Bringing Your Yoga Practice Home
by Rodney Yee | June 30th, 2008 | Comments (2)
topic: Yoga | tags: bks-iyengar, reclined-heros-pose, shoulderstand
When I went to Pune, India, I had seven years of arduous practice under my belt. It was 1987 and I was on my way to study yoga with the master himself B.K.S. Iyengar. I thought I was ready, but I was secretly worried about two basic postures: Reclined Hero’s Pose and Shoulderstand. Maybe I could hide in the corner or go to the bathroom when these poses were addressed. Fat chance! Geeta, Iyengar’s daughter, had me demonstrating Reclined Hero’s Pose on the first day. And B.K.S. Iyengar looked at me with massive disapproval during Shoulderstand. To my delight he manually adjusted my pose making it light and aligned.
Returning home, I realized he and his daughter had inspired me and shown me what was possible. But now it was up to me to recreate and rediscover the magic that had been revealed. Many years of home practice was the answer, going into my own body and asking it to be my teacher. Listening is the practice of yoga. Nothing replaces the home practice. It is a time when you can find your own rhythm, your own breath, your own revelations. It is where the genuine knowledge arises.
I was told early on that in science, when one invents something, everyone benefits and can utilize that invention; however, in spiritual practice you must discover the wheel on your own. Get on your mat. Colleen and I can inspire you, but you have to sweat your own prayers.
Namaste,
Rodney
Cofounder of the Gaiam Yoga Club
So true, ultimately it is always about our journey to awareness. There is nothing that is not us, so our journey although extremely personal, ultimately leads to a change in the universal energy.
So by going within and finding our true selves we are blessing the rest of humanity with our lessons and our learnings. Thanks Rodney for reminding me, I needed that today.
Helen
Excellent story. Thank you for sharing.
I have been away form my practice for some time. Previously hip problems inspired me to purchase your videos and with much determination, I was able to get the strength and flexibility back in my pelvis.
A huge move has got me all out of wack again. I put my name down for these posts as if I was casting a line. I am hoping to get a small television and DVD set up to start up with your programs again soon. I need that visual and auditory support.
Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement. I am sure you are helping many people like me. Yours is more than a business. Your work is deeply appreciated.
Peace and well being.
Jamie