Yoga is....Finding the Harmony within You

Shala Bali Meditation

“Yoga is about clearing away whatever is in us that prevents our living in the most full and whole way. With yoga, we become aware of how and where we are restricted — in body, mind, and heart — and how gradually to open and release these blockages. As these blockages are cleared, our energy is freed. We start to feel more harmonious, more at one with ourselves. Our lives begin to flow — or we begin to flow more in our lives.”

Cybele Tomlinson

This quote, by Ms. Tomlinson resonated with me so much that I wanted to share it with you. I read it through and then re-read her message again slowly, breaking apart each stanza;

"Yoga is about clearing away whatever is in us that prevents our living in the most full and whole way. "

Ask yourself: IS there some reason that you are being prevented from living your life fully/wholly? What is the "whatever" in us that is stopping us?

"With yoga, we become aware of how and where we are restricted — in body, mind, and heart — and how gradually to open and release these blockages. "

As we take ourselves through our practice we become aware of "us." I believe this happens as we feel ourselves, not only physically, but also mentally in each asana. And, it is during this process that we become more aware of the "blockages" and then focus our breath to that particular place (s); be it in our bodies or in our minds. This is a process and it may take time to "open and release."

"As these blockages are cleared, our energy is freed. "

As we practice each asana/posture we may find ourselves becoming more open and new realities may show themselves. In addition, I feel that as we open our bodies & minds we connect to ourselves in a way that seems impossible. 

"We start to feel more harmonious, more at one with ourselves."

 We find that our breath moves in & out with ease. We find that our body moves in unison with our breath. We are one within ourselves. 

"Our lives begin to flow — or we begin to flow more in our lives.”

As a high school teacher I would remind my students, who at times, could become overwhelmed with the pressures of school to, "go with the flow." I even had a small sign that I would place over the digital clock (which drove them crazy) so that they would not be so consumed with time. I wanted them to see that they could truly slow down, focus on what is happening in the present, and use this tool to accomplish what they needed to.

** I would love to read your analysis of this quote.

Tools for this sequence: blanket, 2 blocks, & a bolster or pillow or add another blanket.

FINDING THE HARMONY WITHIN US

OPENING/SEATED

Belly Breathing/Diaphragmatic Breathing (hands on belly)

WARMUP/TABLETOP

CNC/CP/BLOCKS

SUN SALUTATIONS

Kneeling Sun Salutations

Low Lunge w/block-add twist

STANDING

1/2 Sun Salutations/ Side Bend

Tadasana

Chair

Crescent Lunge

Warrior II

Side Angle

Triangle/hand inside shin

Side Angle

Wide Legged FF/block under hands-push out & pull back/Twist

1/2 Sun Salutations/Repeat

BALANCING

Goddess Pose 

Star Pose Prep

Star

FF/Goddess/SWITCH

BACK

Bridge w/BLOCK

Legs up the Wall w/BLOCK

Supine Twist

RESTORE/BACK

Supported Fish Pose w/blocks & blanket

SAVASANA

SEATED

Sukhasana: Easy Seated

Three Part Breath: inhale (5)/hold (6)/exhale (10)

 Love to hear from you. Thanks: Debra 

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Resources:

Definition of yoga: https://www.bigshakti.com/definitions-of-yoga/