When I was a young kid, I had a LOT of energy. I was in perpetual
motion…cartwheeling my way through life, leaping at any seemingly opportune
time (like the supermarket aisle), and fidgeting. I always seemed to be
fidgeting and as a result was told to “stop moving and sit still”.
These
were prophetic words seeing that as an adult, I have made it my personal mission
to find my own inner stillness as well as teach it to others. It obviously
didn’t come as my default setting and has been something that I’ve had to
practice over a long period of time.
Have you ever paid attention to how
much time you spend fidgeting? Do you frequently pick at your fingernails, tap
your toes, run your fingers through your hair or tug at your ear lobes? How
difficult would it be for you to sit completely still as you are in a
conversation with somebody else?
Our culture rewards us for constantly
moving, doing and striving. If we sit still we may be labeled lazy as opposed
to those who are seen as being busy and engaged. If we’re moving and busy, then
we must be doing something worthwhile and important.
As in anything, a
continuum exists between doing nothing at all and being overly committed to
activity. My thought for the week is can you do both (not at the same time)?
Can you be productive as well as experience complete stillness and inner quiet?
Ahhhh….now that’s where our yoga practice comes into its full glory.
To
paraphrase my teacher, Judith Hanson Lasater, “an advanced practitioner of yoga
is someone who can be at ease and in stillness no matter which posture they’re
doing”. We often think of advanced yogis as those who can do a full lotus
during an inversion, a full wheel or who seem to be able to fully express any
pose thrown their way. But the underlying question is can they do it and be
fully at ease with breath and thought? It truly takes it to the next level of
being in our yoga when we reflect the ancient teachings of asana (posture) as
being in a comfortable seat.
The next time you step onto your
mat, try finding the still point within each posture. The point at which
everything feels within balance is the moment we can easily be with our breath
and no struggle exists. It can really alter your experience.
Fidget
first, find the pose then open to stillness. It’ll take your practice to
another level. Enjoy the journey!
