“What I’m looking for is not out there, it is in me.” – Helen Keller
Theme: Santosha / Contentment
Putting our values and beliefs into action can be uncomfortable. Sometimes it means speaking up when you see another person acting out; it might mean stepping up when someone needs help; it can even mean going against the status quo to make decisions that protect your quality of life. Others will often disagree or even challenge your choices – can we be content when our values are rejected or disregarded by others? How do you find contentment when acting in accordance to your truth gets sticky?
Flow/Align Classes: Adho Mukha Vrksasana Prep
Handstand prep – there are many parts of the body to prepare for this big poses and a number of ways to go about it. Try to be content if handstand is not in your practice, and direct yourself to working on what feels right for you. Before getting into a kick-up, perhaps we tip toe the feet forward and back, warming up the hamstrings and feeling comfortable with our hips shifting over the shoulders – this is also a good indicator of whether or not you are ready to hop up. Once we start to kick, remember to drive down through the hands and activate the shoulders. Don’t forget to practice hopping on both legs for balance and remember, this can always be done at the wall!
Stretch/Restore Classes: Janusirsasana Twist Variation
Sitting in stillness through any big hip opener is a big ask – both for our bodies and our minds. Move slowly in and out of this pose, don’t feel the need to rush into it. Pad the knees if you like for extra comfort on the joints; maybe lean forward onto a cushion, a pillow, a stack of towels, this will support the elbows and the chest. How can we use the breath to soften the mind and the muscles as we sit here for several minutes? Try to find stillness amidst the discomfort.