The Essential Guide to Nourishing Movement: Part 2
I notice yoga becomes problematic when I (or any teacher) tell you what postures to do, what exactly they should look like, and how long to hold them without any freedom to explore. That's actually not...yoga. Yoga is the technology of philosophy, movement, breath, and stillness that connects you with your innermost Self. The movement is a piece of the whole and the movement is meant to offer freedom within the body.
But, what if it doesn't?
As a student, I find myself stifled when yoga becomes almost militaristic, a series of postures and commands without awareness of what the body actually wants to do, rather than what someone tells you to do. Yoga teachers and therapists are merely guides in your yoga adventure, not dictators. Yes? Yoga is meant to be nourishing for the body, mind, and soul.
This is where Circular movement becomes so important. The asanas on their own are beautiful. I love them. And, I love that we can create so many variations of them! We can sway, circle, roll, and dance! We can play with symbolically bringing in the elements of nature (like in Ayurveda) through creative improvisation, we can literally lay down what is heavy and shower ourselves with energy. We can take moments to get completely out of the flow of asana and experiment with where our bodies want us to go. And, the beauty of being online now is no one has to see you doing flowing, sometimes crazy + silly movement because you'll be in the comfort of your own space.
Yesterday, we talked about why Circular movement is so important physically, moving into all planes of the body, working with the joints, and supporting the fascia. Today, let's touch on why Circular movement is so important for the mind.
Circular movement:
Allows for self-expression and a practice of creativity that will spill into other areas of your life
Evokes and nurtures the feminine parts of yourself, including finding more ease and fluidity with life (remember, the feminine is not just for females/women - it lives within us ALL)
Embodies the language of nature where nothing is linear (think about it) and aligns your being to live with the cycles of the seasons
Allows the body to express itself, literally shaking, swaying, dropping, stomping, to release what is no longer yours to hold
IS FUN and PLAYFUL. As adults, we've forgotten how to play, and play is necessary to lead a joyful life.
Our lives are not linear, so why would our movements be? The Nourish Yoga + Meditation classes I'll be teaching when Narrative opens next week are a completely unique approach to your yoga routine. It's something you won't find anywhere else and I can confidently say that because I've searched for it...for me. And, now it's time to create it for you.
Here's to feeling more alive in our bodies and minds! To feeling hopeful, joyful, easeful, trusting, and peaceful! Here's to letting love in and creating space for play! Here's to practicing what it means to be free in our bodies, so we can bring that sense of liberation to our lives. Ready? I hope so.
Remember, the way we move is a metaphor for life. What is your daily movement and movement practices like?
With love,
Leanne
