Yoga asana (the predominantly physical expression of yoga) has supported me through life as a financial executive in the fast-paced, high-stress boardrooms of Hong Kong. It made me physically and mentally stronger after having our first child in South Korea and taught me to be softer, calmer, and more accepting as our second child came into our lives.
But it wasn’t always that way. When I began my yoga journey, I often lacked energy after practice, regularly injured myself, and frequently felt anxious and jittery after class. A strong yoga asana practice can exhaust and deplete you, sometimes leaving you feeling in more pain than when you started, and can even create stress in the body and mind. So, what is the difference between yoga asana lifting you up or stressing you out?
The first answer to this question is YOU! The second answer is a teacher who is skilled, experienced, and patient enough to show you the path toward healing and away from harm. Let me explain.
Yoga truly is for everyone, even for complete beginners, and is not simply about touching your toes! No matter your age, gender, body type, or physical condition, yoga can be a tool that is melded to fit you. However, if you approach it with your ego at the helm, ready to push yourself into any position that is asked of you, willing to ignore your pain in order to make the pose ‘look right’, and able to overlook your own needs in favor of what you think yoga ‘should be’, then you are likely heading for the second outcome.
Additionally, the teacher you need will show you how to listen to yourself so that you can truly heed what your needs are. If you don’t feel supported in that way, it’s worth asking yourself whether you have found the right teacher for you.
The outcome of yoga asana can depend upon how you practice, your intention, and where you place your attention. Of course, you need a skilled teacher to guide you along the way, but ultimately YOU are the most skilled teacher at your disposal since YOU are the one who knows what you truly need.
Are you ready to really listen?
Drop me a line to meet me in Clearwater Bay, or Central Hong Kong for your bespoke 1:1 yoga class, or to enquire about my self practice Mysore yoga group, who meet several times per week.
With love,
Rowena x
