Читать книгу Restorative Yoga Therapy. The Yapana Way to Self-Care and Well-Being онлайн

31 страница из 33

NEWS FLASH:

When you step onto your mat, do you ask, “How can I grow today?” or “How can I be more of myself today?” The time on our mat can be used to address these deep questions by recognizing and attending to our individual needs at the moment. Meeting ourselves where we are shines a light on what may be a missing ingredient in many yoga practices: acceptance and mindfulness of what is happening now. Learning how to efficiently use the body and breath as resources to focus, grow, or transform can bring attention to opening and integrating the Light that lives within.

I have a history of tight hamstrings and calves and a tight mid and upper back. This makes forward bends of all kinds my least favorite poses. The variation of Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose) shown in the photo above (and explained on page 91) offers the kind of support needed to move gently into the stretch of my tight legs and back. Yes, it’s a lot of support, but I’m not too proud to accept it. Over the years of my practicing this variation from time to time, it has helped me to make great leaps in my forward bending. It has improved my flexibility, and more important, it has taught me how to be more patient in a pose that I previously considered to be my nemesis.