be good as long as it motivates you to try a little harder instead of just wanting to be better than someone else.
I am so guility of that too, I have a hard time of not watching myself in the mirror at the gym and comparing my form to others. Interesting article.
*Check out the 2 giveaways going on @ monicaonthego.com, Etsy headband and Natures Gate lotion set*
Interesting observation. Never practised yoga in a class I was not aware of this. I did notice, however, that the classes that some of my friends attended emphasized postures requiring feats of flexibility more than relaxation. To me, shavasana is the hardest, to attain that state of complete relaxation, and it was one of the first 2 asanas my father taught me.
Savasana is one of the hardest poses. I believe it takes a lot of practice for most people to just be still, even for five minutes.
Post a Comment