We had the first of our four part series of yogic explorations of the inner body. We studied how the pathways of connective tissue in the body, or the fascia, organize themselves by the ways we are structured and by ways we move. Like this spider web’s elegant design our bodies can bear weight and force, pushes and pulls. Yet if we’re strained excessively, pulled out of balance or hardened by lack of movement, we’re vulnerable to injury. Thankfully, like the spider we have the capacity to repair our web – working intelligently to strengthen and stabilize from our center so we can radiate movement outward with support!
We spent a lot of time exploring the true core – the center from which we move. If our center is strong we can really reach out. It’s so fascinating to realize how our natural design and development patterns mirror this reality. A strong, resilient and flexible core actually helps us breathe more deeply! And then life unfolds with experiences that interrupt or challenge our natural development and movement patterns. Our life stories are written by our bodies, hearts and minds.
We can often read this just by looking at our posture or feeling the way we breathe. Several students observed that we develop our posture and movement patterns by looking at our parents. We know that when we watch someone else move mirror neurons light up in our brains as if we are moving ourselves. I think this is part of the magic of a yoga class. We are moving with the shared intention of the guidance that we’re given. Yet, what we express is so unique we can really inspire each other to discovery.
I am so grateful to the teachers and students who have helped me become more aware of my body and how to take care of it better. I truly hope that our studies will help us live with more ease, empathy and understanding.
You can find the slide presentation and written outline of what we explored at:
The Web Inside – Slides (this takes a while to pull up)