What does freedom in the body mean to you?
The quote above is from Vanda Scaravelli (1908 - 1999), a yoga teacher who contributed to the introduction of yoga to the West. In her book (Awakening The Spine: Yoga for Health, Vitality and Energy) she wrote: “if you are kind to your body, it will respond in an incredible way.”
What freedom are you seeking?
When I started practicing yoga 18 years ago, I was looking for relief from back pain and anxiety. I spent long hours at a computer in my previous profession stressed by deadlines; so much of my anxiety was caused by wanting things in my life to be a certain way, and always trying to figure out how to make that happen. (This is a recurring tendency for me, by the way)
Here are a few things I think we can experience through the practice of yoga and meditation, from my own experience:
* Letting Go of Expectations
Breathwork and meditation can help us let go of the need to control, experience the present as it is, and to explore movement with the body we have today.
* Releasing Tension
The movements we do are designed to help release tightness in the muscles and increase range of motion in the joints. In addition, the mind can become more focused and calm.
* Building Confidence
When we are more aware of our body, we intuitively know how to move safely and can increase mobility, build strength, and improve balance. Freedom from fear of falling or hurting ourselves is priceless!
* Finding Ease
Giving ourselves permission to spend time on things that improve our health, to move with ease, and to rest, gives us freedom from the constant need to DO and just BE.
If you are looking for, or working on, freedom in body and mind, please share what's working for you, or let me know if I can help.