Learning to Stand (Again)

Today while in class, I felt like I was learning to stand again. Working with poses and actions I've done before. But something has changed.

At one point, we we're standing on one leg, and several actions I've worked with for years started to come together in a new way. Not overdoing. Not underdoing. But finding a balance between the front and back of the leg and hip, a balance between the heel and ball mound. And then...

freedom in my lower back as it found space
quiet face
soft eyes
settled mind

This is why I LOVE repeating poses and going through the 4 week cycle* (standing poses, forward extensions, back extensions, restorative/pranayama.) Would my low back have found that space today if I hadn't practiced the supported backbends during last week's restorative class? Or forward bends in my own practice?

The conversation my body has with itself by moving through various poses and movements is delightful. One part tells the same story over and over again. Another part is really loud. Another part of my body is quiet but still making itself known, like a wise elder holding space for the others at the dinner table.

And I get to witness this conversation unfolding whenever I choose to show up, whether in class, practice, or even while washing the dishes.

And so, let's return to poses and places and practices and (...) again and again. Not holding tight to the stories of how it's always been. But open to what conversations might be here right now.

*The 4 week cycle of classes:

• Standing Poses
• Forward Extensions
• Back Extensions
• And Restorative & Pranayama (breathwork)

All my continuing classes follow this sequence, as we explore a wide range of movements and the effects on our body and mind.

And in Beginner Yoga Series, the focus is on building strength, stamina, and mobility in standing poses and learning our first inversions. We repeat standing poses, adding more each week as we build a foundation for the practice.

Returning to standing poses again and again is a beautiful way to come back to our bodies. We see what's still the same as last practice/class, and what's shifting and changing.

With standing poses, we move our body in ways that open us up to what's here, all while staying grounded and creating an anchor to the earth through our feet.