Meditation in motion By Laura Denning
Does savasana ever feel like the most difficult pose? Do you fear sitting still more than you fear headstand? These statements were true for me, and I believe them to be true for many Western practitioners of yoga. When I first began my yoga journey, the only practice I enjoyed was the 112 degree Fahrenheit , hour and a half Bikram class. Gradually I began to enjoy vinyasa and flow classes, but still had to be in constant motion during my practice. I was consumed by dominant energy.
I was completely out of balance when I walked into Wishingtree Yoga, where I would eventually begin my 200 hour Traditional Hatha Yoga teacher training. My instructor Rupa approached her practice as a meditation in motion. She encouraged me to watch my breath and try closing my eyes during class. Next I was asked to come to a yin yoga class on a regular basis. After a few weeks, holding yin poses for three to five minutes no longer felt like a challenge. It was only then that she began to slowly introduce more formal methods of meditation.
By approaching meditation in this manner, I was able to stay open and receptive to what I was learning. I was surprised by how many ways there are to practice formal meditation, and even more surprised to find some that I enjoy. The asana practice is only a fraction of what yoga has to offer. This journey has opened up an entirely different side of yoga to me.
I now practice 20 minutes of formal meditation almost every morning. It has not only improved my knowledge and understanding of yoga, but has also improved my focus and disposition in daily life. I find myself liking all styles of yoga, not only the power styles of my past. I realize that without meditation, one cannot begin to understand the philosophy of yoga and the true nature of self.
Does savasana ever feel like the most difficult pose? Do you fear sitting still more than you fear headstand? These statements were true for me, and I believe them to be true for many Western practitioners of yoga. When I first began my yoga journey, the only practice I enjoyed was the 112 degree Fahrenheit , hour and a half Bikram class. Gradually I began to enjoy vinyasa and flow classes, but still had to be in constant motion during my practice. I was consumed by dominant energy.
I was completely out of balance when I walked into Wishingtree Yoga, where I would eventually begin my 200 hour Traditional Hatha Yoga teacher training. My instructor Rupa approached her practice as a meditation in motion. She encouraged me to watch my breath and try closing my eyes during class. Next I was asked to come to a yin yoga class on a regular basis. After a few weeks, holding yin poses for three to five minutes no longer felt like a challenge. It was only then that she began to slowly introduce more formal methods of meditation.
By approaching meditation in this manner, I was able to stay open and receptive to what I was learning. I was surprised by how many ways there are to practice formal meditation, and even more surprised to find some that I enjoy. The asana practice is only a fraction of what yoga has to offer. This journey has opened up an entirely different side of yoga to me.
I now practice 20 minutes of formal meditation almost every morning. It has not only improved my knowledge and understanding of yoga, but has also improved my focus and disposition in daily life. I find myself liking all styles of yoga, not only the power styles of my past. I realize that without meditation, one cannot begin to understand the philosophy of yoga and the true nature of self.
