5 life lessons learned on the yoga mat
Posted by staff / June 2, 2013
We’ve all heard about the health benefits of yoga, from relaxation to maintaining the ability to touch one’s toes, but Judy Ringer of Ki Moments Blog found five valuable life lessons following a session of downward-facing dogs as well.
And the best part is, you don’t have to don a pair of see-through pants and contort yourself into a cobra position to appreciate their wisdom.
#1) Be a beginner.
It’s been a while since I started a new practice. I began aikido 20 years ago, and it has become a part of my life in ways that are familiar and no longer intimidating. It’s fun to be a beginner again.
#2) Find your edge and explore it.
On the yoga mat, we find the edge: comfort/discomfort; breathing/not breathing; present/checked out. Is this too much/too little? How do I make that call?
Driving away from a recent class, I noticed at the periphery of my awareness a feeling of rushing to get home. I saw this as an edge. I could slip over the edge into that rushing space so easily. Instead I sat back and enjoyed the ride.
In daily life, we’re often faced with choices that involve edges: react/stay present; resist/connect; tighten/relax; see limits/find alternatives. Instead of checking out, stay with that edge and explore it. You’ll increase awareness, power and presence.
Full story at Ki Moments Blog.
Comments are off for this post.