What is the mind supposed to be doing in yoga?
Yoga is really hard for me. When I'm in a pose, all of my mind is engaged in achieving the pose (I'm old and stiff and cannot do full and perfect poses, but I'm OK with that) and holding it, relaxing the other muscles, and breathing.
I have to say, my "monkey mind" is pretty quiet during yoga--not 100%, but I'm paying too much attention to my body to let it wander around. I suspect that's what's supposed to be happening, but I wanted to ask. I'm definitely mindful during yoga, mindful of my body.
I have to say I'm finding yoga sort of surprising. I'm surprised at how hard it is, and shocked at how stiff and inflexible my body has become. But I'm also finding I like the "vacation" from all my jumpy thoughts during my yoga practice, and in just a few weeks I'm already seeing some increased flexibility without really striving for it. I'm practicing acceptance--"this is how much I can do now and it's enough", and positivity--"if I keep this up I will improve my flexibility, strength, balance, and health".
And, when I do it at night before bed, I'm sleeping better--BONUS.
Another surprise--I'm doing it. I'm actually practicing nearly daily, not giving up!
What is the mind supposed to be doing in yoga?
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piedwagtail91
- Posts: 613
- Practice Mindfulness Since: 0- 3-2011
- Location: Lancashire witch country
"I have to say, my "monkey mind" is pretty quiet during yoga--not 100%, but I'm paying too much attention to my body to let it wander around. I suspect that's what's supposed to be happening, but I wanted to ask. I'm definitely mindful during yoga, mindful of my body. "
spot on.
don't forget 'ahimsa' you should feel the pose but it shouldn't hurt, if it does then ease off.
i started yoga in 2011 with the flexibility of a plank (thats not a thought but a fact
)and i'm still more or less the same, it's the journey not the destination that's important.
spot on.
don't forget 'ahimsa' you should feel the pose but it shouldn't hurt, if it does then ease off.
i started yoga in 2011 with the flexibility of a plank (thats not a thought but a fact
)and i'm still more or less the same, it's the journey not the destination that's important.Hello Jan,
Thats great, I can relate.
I've been busted up enough to cause a noticable drain on the public health and yoga can be a bit testing at times.
During my practice I am mindful and aware of my position and sensations. The trick for me that takes it from a chore to something I enjoy and appreciate is to avoid labeling any of the sensations. Its the quiet mind bit again. Sounds a little simple, but with a little practice the sensations just are, without a name no answer or change in direction is needed. Any temptations to skimp on or with the practice ceases (except when I'm ill), internal debate disappeared, and the deep understanding of the value of what I was doing for myself added to my general feeling of well being, even when doing it sometimes. Thats not mindfull I know but nice none the less.
Similiar techniques are employed by athletes, soldiers and many others that seem to exceed average human limits. Nothing super human, just knowledge, understanding and application, plus a mess of stuff on how to and how not to encourage the desirable and adjust the not so in ways that work. Biological factors play less of a role than many assume.
As complicated as the mind is it is still suseptable to the simplest of tricks that can manifest profound outcomes. In cultures not mired in dogma (whatever its source), repression and or poverty, the opportunity to realise your true self, whatever that may entail, is a choice. A not very obvious one for many I'll admit but no less true for.it.
I wish you peacefull stretching and a good physio.
David
Thats great, I can relate.
I've been busted up enough to cause a noticable drain on the public health and yoga can be a bit testing at times.
During my practice I am mindful and aware of my position and sensations. The trick for me that takes it from a chore to something I enjoy and appreciate is to avoid labeling any of the sensations. Its the quiet mind bit again. Sounds a little simple, but with a little practice the sensations just are, without a name no answer or change in direction is needed. Any temptations to skimp on or with the practice ceases (except when I'm ill), internal debate disappeared, and the deep understanding of the value of what I was doing for myself added to my general feeling of well being, even when doing it sometimes. Thats not mindfull I know but nice none the less.
Similiar techniques are employed by athletes, soldiers and many others that seem to exceed average human limits. Nothing super human, just knowledge, understanding and application, plus a mess of stuff on how to and how not to encourage the desirable and adjust the not so in ways that work. Biological factors play less of a role than many assume.
As complicated as the mind is it is still suseptable to the simplest of tricks that can manifest profound outcomes. In cultures not mired in dogma (whatever its source), repression and or poverty, the opportunity to realise your true self, whatever that may entail, is a choice. A not very obvious one for many I'll admit but no less true for.it.
I wish you peacefull stretching and a good physio.
David
During my practice I am mindful and aware of my position and sensations. The trick for me that takes it from a chore to something I enjoy and appreciate is to avoid labeling any of the sensations. Its the quiet mind bit again. Sounds a little simple, but with a little practice the sensations just are, without a name no answer or change in direction is needed
Interesting, although that will take some practice! Seems like a pretty advanced skill, but something to work toward.
I have significant physical limitations so some of the positions have to be highly adapted in my case. I use a yoga strap and/or a bolster for some of the positions. I feel like I need the labels to know where the limits are for me, to know how to use the props, and then I have to expend some energy to get the "props" placed properly.
At first, there were some positions I could not do at all, then I could do them with the props. Now I'm finding that I can do some without the props. It's fascinating to see things evolve here and fairly quickly. But I'm finding the labels are helping me define things, for the moment.
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piedwagtail91
- Posts: 613
- Practice Mindfulness Since: 0- 3-2011
- Location: Lancashire witch country
https://youtu.be/qX9FSZJu448 An inspiring video about what yoga can help you do.
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