When we want to bring about change in our lives, we may come to see that we are as stuck in our mental patterns as we are in our physical patterns. Muscular tension may be just one expression of how inflexible we are mentally. If we are stuck in life, how do we then create a space to move? Softening physical tension is a powerful way of liberating ourselves, making room for us to move towards a space of intention.
Stress and memories are stored in different parts of our body. Many of our habitual, mental actions engrave physical marks in our body. Do you recognize the stinging echo in your stomach of a manager’s anger? Or the tightening sensation a short deadline sends to your shoulders? Feel how those long hours in front of your computer hunch your back and nag your neck?
One tactic is to try to remove or avoid those things that cause us stress; but of course, this is not always possible. Indeed, potentially stressful situations may even lie between us and a goal we really want to reach.
However, with the techniques of yoga, we can learn how to respond to stress more healthily and avoid troubling tension. This then gives us the confidence and ability to meet situations which might previously have been intimidating or stressful with calm and ease. This more balanced and open state then allows us to actualise our intentions with greater confidence and efficiency.
In addition to physical yoga postures that promote flexibility, other techniques such as deep relaxation, visualization, breath work and meditation are also used as powerful tools in our classes to promote change.