Yoga in Relationships

Yoga in Relationships

 

Relationships can be more challenging than the most advanced yoga poses. No matter who is on the other end of a conflict- a friend, family member, coworker, schoolmate, or colleague- you can diffuse many situations by applying a yoga mindset and a few simple techniques.

 

BREATHE

{asana}

{asana}

The third limb of yoga is the physical practice. Yoga asana, the pose, were designed to prepare your bod y to sit for meditation.

Challenge yourself for the next 30-days. Attend a few extra yoga classes. On the days you can’t, roll through some Sun A’s before work your after your workout. Before bead, take a child’s pose, ragdoll, and legs up the wall. 

{ishvara pranidhana}

{ishvara pranidhana}

The last of our five Niyamas, our second limb of yoga, means surrender.  This can mean surrendering yo your divinity- God, nature, the present moment – whatever it means to you.

Release attachments to outcomes, release yourself release yourself from judgements, expectations, your ego.

Surrender to the idea that there is something bigger than yourself. You are exactly where you were meant to be and everything is working out. 

{svadhyaya}

{svadhyaya}

Self-study. THE LITTLE BOOK OF YOGA says that traditionally this meant “engrossing one’s self in text and scripture”.  Today, we may handle it a little differently but always with the same goal: to find your authentic self, to make daily decision that are in line with your life and life goals, and in turn live a more authentic life.

Be honest with yourself. When you feel anger, jealousy, and resentment – get real with yourself about the “why” of it. Take that honest answer (you don’t have to share it) and take the opportunity to grow! 

{upward facing dog}

{upward facing dog}

from chatarunga, we flip the feet and find an arch. Pressing tops of feet and hands into the mat, we lift the body. Pulling shoulders back to open and spread the collarbones. Shoulders safely over wrists and gaze lifted.

This pose either feels uncomfortable and a little scary on the low back, or light and open. Check out this great article from Yoga Gypsy for tips on your updog!

http://yogagypsy.blogspot.com/2012/07/yoga-tip-tuesdays-transitioning-to...

{hinge at the hips}

{hinge at the hips}

In our practice when we fold forward, we want to hinge at the hips, not bend at the waist.   We take forward folds, standing and seated, several times through our practice. We also use this same forward fold in our seated butterfly, in our pyramid pose, and even in standing splits.  

Stand tall in mountain pose. Pick your right leg up to hip height. Now bring your fingers to that crease where your leg bent.  Drop your foot, stand tall and bring both hands to your hip creases. 

{reverse warrior}

{reverse warrior}

Starting in a strong warrior two pose, flip the front palm and reach straight up. Finding length first, and then go back if it feels good! 

Stay mindful of that front leg. Often when we pull back, we pull out of that lunge. No change in those legs!!

For me, it doesn't feel so good to reach back, so I concentrate on breathing into all of the space I made by reaching high.