Yoga is a balance of strength and flexibility. We need to be strong but not rigid. Being strong gives us a firm foundation and clear boundaries. Being rigid keeps us stuck, frozen in one place, unable to change and grow. In being flexible, we need to be resilient, able to go with the flow, but not so flexible that we can be pushed over. This is as true in our yoga postures as it is in life.
We will begin this month developing our strength by working our core. Our core connects our upper body and lower body together. This is so important in keeping our spine healthy and strong especially as we reach and stretch our extremities in different directions. A strong core is helpful when you are reaching in the back seat of your car to pick something up, or if you are practicing arm balances in your yoga class.
Psychologically our core represents our sense of self esteem and integrity. This is the home of the third chakra. Tapping into our core means tapping into our internal guidance system. Can you remain true to yourself as you weigh outside influences?
There are specific exercises that work on the core such as Boat Pose, Plank or Intense Stomach Churning Posture. But, every pose that we do has some aspect of core engagement. Your abdominal muscles should be engaged to integrate the actions of the upper body and lower body in poses like Warrior II, Tree or Half Moon.
In any yoga pose there are any number of points you could focus on: the feet, your gaze or drishti, the breath or even the sensations in your skin. But this month we will focus on the core. Be prepared to get stronger, but also be prepared to be challenged!