Yoga Practice for Remembering
Enjoy this latest yoga article by guest author Alexandra Goldwell. Alexandra brings attention to how the yoga practice can act as a gateway towards deeper inner reflection especially in terms of remembering and appreciating-lifestyle elements that often become diluted or overshadowed in today’s all-consuming challenges.
I noticed today how my practice helps me remember. Of course it is true that yoga asana clears the brain, enlivens our organs, balances our systems, and, as a result, greatly enhances memory and clarity. What I am talking about however, is when I need to remember gratitude, remember how to love or forgive, or remember my own compassion, the practice provides.
As the buds of spring awaken inside and outside, our practice also offers opportunity to remember our connection to the earth. Practicing Chaturanga on the grass today I recognized how I was receiving the great abundance of the earth as I felt her under my hands. In breathing in Downward Dog, I was aware that the earth supports me. In a time where our collective unconscious is in fear about finances, being taken care of and having enough, this was an important remembrance for me.
Taking in the beauty of Vancouver’s spring, I was intently aware today of the blue sky above and the trees around. At one point, I lay flat on my back in Supta Baddha Konasana (soles of the feet together, knees out to the side) and gaze up at the vastness, knowing with my intellect that this same inconceivable magnitude and openness exists within this body. I found myself wondering if I would ever completely experience this Truth. Aware of my focus on the future, I invited an intention and reminded myself of what was in front of me here and now, “I receive from you Universe, thank-you for your abundance.” In that moment, I became aware of my many blessings. The mind so often focuses on past, future and lack, (it LOVES to think about what is not here), I require these consistent reminders that opening the body and breathing into my surroundings brings.
From the little exposure I have had to Buddhism, the results of today’s asana practice remind me of what Buddha termed Right Remembrance. I believe that when my practice reminds me of connection, gratitude, mystery, the opportunity to give and receive and when I leave the mat feeling inspired to action yet calm and grounded, I have remembered myself rightly.
What a gift to have this practice!
With love and gratitude to all my teachers.
About Alexandra Goldwell, MA, RCC
Alexandra teaches yoga and meditation and is a holistic, body-centered therapist seeing individuals and couples in private practice. After having found Western psychology to be insufficient at explaining human nature, she pursued Eastern ways of knowing and found an awakened meditation teacher and medical intuitive whom she has studied with for the past 9 years. Her work incorporates Eastern and Western tools for healing and is driven by intuition. She keeps life in balance by spending adequate time on the mat, dancing, in nature, and with dear friends.
Find her at www.shanti-centre.com or alexandragoldwell@gmail.com
Namaste Alexdra- I can connect clear to your article. after 1,5 h Hot Yoga at my Yoga studio y+ In shanghai today i felt after the class like i had a new body and i could see everything in balance and see peacefully with full detachment. thank you for your great insight. Our daughter will start to Study at UBC this summer she might be tempted by Biology and Psychology. kind regards. Michel De Vriendt _ shanghai PRC