THE ART OF TRANSITION

Left foot forward, right foot back, rotate your right thigh bone outward, open your heart, and on we go with cues to help you find the asana while focusing on alignment, breath and posture.  But what about the transitions from one cue to the next?  What is happening in your movements, in your breath, your sense of harmony or discord?  Let’s take this month to focus on Transitions.

We all live constantly through changes and transitions, whether it is seasonal, career, life experiences, lunar cycles, emotional, physical or mental changes.  We tend to focus on getting places, achieving things, attaining while paying little attention to how we get there.  Our cultural preferences are “what” not “how.”   This month we will be slowing down, bringing our focus to how we are moving, breathing, feeling and thinking as we transition on the mat, as well as off the mat.

When we move through life quickly, reactive and unaware, we discover ourselves in situations without understanding how we got there.  We become restricted, fearful and victims within the story of our own lives.  As you slow things down and broaden your awareness you begin to see the threads, the stitching and fabric of your life tapestry.  You become the weaver consciously creating your life.  Now you are empowered, not helpless. 

Awaken to what is guiding you from not only the life around you but the feelings within you.  On the mat the instructor may be giving you a direct cue and yet your body is not comfortable.  Reach in and feel for what might better serve you.  Watch for your mind overthinking or striving for what it “thinks” is right or is better.  Instead take the time to be aware of the flowing connections in the moment. 

It can be helpful to set an intention to find the path of transition that is rich in harmony, feels balanced while finding a flow.  At the same time watch for when you jerk, grip, struggle and resist. These are signs that you have lost pathways of transition, those that you can reclaim when you slow down and become aware.  You may need to let go of your “attaining” mindset and take a step back.  Do a little less, to reestablish those lost pathways, but know that it will be worth it.  You may build more strength and balance while building confidence in your movements.