In the morning, before I open my eyes I often wake in the middle of an idea in process and seemingly waiting for my conscious audience. When this happens I lay in bed and turn over it’s meaning. Sometimes when it seems especially poignant, I record it.. My mentor suggests I share these thoughts via a blog. So here I go – June 18, 2018, my first waking consciousness post.
“When the edge of a yoga pose is unyielding it’s reflective of judgment.”
Hmmm. The hard edge in my asana practice is the place where I cannot deepen further into a pose without cutting off my breath or tensing my body. Does that edge mean I’m judging myself, others, life, the weather? Is a strong opinion creating a hard and unyielding the edge?. Today when I got on my mat I was alert and aware. When I met a hard edge I asked: “What’s in my mind, where’s my judgement?” And there, on the edge of my inhale -I could actually sense fear I hadn’t been aware of. Instinctively I wanted to escape by changing the pose – just flow past it, but today I stayed to inquire. With a growing nausea in the pit of my stomach the fear was of failing to prepare well enough for an upcoming event I am responsible for. Sweat gathered on my hairline as I listened to the inner judge and felt my mind and body a little unsteady. Then I recalled a recent conversation about the event with my brother, Regis who said: “Deirdre aren’t you creating this event for people to enjoy yoga? So enjoy it!” I smiled and absorbed the memory of his wise counsel. Steadied by the thought, I exhaled and moved through my vinyasa.
Takeaway: Next time you are on your mat and meet a hard edge, consider it an invitation to inquire about your judgments. A steady breath will soften your edge and body and perhaps help you open your mind. I’m curious about what you find and invite you to share it with me.
