Namaste yogis and yoginis
What is the goal of yoga? Are we allowing our heart to grow?
Spring is upon us and as Mother Nature springs into life we have a greater opportunity to be Mindful. Mindful of flowers in bud, trees beginning to come into leaf, warmer days, lighter evenings and hopefully much sunshine.
In our yoga practice too we can become more deeply aware of how our bodies feel more energised and we feel ready to spring into action. A Mindful approach can help us to be more deeply aware that the body is waking up and that we should cultivate our practice carefully - like the flowers in bud not be in a rush to action the body too deeply or quickly but rather take time to allow the body to open gracefully, staying within our range of motion, listening to the signals from the body not to push too hard too quickly, nurturing the self with kindness, non judgement and compassion.
When we begin to listen to the body and move with the breath something exceptional begins to happen, we connect more deeply with ourselves and our practice becomes a meditation. We can then take that aspect of being off the mat and into our daily lives.
In the words of Rachel Brathen:
The Goal of Yoga
(no, it’s not the handstand)
The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible is not the goal. Standing on your hands is not the goal.
The goal is to create space where you were once stuck. To unveil the layers of protection you have built around your heart. To appreciate your body and become aware fo the mind and the noise it creates.
To make peace with who you are.
The goal is to love, well….You!
Come to your yoga mat to feel; not to accomplish.
Shift your focus and your heart will grow.
Rachel Brathen
Happy Growing!
Namaste
Sue xx
