Bluegrass Glass.....photo by matt cline
Beginning a Home Practice: Not What You Think!
Mahima (Ma-HEE-ma) is the yogic principle of expansion…of the body, of the mind, of the heart. In order to “commit” to “practicing at home”, I believe a mahima, an expansion of the definition of what yoga IS, is in order! Is yoga ONLY getting the mat out at a studio, or even at home, and doing some exercises? Or is yoga walking the dog…doing the dishes…talking to a friend…walking in the woods….or crying your eyes out when you feel like it. : ) Once we realize that we are practicing yoga all the time (as the word “Yoga” does mean “union”, after all) then we realize that the poses are themselves metaphors; for understanding how we habitually relate to ourselves, and how we could interact more naturally with our own lives.
For instance, triangle pose…it has us going in 6 directions at once, much like life! So when we “practice life” in triangle pose, we find that we do have the strength to withstand, and even gracefully balance, having our energies “pulled” in several different directions at once! This is the blessing of yoga.
A broadening, or expansion, of the terms “home” and “practice” is also needed to really “get” what yoga IS. “Home” simple means “where you are” and “practice” does not have to indicate a specific class or studio experience, or even performing a certain sequence of yoga poses! We come to realize that we “practice yoga”, or “union” every time we take a breath, with every action and interaction we have. With this realization, or transformation in how we relate to yoga (from just exercise to a natural way of being) a “practice” becomes a spontaneous exploration of a body stretch in the kitchen, or a twist in the chair at work, movements that are quite irresistible and most times almost spontaneous! You will find yourself striking a pose, doing yoga, whenever you need a release of tension or a boost of energy-confidence (“if I can do a revolved triangle for 5 breaths without falling over, I certainly can find balance in other ways!”).
When yoga becomes a knowing in your life, it becomes effortlessly easy to set aside time to have an asana-meditation practice, because the definition of what yoga practice is becomes “a natural expression of who you are”, not what someone else tells you it has to be.
Namaste’ my friends!
A lovely lesson, Becky. I have read this several times since you published it. Transformation in every moment, each breath a lifetime. Wonderful reminder of presence. Especially loved being reminded yoga and its invitation is to be a natural expression of true self. I need to be reminded of that often. Thank you. namaste’
Well said…