Balance Flow

with Paula.

When we balance, we align our body's center of gravity with the earth's gravitational field. Quite literally, we place ourselves in physical equilibrium with a fundamental force of nature. But we can't achieve this harmony by remaining absolutely still. Instead, we must refresh our balance moment after moment. The sustained effort to center and recenter, when successful, brings not only our flesh and bones into balance but also our nerve impulses, thoughts, emotions, and very consciousness. Hence, we feel calm.

Lack of equilibrium brings just the opposite. There is something uniquely frustrating about losing our balance in one-legged postures. It goes beyond the instinctive fear of falling and strikes directly at the ego. After all, we rarely tumble to the ground and hurt ourselves. Yet that simple act can be maddening.

If we fall out when practicing we often hear an internal critic saying, "What's wrong with you? You should be able to do this!" We feel out of control when we lose our balance, and the ego hates to lose control.

Despite the frustration, one-legged balancing asanas offer so many benefits that it's well worth the trouble to practice them. In addition to promoting concentration and calm, these poses strengthen our muscles and build our coordination and balance, improving our ways of standing and walking as well as how we perform many other everyday activities.

BINDS

Fun, creative and challenging yoga binds are the simple process of rotating the torso and shoulders so that you can clasp the hands together. This takes the practices to a deeper level by engaging muscles in unusual ways; it also benefits your digestive system, giving a boost to the organs, opening the mind and allowing one to stay in the present moment.