Are You Moving towards Health and Balance or Reinforcing Your Imbalances in Your Yoga Practice?
We all have natural tendencies, preferences, and patterns – it's simply human nature. These tendencies, often called samskaras in yoga philosophy, are in part related to our individual constitutions called doshas in Ayurveda, they become deeply ingrained habits over time. These habits are also what create our sense of “comfort zone”, which can trap us into repeating behaviours to our own detriment. When it comes to our yoga practice, these ingrained patterns and comfort zones can sometimes lead us to unintentionally reinforce existing imbalances, impeding our progress towards a deeper sense of clarity and holistic wellbeing.
For example, if you naturally gravitate towards hyperactivity, you might find yourself drawn to the most dynamic yoga classes (think power yoga), constantly seeking that energetic flow. While there's nothing wrong with enjoying a challenging practice, consistently favoring high-intensity styles might not be serving your overall well-being.
The Importance of Balance
Achieving optimal health and wellness often lies in cultivating balance. This doesn't mean you should abandon your favorite yoga styles entirely. Instead, consider incorporating a more diverse range of practices into your routine.
If you primarily practice dynamic styles:
Experiment with restorative yoga, yin yoga, or gentle yoga to cultivate stillness and inner peace.
Explore meditation and pranayama (breathwork) to calm the mind and deepen your connection to yourself.
If you primarily practice slow, introspective styles:
Challenge yourself with a more vigorous practice like vinyasa or power yoga to increase strength and flexibility.
Incorporate playful movement like acro yoga or partner yoga to cultivate a sense of joy and connection.
Listen to Your Body
Ultimately, the key is to listen to your body and mind. What does your body crave today? A vigorous practice to release pent-up energy? Or a gentle practice to soothe and restore? Or a balance of both. It might be helpful to release and move through the active energy to find a place where you can sit and direct your attention inward afterwards.
By consciously cultivating a more balanced yoga practice, you can:
Reduce stress and anxiety: A variety of practices can help you manage stress and cultivate a sense of inner peace.
Develop Mental Clarity: Gain control over a hyper active or dull mind and body.
Deepen your understanding of yourself: Exploring different styles can help you uncover hidden strengths and weaknesses, both on and off the mat.
So, the next time you plan your yoga schedule, perhaps consider how you can incorporate more balance. Acknowledge the challenge and meet it with softness and acceptance, it’s okay to feel uncomfortable at times, in fact, it’s probably healthier to go into those places. You will be surprised at the positive impact it can have on your overall well-being as you expand your personal possibilities.
