Venus Rising

Yoga for LivingIssue: Sagittarius 08 & Honest Self Expression

The Yoga of Self Expression

The goal of yoga is to know our selves. In these terms, our self is defined as our true nature, the part of us unconditioned by judgments of good or bad. The part of us that is perfect and whole. Yoga therapy is based on the premise that you are already perfect, exactly as you are. Yoga practices help you realize this innate perfection.

The perfection that exists in all of us is not defined by our roles in life like our jobs, our families, or our religion. When we identify solely with our roles and accomplishments, or lack thereof, we limit our definition of self. In yoga this is defined as the self with a lower-case s. This self consists mainly of our ego. For example, the statements “I am a mother. I am a lawyer. I am a yoga teacher. I am poor. I am unworthy.” are all examples of our egoic, or little, self. Our true Self, defined as the Self with a capital S, is independent of our role and accomplishments. It is the deepest part of us, fully whole and completely connected. Yoga practice peels away the layers of our neuroses and attachments, so that we can have an experience of our true Self.

So as not to confuse you, we do not have multiple personalities. We simply have aspects of us, self and Self, that appear and reappear at different times in our lives. Most of us tend to live our lives with a connection to the lower-case s, our egoic self. However, whether you practice yoga or not, most likely you have connected to your true Self. This happens when you have a moment where things are completely clear, where you see beyond your immediate likes, dislikes, and desires. For example, this can happen during very emotional events, like the death of someone close to you or the birth of a child. It can also happen in nature or in art, when you see something unbelievably beautiful and it takes your breath away. It is connected with an ability to see beyond our limited perspective of me and mine, into an expanse of something greater, our humanness.

When we practice yoga, we remind our selves that we are more than just our thoughts. The practice is a way to express who we truly are in a non-judgmental, curious way. Poses are an opportunity to look inside and see what is under the pain in our low back or the tingling in our skin. What lies beneath our heartbeat and inside our rhythmic breath? Erich Shiffman, in his book, "The Art and Practice of Moving into Stillness," writes “Are you willing to let go of everything you think you know about yourself in order to find out who you truly are?” His words outline the depth of the practice. It is this peeling away of the layers that brings us to the truth of who we are. Through all the stretching and breathing and feeling we touch parts of ourselves that have not been damaged by conditioning. We have moments where we can breathe easily and where things feel okay. We can relax and love ourselves.

Flowing Supine Twists 

Try this: Lie on your back with your legs hugged into your chest and your arms stretched out to the sides in a T position. Inhale. As you exhale let your legs fall to one side and your head to the other, coming into a twist. On your next inhale come back to center. When you exhale let your legs and head fall to the opposite direction. Continue, inhaling center and exhaling into the twist. Let your skull and the pelvis roll across the floor in opposing directions, using as little effort as possible. Move in timing with your breath. After 5-7 rounds hold each side for at least five breaths. Notice where you feel the pose and watch the sensation change as you hold. Become your breath. Let go of the need to do or be anything. Relax.

Learn more about Emily Garrett and her yoga classes at http://www.emilygarrettyoga.com

Avoid injury! When practicing yoga, listen to your body and take responsibility for your safety. Always move gently into poses, and do not push too hard.