I've been looking at this for a few months now and you'll probably know that I feel it's really important for us not only physically but neurologically too.
Naturally we will be drawn to moving into familiar regular patterns and our ego encourages us to do so. However, when we find ourselves outside our comfort zone and move the body in a 'different' way is where we challenge ourselves and seek our potential.
As we get older it's common to avoid doing certain movements because we feel that they are too difficult and will set us off balance. Our narrative tells us that maybe we'll fall and hurt ourselves. When in actual fact this is probably what we need to do more of. So that when we do find ourselves 'off balance' we are in a better place to manage it. When we wobble and fall out of balances is when we're really working, often with different muscle groups.
I was going to call this blog patience, because this is an important factor. When things are difficult we can often get frustrated and give up, tell ourselves that we can't do things. This is our ego again. But another important lesson we learn from practicing yoga is that it's the 'effort' we put in that's important. This is called Tapas, which is one of the Niyamas, which means to keep the heat on.
All of this can help us in life too. These practices can help us be more open minded and more creative with our thinking. So that when life throws a curve ball maybe we are able to deal with the consequences better.
Cross patterning sequences are a trend in the fitness industry with lots of people sharing their own versions of similar sequences on social media. I've adapted quite a few of them in my own classes too.
I originally learnt yoga with several Astanga teachers and I was lucky enough to benefit from a really disciplined approach. Yet this was softened through other teachers who encouraged me to think more creatively and be open minded. This is something I've been embracing much more recently.
In trying new sequences out I've found myself thinking that I've not moved like this before and sometimes negative thoughts do creep in. It can be challenging and out of my comfort zone but I'm inspired by being able to move differently and I have to say I've been so impressed seeing everyone moving like this in my classes too!
I'm writing this after another trip up North because my dad has had another fall. I'm afraid he hasn't looked after himself physically and has been a bit resistant to much exercise for some time. In contrast I'm pleased to say that my group of 70/80 years olds on Thursdays are embracing change. Cross patterning. Challenging themselves more than they ever thought they could. We did Eagle to Warrior 3 today (some with a chair for support) and are continuing to practice transitions getting up and down from the mat.
I'm planning to keep sharing more cross patterning and balances for the foreseeable and hope you'll enjoy a few wobbles with me along the way.
Namaste.
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