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| This week, at the end of our silent classes, we meditate and 'savasanate' to the sounds of nature! |
I am not the type of teacher who talks throughout class about philosophy. It does not mean my classes are not infused with philosophy, however.
And the silent class is deeply philosophical.
In the silent class you follow my clicks and movements, as is taught in the Yoga Synergy style.
This gives you the chance to integrate what it is that you know about the movements and postures that we have been learning.
Because I only give visual instructions (i.e., by exaggerating/miming body movements) your body has to be ready for a pose in order for it to happen.
And you must accept that if you do not know the posture, if your body is not sure how to move into it, or if on that particular day your body does not want to move into that posture, then you are not ready for that posture.
It does not mean you will never be ready.
Just that you are not ready for it at this moment in time.
You must accept the simpler version of the posture. The version that you can do right now.
It means you need to let go of ideas about doing something else. Something more.
The silent practice is a practice of non-attachment. Of letting go.
Actually, our practice should always be like this but the silent practice sort of forces your hand, so-to-speak, since I am not answering questions or giving minute refinements or telling you how to do things.
It is always a great pleasure for me to lead our silent practices. From my place up front I see us as a school of fish moving gracefully together. I see people struggling less, 'reaching' less. I see people just doing and being. And that is a joy.
As those of you have been to these classes will attest, we generally do more in these classes than we ever do in spoken classes. And when we sit at the end to meditate it is generally much easier. This is because we have tensed less, stretched less, thought less, and breathed less, which has allowed energy to move more freely. It helps to calm the mind.
Happy and safe (silent) practicing to you all!
Read more about my yoga and join me for classes and retreats in Bali and Sri Lanka at
www.yogacafecanberra.blogspot.com
Hmmm.... every time I read one of your posts, I am stretched in my thoughts about yoga. This too is yoga. When I practice alone, I practice quietly. I'm not speaking the adjustments and the movements aloud to myself. I move, breathe and feel... silently. As you show here, as we are alone we can be so together. Almost a zen koan...
ReplyDeleteYes, you describe the most beautiful practice. When you just move and feel. I like the idea of stretching or expanding our thoughts about yoga. I am so privileged to have had great teachers to learn from. Much metta!
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