Anti-Clench (Spelunking)

Today is a rainy day and, I think, a nice metaphor for the idea of going with the flow. This week's class will focus on understanding what you cling to and attempt to begin to release it.

Whether it be a physical reaction when you're upset (such as clenching the steering wheel when aggravated at traffic) or tight shoulders after a particularly stressful day, or an interior energy blockage around such things as emotional reactions to a situation with a loved one, we all have moments of clenching in our lives.

More over, we are subject to clinging to certain behaviors or feelings. We all have egos and, to varying degrees, are at the mercy of their demands. One of those demands is individuality. We want to be seen as special; unique in our predilections. Over time, we become dependent on certain emotions that make us feel like ourselves. We identify with that feeling; we become the feeling. Because it reinforces our sense of self, we cling to that sensation. We don't feel "right" when made to feel something other than this. We will avoid certain people, situations or even thoughts that challenge this feeling.

Spelunking is a fun word, but more than that, it is apt to this kind of exploration. One of the first things I learned about myself as I practiced yoga was that my mind (everyone's mind) has the capacity to compartmentalize to such an extraordinary degree that I can create the circumstances that allow me to lie to myself. As we move forward in our journey of self exploration, we must create a powerful headlamp that will allow us to see in to the darkest depths of our psyche. You are the only one who can make it possible to see what has been buried for years.

Asana will make it possible to have a tangible experience of this cling/clench and let go idea. It will be important to practice without incurring injury. Mindfulness will be key. As we work strongly and let go, we will begin to create an evenness of effort. So instead of relying on just one muscle group, we will strengthen evenly along all muscles to support joints and create a smoothness and grace of movement. As we work the body we can not help but work the mind. Therefore, we will develop that same evenness of effort and grace of movement in our thoughts.