“If we want to make changes or improvements in our lives, we must first become conscious of what is going on now. Learning to pay attention is the foundation for the development of a relationship with ourselves.” – Rachel Schaeffer, Yoga For Your Spiritual Muscles
“I imagine how a chemist would write the equation for mindfulness: concentration + calm + equanimity + rapture + energy + investigation = mindfulness.” – Sylvia Boorstein, Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There
“I imagine how a chemist would write the equation for mindfulness: concentration + calm + equanimity + rapture + energy + investigation = mindfulness.” – Sylvia Boorstein, Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There
While touching one’s toes in a forward bend is not the goal, body awareness is definitely a learnt skill and side benefit of the practise of yoga. People have different degrees of proprioception and this can also improve with time spent on your mat. This being said, even new awareness about the body is not the whole picture. You may not look at awareness as a “muscle” you need to strengthen, but it is invaluable and can definitely get stronger as we train our brain in new ways, opening up neuropathways. We talk about mindfulness as a practise, so it can really be integrated as you roll up the yoga mat and walk into your daily life – better health, decision-making, creativity, safety, are some of the pluses.
Here are a few opportunities to practise “I am aware of:”
Here are a few opportunities to practise “I am aware of:”
-be aware of your fingers when you are cutting veggies for salad
-be aware when you are driving, where is your car vis a vis other cars
-be aware of whether your body is making any unusual noises
-be aware of whether your body is expressing certain signals of pain or discomfort
-be aware of your energy level
-be aware of where your wallet or purse is vis a vis your person
-be aware of who is in your 2 foot bubble and your instincts about it
-be aware when you are in crowds (festivals etc) of where people are holding their cigarettes, especially if you are walking with children, obviously, be aware of your children in crowds (no brainer)
-be aware of the weather in order to bring an umbrella, dress a certain way, wear sunscreen
-be aware of rules at airports and watch your personal belongings
-be aware of any noises your car is making
-be aware of where you put the keys to your house, car, office, gym locker
-be aware of any noises your car is making
-be aware of where you put the keys to your house, car, office, gym locker
-be aware of your thoughts, attitudes in any given moment or about a certain situation
-be aware of your habits and whether they are good for you
-be aware of your weaknesses and strengths
-be aware of whether you are sitting near a bee or wasp or other biting/stinging creature (my niece is great at this one!)
-be aware of the flowers or nature that is near you
-be aware of how much you have not how much you want
-be aware of the sounds around you, the smells
-be aware of the flowers or nature that is near you
-be aware of how much you have not how much you want
-be aware of the sounds around you, the smells
I am not suggesting living in or acting from fear, rather, moving towards your instincts. People are generally looking for “fixing” situations once they happen. Prevention can be far more interesting, and I think awareness is part of its foundation. It can definitely start on the yoga mat but it does not end there….
Three things you can also try:
1-When you walk through a crowd, can you do it without getting bumped into or bumping into others?
2-Simply close your eyes for a moment and be aware of your breathing. Taking a few seconds to pause helps you to reconnect to the inner voice. Great guide.
3-Start a relaxation practise…there are different levels of awareness…yes, being aware of awareness itself…deep and meaningful step towards realising your “true nature” of peace and light. The Sufis say “God lives in the details”.
Om Shanty, shanty, shanty,
Rana Waxman is a registered yoga therapist ERYT-500, with 20 years of teaching experience. Rana is a freelance writer and social media expert in addition to leading yoga workshops internationally and teaching alignment focused private and group Yoga Lessons in Hoboken and Jersey City NJ.
