Listen to Your Body: Your Best Guide on the Mat

Living the 5 Percent Lifestyle

The importance of listening to your body

You may remember hearing us say that in class, but do you take it to heart?

Who are you listening to when you are in the process of getting into a pose?

Maybe your eyes are closed and the instructions are only as good as your understanding of the words being shared.

Maybe your eyes are open and you have the benefit of the visual as well as verbal cues.

Tuning in to get the gist of where the class is going is helpful, but your body has a more compelling set of instructions that should override what we have to say.

We don’t know how your body is feeling today.

We don’t know how you are feeling mentally.

You should never go deeper into a pose than where you feel comfortable.

Challenging your body by gently pulsing into a pose is different than forcing yourself into a position you are not ready to accomplish without causing potential pain.

We like to think of ourselves as guides as opposed to instructors or teachers or any of the numerous titles out there.

Guide expresses a sense of exploration and independence where teaching or instructing sounds more specific and rigid in content.

We want you to follow along but recognize your body is free to make modifications every step of the way.

Ask for guidance . . . during the class or after.

Others may have the same concern.

Break the pose up into smaller parts and concentrate on those parts as your body becomes more familiar with what is expected.

Remember that your time on the mat is for you . . . don’t hesitate to modify the pose to keep in touch with your wants and needs.

Take your time. If you need more time to truly benefit from the pose, you can catch up with the class wherever they are when you are ready to join them.

Breathe! If you ever get overwhelmed, lost, frustrated, tired, confused . . . whatever, just chill and breathe. 

It is the most important activity you should connect with during class.

Move well, stay healthy, be happy and live with passion.