Unwavering Alignment
The word “alignment” is used a lot in yoga. Students are constantly being encouraged to pay close attention to the alignment of their bodies from one posture to the next. By making sure they are positioned correctly for each asana, students practice safely while gaining maximum benefits from each.
In addition to staying physically aligned, however, students are also encouraged to stay “mentally aligned” by focusing on the present, staying positive, and giving 100% of their effort. By maintaining unwavering alignment—both physically and mentally—a whole new world of self-understanding, peace and groundedness begins to open up to yoga students. And with all the uncertainties in the world right now, there has never been a more important time for each of us to find our grounding. For this reason, we have chosen “unwavering alignment” as November’s Theme of the Month. Please read on:
It doesn’t take long before students become aware of the power of unwavering alignment during their yoga classes. Physical and mental alignment helps a student move through the postures with more ease and fewer distractions. Students who are present and focused are more aware of their breath and are, therefore, breathing more efficiently. Efficient breathing energizes students and helps them sustain a more relaxed and enjoyable practice, even while sustaining a high level of effort.
Outside of the studio, the power of “unwavering alignment” can really be felt these days with all the political and economical changes going on. By consciously staying present and positive—despite the ease of slipping into worry and negativity—students can sustain a higher level of energy while simultaneously maintaining a sense of peace and relaxation that grounds and sustains them through unsettled times. Staying aligned helps students tap into a natural clarity, confidence and resourcefulness otherwise hidden by doubt.
Inside and outside the studio, now is the time for students to hold fast to their yoga, using it as a conduit to level-headedness and strength. In addition to helping themselves by doing so, students will help everyone around them as they influence others with their positive energy and lead by their positive example.
Through “unwavering alignment” with the positive, students are able to ride the ups and downs of life’s fluctuations with grace—and even joy. As it says in Patanjali’s yoga-sutras 2:26: “Unwavering intuitive knowledge of God [or positive energy] is the means by which suffering…is eliminated.”