The Spine

During the week I am constantly moving from one side of the city to another. The area that I cover can go from Chelsea all the way up to the Bronx. In addition to the moving around, there are the physical things that I am working on that are with me all the time. When I take all these into account I realize how easy it is to neglect posture. Yes even for a yoga teacher :) 

Since the beginning of the year I have made it a habit to remind myself to stand upright and to watch my posture. I do it specially when I am waiting for a traffic light to change. There are also reminders when I am standing or sitting in the train, when I am at the market, When I am sitting in the steam room at the gym, and so on. 

To me it is not just about posture. I know that there is an attitude, a mental stance that I take every time I remember to check in with myself like this. I have caught myself so many times feeling down and realizing that I am somewhat hunched over and looking only at the floor. This does not mean that feelings, emotions, and situations go away when I check my posture. What it means for me is that I gain a different perspective on whatever is going on. Even when things don't go away immediately, by checking my posture I find it easier to just be with what is whether there is a resolution or not about it.

This week we will continue our focus on the spine in class to help us maintain a good physical and internal posture.

Blessings


Jorge Nihāl