I reconnected with my old friend Natalie for a practice of 54 sun salutations this afternoon. We hadn't seen each other for several months, so we spent a good amount of time updating each other on the various aspects of our busy lives.As we chatted our way through the first 27 or so, I wondered if talking while practicing yoga is really so bad.
I am aware that the common belief is that it's best to be 100% focused on each breath and each posture and that chatting in yoga is discouraged. While I understand this and agree to a certain extent, I'm all for variety. I think a little chatting during a practice can be beneficial. After all, expressing feelings to a good friend can improve tension release and promote healing, and this coupled with surya namaskar can be really powerful tool in transformation.
Discussion can bring new energy into a practice and make it lighter. In a group class, I think a bit of dialogue helps foster community and puts people at ease. But don't get me wrong, no one appreciates a bitching motor mouth. What's said and how it's said makes all the difference. Right intention is key.
On the flip side, I think i's also important to observe silence. It's restful to just follow the sound of the breath and flow effortlessly from one pose to the next. This is why I enjoy solo practices a lot. It helps me connect with me and allows me the space to hear what's really going on inside my brain and body.
So, in conclusion, I am continuing to explore different ways of practicing and discovering that everyday is different, and that adapting my practice to suite my needs keeps things interesting and therapeutic.
(Speaking of trying different things, today, Craig decided to be creative with photo editing!)
I am aware that the common belief is that it's best to be 100% focused on each breath and each posture and that chatting in yoga is discouraged. While I understand this and agree to a certain extent, I'm all for variety. I think a little chatting during a practice can be beneficial. After all, expressing feelings to a good friend can improve tension release and promote healing, and this coupled with surya namaskar can be really powerful tool in transformation.
Discussion can bring new energy into a practice and make it lighter. In a group class, I think a bit of dialogue helps foster community and puts people at ease. But don't get me wrong, no one appreciates a bitching motor mouth. What's said and how it's said makes all the difference. Right intention is key.
On the flip side, I think i's also important to observe silence. It's restful to just follow the sound of the breath and flow effortlessly from one pose to the next. This is why I enjoy solo practices a lot. It helps me connect with me and allows me the space to hear what's really going on inside my brain and body.
So, in conclusion, I am continuing to explore different ways of practicing and discovering that everyday is different, and that adapting my practice to suite my needs keeps things interesting and therapeutic.
(Speaking of trying different things, today, Craig decided to be creative with photo editing!)
I love this picture! Very original! great work Craig!!!
ReplyDeleteI think as long as you are both on the same page, a little banter is fun. Yoga doesn't ALWAYS have to heavy. Partner yoga is super beneficial and super chatty. It's not like you do that everyday, so I say go for it. Sounds like you have a great time.
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