So most of you know I am also an architect and I had my own architecture business for over a dozen years. I love that you say an architecture business is called a practice. When I began “practicing” yoga I would say I was “doing” yoga. One of my teachers would always correct us and say we were practicing.
The definition of the word practice according to Webster’s is the actual application or use of an idea, belief or method as opposed to theories about such application. Makes sense. The one that seems more applicable here is to use, carry out or perform (a particular activity, method, or custom) habitually or regularly.
The practice of yoga after a while becomes a habit. But it’s not only the movements and postures that really count. It’s the breath. It’s the pause to notice what is happening in your body. It’s the pause to notice what is happening in your mind. To notice the physical and mental patterns that repeat themselves. Then to question what actions these patterns are leading us to.
Are these patterns serving our current needs? If not, how do we begin to shift the patterns and actions to be in better alignment with the shifts that may have happened in your life.
Trying a new yoga posture is “practice” for shifting a pattern. It’s uncomfortable and hard at first. It feels so much better to just keep doing what we are doing. We know how to do it. And you’ll keep getting the same results.
You’re programmed to avoid discomfort and pain. You want everything to feel GOOD, life is about pleasure and fun right? Well, YES we all want that. It’s part of being human. And it’s ultimately what keeps us stuck.
What if you tried a new yoga pose for the next 30 days? One that scares you. One that is physically safe for you but might be a psychological challenge…
A few ideas below or pick your own pose.
Eagle: This is a real challenge for me. When I first used to do this pose it really challenged me. I felt claustrophobic and scared I’d fall. I was all twisted up with arms and legs wrapped around and if I fell there was no way to recover and I might really get hurt. So it was all about the discomfort and leaning into trust.
Bridge: This is a real heart opener. Are you shutting down the soft places in your body and your life? Are you leading your life from a headspace or a heart space. Can you tolerate great love and risk the possibility of disappointment in your life?
Dancer: Reach for the grace of your beautiful body with this pose. Are you ready to reach for what you want, and deserve, with every ounce of your existence, unafraid of what others might think about how you’re doing it? Can you really embody and abide in every unique and beautiful cell of your being?
One pose. For 30 days of exploration. Let me know how it goes! Holding you in light and love.
Be well,
Alice Dommert
deliver me wellness
alice@delivermewellness.com
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