Hello June

There’s a simplicity to Abhijata Iyengar’s instruction that makes the complexity of yoga felt. Memorial Day weekend I had the immense pleasure of attending the IYNAUS Yoga Convention. I thought I’d be sore (and I was) but I was also energized, physically and mentally, by her clear direction and explanation. What does one do with all this energy? Spread it around.

The convention’s theme was “Cultivating Freedom,” and she began by explaining that in order to be free to practice, we must let go of anxieties about our own limitations that make poses challenging. Whether it’s wrist pain, knee issues, or neck discomfort, the support of props, like blocks, blankets, and belts can make any version of the posture possible. To explore the deeper layers of the mind, one must be open to experiencing those layers. Using support allows us to release physical and mental tension and be freer.

We can take advantage of props in our daily life, as well. One of my school students is taking part in a competition in which she must memorize a historic speech that she will recite in front of her class. That would make anyone nervous. I asked her what she does when she gets nervous in such situations, and she replied that she tells herself, “No one cares.” Now, this is a strategy to gain momentary emotional distance, but it also makes you feel separate from others. Furthermore, telling yourself that what you are providing isn’t important, diminishes your importance. Instead, I suggested she repeat to herself one of her strengths in order to build herself up from within and foster a connection to others.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali offers similar guidance: in order to overcome obstacles, think of the opposite. If you feel overwhelmed, think of tasks you’ve completed or can still do. This is not merely wishful thinking; it is a support that transforms your physiology. Seems simple, but we all know how complex that is.