On June 3rd I was fortunate to have the opportunity to teach a workshop in Saskatoon at JNS Yoga Studio.
My theme was Yoga: From the Core.
I spend many hours working on my workshops - and I'm not complaining, as it only enhances my own practice and understanding. I also know that in all the prepping I also have to be open and flexible to what is happening in the moment and from what I see in each class and workshop. Not everything I try out in my home lab turns out the same in a larger class:)
Really why I love yoga and teaching so much! It is never dull and I always learn something from each class and situation.
So, I thought I would share a few of my notes from this workshop here today.
I won't give it all away as I am planning on teaching a version of this workshop on September 16th in Prince Albert at Yoga Sublime Studio.
This ideas that sprang up from the title gave me lots to work with as yoga is about finding your core, your true Self and about moving from your outer body inward.
Core defined in the dictionary is: the central most important part of something.
It is often the tough, central part of fruit that contains the seed – or essence.
This really clicked with me as my idea was to weave in the Kosas. Kosa means layer and there is said to be 5 main kosas - physical, mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual, and you really can't address one without influencing the others.
Our physical core helps us stay upright and balanced and maintain the health of the spine.
Our emotional core connects us to our true self because yoga is a way of life.
In Yoga Rahasya, vol. 17, No. 4, 2010 Dr. Naik wrote an article explaining how Asana (postures) are actually neurological, not physical. Asana consists of doing the right action and undoing the wrong action. Asanas are not movements, but actions as the movement of the joints is only possible with the help of the mind using the brain and its associated parts.
What does this have to do with our core? In the beginning we start with the physical, outer alignment in a pose. Over time as we refine - sensory feedback and mindfulness give ease in the pose, in body, breath and mind.
The mind begins to feel the pose and at the same time the mind is sensed. This moves a pose from at the very beginning from movement to action to sensations, feeling and perceptions. When the right and left coordinate with the centre there is harmony between the head and heart.
We can think of our core as being the abdominal muscles or we could think of our core as where the spiritual heart is - both are correct really as we need to find our physical centre, our plumb line to be able to move inward. The breath is the bridge between the body and the mind.
In Yoga Rahasya, vol. 17, No. 4, 2010 Dr. Naik wrote an article explaining how Asana (postures) are actually neurological, not physical. Asana consists of doing the right action and undoing the wrong action. Asanas are not movements, but actions as the movement of the joints is only possible with the help of the mind using the brain and its associated parts.
What does this have to do with our core? In the beginning we start with the physical, outer alignment in a pose. Over time as we refine - sensory feedback and mindfulness give ease in the pose, in body, breath and mind.
The mind begins to feel the pose and at the same time the mind is sensed. This moves a pose from at the very beginning from movement to action to sensations, feeling and perceptions. When the right and left coordinate with the centre there is harmony between the head and heart.
We can think of our core as being the abdominal muscles or we could think of our core as where the spiritual heart is - both are correct really as we need to find our physical centre, our plumb line to be able to move inward. The breath is the bridge between the body and the mind.
Take a few moments to sit tall with the chest lifted and normal inward curve of low back. Feel the deep abdominal muscles work to assist the spinal and pelvic control. Relax head and neck, because if habitually tighten in head and neck can invite hardness to the abdomen. Begin to feel the fluid movement of the breath moving in and out. With each exhalation feel a release in the outer body to penetrate deeper inward, yet at the same time feel a spaciousness within as if expanding gently out. Through the stability of the body, feel and experience a state of equanimity.
Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com
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