Do you ever notice when you’re in class the variance in the the subtleties of how people practice? Although you’re not paying close attention to what the people around you are doing, you are inevitably going to notice how unique each person’s practice can be even though we’re all moving through relatively the same sequence of postures. Each one of you puts your personality into your practice. This is one of the greatest things about this style of yoga in my opinion. Each person makes it their own and reveals who they are simply by the way they move through the practice. But this may also leave you questioning yourself, which is not what Adamantine(R) Yoga sets out to teach us. Adamantine(R) yoga says to be confident in yourself and to be present and mindful of yourself on your mat.
One of the things that can cause these internal questions is pacing. Pacing can have a profound effect on how you feel at the end of your practice. If you are moving through things too quickly, you are not allowing yourself the space and time to slow down and be fully present and you may feel anxious or on edge throughout the day. If you are moving through things too slowly, it may have the reverse effect on your energy levels for the day causing you to feel drowsy rather than leaving you with an energized calm.
On Friday, July 15, I will be hosting a Friday Forum, 5:30-6:30 PM, and will address this topic in greater detail as we workshop some common transitions and postures that can be impacted by pacing. There will be opportunity for social time with fellow practitioners from 5:00-5:30. I would love to see you all there. Don’t worry, yoga attire is not necessary;-). I hope for this to be the first of regular bi-monthly gatherings to help you deepen your practice. Look for the next one in September!