New Year’s Resolution?
So far I have heard a couple from yoga teachers – all impressive and inspiring.
What about mine? Let go the over-striving or just striving in general. On going theme as always is stress management on the top but as that’s become a norm, a more inspiring “resolution” would be? Bettering ourselves of course:) IF that means being thin and slim, guess that’s the goal; but it that means knowing all asana/poses in Sanskrit, so be it – or maybe it’s about being a better partner, a better parent, a better friend, a better student … a teacher. It’s all good. May one stick with it throughout the year and always. Sometimes, having that “intention” alone serves because our thoughts and desires create the energy of change. We call that change – a transformation.
The last several decades have seen tremendous changes in the way people use their bodies, both on and off the mat. On the mat, the popularity of vinyasa, or flow, styles has transformed the way students and teachers approach yoga. The Sun Salutation is no longer just a warm-up at the beginning of class—it’s often the backbone of an entire class sequence. Off the mat, many of us spend more time than ever hunched over keyboards and pecking at our smartphones, placing extraordinary demands on the hands, wrists, shoulders, and neck. These two trends collide to produce a perfect storm of potential injury to the upper extremeties and upper spine.
A flowing vinyasa practice has many joys: It coordinates body, breath, and mind. It promotes strength, heat, and energy. It leaves you in a blissful, post-exertion state of deep relaxation. But if you suffer from tightness, pain, or injury in your neck, shoulders, or wrists, or if you repeatedly practice poses like Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose) without proper alignment, a traditional vinyasa practice—where most of the weight-bearing work is done by the hands and arms —can put you at potential risk for injury or inflammation.
– BY LESLIE KAMINOFF (August 20, 2012/Yoga Journal)
Sounds familiar? What about those yogic push ups? Have not even gotten to the range of motion – how to expand that range; how to improve flexibility … and why is flexibility important? Does it matter? (yes…) And why?
