March Theme of the Month

Every journey that starts has a beginning. We must always remember that how we get there is just as interesting as the destination. Our yoga is a wonderful practice to explore the journey rather than the destination, so we don’t get too attached or caught up with just the end result.

The splits pose in yoga which is known as Hanumanasana is a great theme to work with exploring the journey. This pose which is often called the Monkey pose, symbolises the strength, flexibility, and devotion of Lord Hanuman from the Hindu epic Ramayana. The pose is named after Hanuman, who is known for his giant leap from the southern tip of India to the island of Lanka to help Lord Rama rescue his wife, Sita.

Hanumanasana requires strength, stability and flexibility of the hips, along with the strength of the hip flexors, gluteus maximus, and hamstrings. This pose can take months or even years to master. You do not even need to do the full pose to enjoy all the journey building up. Variations in poses are excellent ways to use props and be curious of all the ways your own body can move. Once we let go of the ‘perfect picture’ of the pose we can find we listen to our own body, be playful in practice and develop qualities of being mindful and truthful in working in a way that your own body can move in that moment.

It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. Journey to the Splits!

Week 1 – Dedication
Dedication in yoga is an important aspect that helps to build habits and deepens your practice. When we practice regularly this can transform into a daily habit over time. What we learn along the way in a yoga class is an important connection to ourselves and a journey of moving inwards. We learn to trust our own bodies and surrender into our practice. Yoga is a mirror image too for life as nothing comes easy in this world and requires effort and patience.

Week 2 – Patience
Through the patience that is required of our bodies and our minds, we begin to unfold into the deeper connection of ourselves. Patience is a crucial aspect of practicing yoga where we should not rush but rather take the time to settle in and enjoy the process. Hanumanasana demands patience and focus, encouraging us to stay present and centered in the moment and cultivating these qualities through the practice. Focusing on what you can do, rather than focusing on what you can’t is

Week 3 – Balance
We all live very busy lives now and often struggle to fit in what we need to do during the day. We need to rest but still have energy to go about our daily lives. It often feels like most days we are juggling with at least two balls in the air. We need strength as well as flexibility to remain strong and healthy. Just like in the splits where physically the legs are drawing away from each other, we need to in yoga draw back to our core centre and life when we are pulled in different directions and find that connection back into feeling grounded, centred and present.

Week 4 – Truthfulness
It is important to acknowledge and accept where you are within your yoga journey and listening to your own bodies needs. We have all had a life time of different issues with our bodies, so we are all going to feel very different in poses. Yoga involves respecting your body’s limits and listening to what your body is telling you in poses.

Related Videos

Yoga To Keep You Centred
Happy Hamstrings & Hips
Strength & Flexibility
Hamstrings
Hip Openers
The Five Yamas Satya

This Month’s Music

Here’s a selection of the music Vicky has been enjoying this month.