ROUND ROCK YOGA

View Original

Yoga Is Not a Competitive Sport

If you've ever taken a class with me, you've probably heard me say “Yoga is not a competitive sport.” This is my truth. I believe that yoga is an individual endeavor, a personal exploration. It doesn't matter what the person on the next mat is doing, and it doesn't even matter what you think your body should be able to do.

What does matter is how your body, mind, and spirit are feeling. How are your muscles feeling? Where is your mind? How are your emotions doing? If you breathe deeply, slowly, rhythmically, do any of your sensations change?

Next time you're on your mat, instead of observing what your neighbor is doing, tune in to your own alignment. This doesn't mean how DEEPLY you're moving into a pose, it means how WELL you're moving into a pose.

Is your pose integrated? Is your belly engaged? Is your spine long? Is your movement expansive?

Be inquisitive. Explore your poses.

Observe how deeply you relax in savasana. Observe how you feel immediately after your practice.

Be present. Then let me know what you find out - I look forward to hearing from you in the comments below.

Love, Zelinda