Let me preface this post by acknowledging first and foremost that different bodies crave different things. The things that make my muscles sing will result in different sensations for any other body and that’s part of the beauty of our individuality. We’re composed differently, our experiences may be similar or vastly varied. My life and habits may deviate greatly from another’s, although we may be similar in age, size or situation. We each live unique lives and our practices are just as unique as a result.
… Alternatively, we may be more similar than we like to think.
One thing that I know that we all share within this community is a common love of movement and the desire to move and also a subconscious desire for stillness, in turn, too.
In my practice, my love for movement is one of the driving reasons why I practice, and I may not be wrong in saying that likely applies to others too. For whatever reason, we’ve all found our way to Modo. Many with the desire to move our bodies towards greater physical mobility. I think, though, that we may also have been subconsciously drawn to Modo for mental mobility: a desire stemming from feeling mentally or emotionally ‘stuck’. Physical movement is definitely the reason why I started.
Over these years, it’s really the opportunity to mentally move away from the other daily ‘stuff’ that motivates me to come back. This knowledge that I can find stillness and space on my mat is particularly motivating when I feel the least like practicing; even on those days, I grudgingly know it’s something I need in my headspace and my life space.
The unity of breath and the sense of unity in community that is experienced when we move together acts as a tether to ground but also nurture. When we are moving though a yoga practice, there’s so much less consideration for the future or the past. It’s refreshing. It’s a reset from day to day routine, concerns, worries, troubles or fears. It’s how it feels to be present. When the day-to-day miasma sets in, my practice is a step in the right direction towards mental and emotional clarity. And maybe that’s the biggest reason why I love it. Thank goodness.
I practice for a number of reasons and I honestly believe I am a calmer, happier and more kind person for it.
What I practice on any given day is dictated greatly by external and internal constraints. Okay, Rose, back up here – what does that even mean? What I mean is: how much time I have and what I have going on in my life has a direct correlation to when I physically show up on my mat. What I’m hoping to practice or my raison d’etre for being on my mat is largely driven by what’s going on in my brain and what’s happening with my emotions.
I flow when I’m upset, angry or uncertain or feeling stubborn or grouchy; flow is for when I’m feeling disconnected from my body or when I need inspiration or I want something fun. Flow is like taking a beach day when you need a break or a pick-me-up. It doesn’t make the source of the issue go away, but it goes a long way in creating perspective, ya know?
I yin when I’m sad or feeling lost; if I’ve had a long day, if I need to climb out of my head or if I need a reality check, or space from something, such as a story I’ve created in my mind and I need to get away from. I also yin when I’m feelin’ lazy and I have no regrets about this. 😉
I practice Modo to build strength, to bring myself back to the reason why I love yoga, to remind myself of all the things I have to be grateful for: amazing mentors, supportive friends, loving family, a place to just be. To me, Modo, is a way to check in wth myself, to feel appreciation in how far I’ve come, and to feel inspired towards what will come next.
Science tells us that yoga is beneficial to us in a number of ways. I think we can all agree that yoga has helped us in some capacity whether it be physical, mental, emotional or even spiritual. In some way, we individually find solace on our mats.
I practice for my body. I practice for my mind. And also I practice in order to maintain balance in my busy life. I practice for my emotional good. I practice because in doing so I can honour my body, my mind and my spirit and pay tribute to all of the wonderful things in my life that have led me to where I am now.
xo
Rose
