We hear much discussion today about “awareness”. Awareness is a noun of ambiguous scope… meaning that it can be very simple or very complex.
From this author’s perspective, it’s always best to keep things simple. Using that approach, we can share with others and make a difference rather than attempting to prove how intelligent we are, getting mired in pontification or making it all about ourselves. We can simplify to multiply – in this case, multiply the positive effects of our teaching one another.
In the old classic practice of yoga, which itself has a history thousands of years in the making, awareness became a deep and meditative dynamic which emphasized TOTAL awareness, or “self realization,” during which one would seek to connect mentally and simultaneously physically/spiritually (through the breath) with one’s own inner essence. This can become an endless circle of seeking for some people, while exploring multiple levels of consciousness and trying to find a type of peace which really can’t be created by ourselves. Attempting to do it all on our own can become very frustrating.
Today we have the opportunity to practice yoga – and daily life – while applying awareness in a practical and modern way. Intentional action. Note the word action as the dominate subject. Being intentional, for example, is how we at Hot Yoga BG live daily in our Christian walk. We try to make our actions about others first and not ourselves, being more like Christ while being true to the fact that we are fallible people and our brokenness needs the One and true God. So awareness really can be a wonderful instrument of action to help with our spiritual life, regardless of our diverse Faith practices. You can use this approach in your own way.
Beyond any spiritual aspirations one may have, awareness is a tremendous practice which simply makes us more focused in everyday activities.
Be intentional: From the beginnings of yoga, the difference between yoga practice and many basic “exercise” programs has been the call for planned foundation, form and function. Thankfully, more physical regimens than ever before are now teaching these principles as instructors become more aware of their importance.
Breathing is becoming a focus for traditional exercise practitioners. This is another example of simplification as we move the breath into the forefront, something which has been a staple in yoga for generations.
So, simplify. Go basic. Keep focus. Think actively.
Mentally —
•Think positively. Smile and then follow your thoughts with positive actions.
•Focus on your breathing. Mind, breath and body… in that order. Really THINK about your breathing and when it comes to the forefront of your mind, take a cleansing breath in and out.
•Think about the task or action in which you are about to engage, and then think about your process as you perform the tasks. Relax throughout your work or task. Breathe!
•Observe. Check out your surroundings, and rather than reacting to them, think of a way to make them more pleasant just by being there. Speak softly and smile. Look for the good. Be a positive force of nature, if you will.
Physically —
•Sit (and walk) straight up… as much as possible. This allows you to see everything around you better, opens the heart center (chest, ribs, shoulders, sternum, throat) and makes for great breathing and interacting. This practice immediately establishes better mood.
•Engage your abdominal area along with the entire core – the wrap-around muscles of your “powerhouse” – including the internal and external obliques as well as the latissimus.
•Move intentionally and smoothly. Walk with confidence.
•Work on your balance by standing on one foot from time to time, beginning with holding to a wall or piece of furniture. Remember to engage the core and be aware of your posture.
•Practice yoga! A good yoga studio with an excellent teacher will help to improve all of your areas of awareness while assisting in attaining better overall health.
•Drink lots of fresh water. Start with 32 to 64 ounces per day, and slowly increase to 100 ounces or more. You will be amazed at the difference good hydration makes in your body and your feeling of wellness!
•Eat well. Stay up on your nutrition, and limit processed foods.
•Once again, breathe! Relax and enjoy. Always.
Awareness can improve your whole life, including your yoga practice. We hope to see you at Hot Yoga Bowling Green this week, and remember, we all had a “first class.”
And now, here it is: Your October 2020 ‘Pause for a Pose’ – The Supine Eagle (garudasana variation) –
This posture is excellent for physically challenging the practitioner and then allowing for reflection and relaxation, just prior to entering final savasana at the end of class or practice. Lie down on your back and flatten out on your mat or towel. Bend the knees upward toward the chest and cross the right leg over the left, then attempt to get the right foot behind the left heel as you squeeze the legs tightly together to achieve a tourniquet effect. Now stretch the arms out widely and move the right arm under the left arm, crossing the elbows, forearms & wrists. Palms together and squeeze, flex and breathe through five breaths slowly while engaging the upper and lower body. Flatten the lower back to the ground by engaging the abdominals and pressing the front of the hipbones toward the sky. Release and repeat opposite side. Breathe and relax before taking yourself into final savasana (“corpse pose”). We invite you to enjoy practicing this pose all month. Preregister for a Hot Yoga class by going to hotyogabg.com and click on the link “Sign Up Now!” God bless and namaste’!
-by Tony Bishop, E-RYT
About the author: Tony Bishop, E-RYT/RYT/CYT,is director and chief instructor with Hot Yoga Bowling Green, Kentucky. He is certified and trained in a myriad of health and fitness disciplines including Hatha Yoga, Yoga Personal Training, Yoga Coaching, Yoga Teacher Training, Sil lum Kung Fu, Tai Chi exercise, Spinning/indoor cycling, PowerHouse™ Pilates instruction, core conditioning, self defense programs and boot camp variations. He has some 6,000 hours of yoga teaching experience, he is registered through Yoga Alliance and is a Christian yoga practitioner, an avid researcher and proponent of progressive yoga movement and development of more effective, deeper and meaningful training methodology. He is now lead trainer & co-owner of Revelation School of Yoga, RYS – a newly registered yoga teacher training program through Yoga Alliance! Contact: 730 Fairview Avenue, C-2, Bowling Green. 270-793-0011, email hotyogabg@yahoo.com, website www.hotyogabg.com.
