Welcome to the PYB blog for November of 2024. In this blog, we will discuss the topic of letting go. We themed our fall classes around this, and we should break it down.
Society has taught us to focus, work hard, and dial in. There are certainly times and places for this, but one of the biggest things we can do is let go of the things we can not control. We often look back and wonder what we could have done better. Even if we are not actively thinking about it we hold onto it in our bodies. The body then prevents us from moving or relaxing, which is Somatic healing.
Notice the difference when you try to tense all the muscles in your face and throw a ball. Now work the same exercise when you have no tension. There is a remarkable difference in both delivery and feeling.
Let’s deliver this to our yoga practice. Most of us can get into a pose that the instructor calls unless it is a new pose. Once we are there, we know what it is supposed to look like for us, we simply try to hold on. What if we changed the holding onto to release in the pose? Once we are in the pose, allowing a sense of relaxation to overcome ups. Allow the muscles not to be used to and feel the lines of energy going through each pose. Watch as you sink into the pose, and your body knows where to go.
Letting go is done seasonally by plants. In the spring, the leaves bud and grow. The leaves are strong in the summer with the rain and wind. As the temperatures change, the leaves change as well. They start to let go of the main attachment to the tree. Leaves know that by being free, they can be released into the world and eventually make their way to the ground.
Let go of previous arguments, failures, and disappointments, and find the moments where you are free to be with yourself. Use that time to connect, build, and establish trust between your mind and your body. Let go of the mind and allow yourself to be with your body. The mind wanders as it is trained to do, but we can bring it back to the moment through breathing and concentration.
Letting go, can be used in so many other moments in life in the fall, let us begin with your yoga practice. Namaste.
Michael Rodgers
RYT 500
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