Teens practice giving AND receiving
Yesterday in Teen Yoga Class, we shifted our paradigm. We moved from a mindset of individual to one of community. And it was humbling.
We practiced Thai Yoga Massage on each other, trying to listen wholly and completely to our partner. We did back massages as a team, trying to coordinate what we felt to what we did. As a group, we moved slowly through Surya Namaskar, breathing and flowing as one entity. We ended class with Yoga Nidra, incorporating our individual experience with the group experience. We practiced stilling the waters, so truth could be heard.
So often our time on the mat is spent in a solitary way. Yes, we may be in a class setting, but as a teacher, I often encourage moving inward, allowing the student to be inside the mind/body experience during asana. And this is important.
But how often do we get the chance to practice with the intention of giving? With the intention, too, of fully receiving? It can be a tremendous experience. It bonds folks together, and allows us to also learn where we may be denying our natural state: bliss.
We practice asana to learn where we are gripping, mentally as well as physically. We practice asana to learn how we individually respond to stresses on the mind/body. We practice to learn about ourselves.
And when we can take this knowledge and apply it to community, the information received is invaluable. I've personally learned that I “grip” when asked to fully receive. I think to myself "What will be expected in return for this?" I find it difficult to fully relax.
Some teens had this experience as well. Some found it difficult to fully give, wondering if the recipient of their gifts might misconstrue their intent. Some found difficulties with both ends of the spectrum. Others were able to participate fully, floating in the bliss of community love.
Where do you grip? Is it hard for you to give, without expectation? Do you find it difficult to fully receive, without doubt? Wherever you may land on the full spectrum of giving/receiving, have no judgment about it. Simply take this new awareness off the mat, and into your life. And let the bliss roll in.
I know the teens and I felt it yesterday. And it felt gooooooood.....
Peace,
Megan Sappington
We practiced Thai Yoga Massage on each other, trying to listen wholly and completely to our partner. We did back massages as a team, trying to coordinate what we felt to what we did. As a group, we moved slowly through Surya Namaskar, breathing and flowing as one entity. We ended class with Yoga Nidra, incorporating our individual experience with the group experience. We practiced stilling the waters, so truth could be heard.
So often our time on the mat is spent in a solitary way. Yes, we may be in a class setting, but as a teacher, I often encourage moving inward, allowing the student to be inside the mind/body experience during asana. And this is important.
But how often do we get the chance to practice with the intention of giving? With the intention, too, of fully receiving? It can be a tremendous experience. It bonds folks together, and allows us to also learn where we may be denying our natural state: bliss.
We practice asana to learn where we are gripping, mentally as well as physically. We practice asana to learn how we individually respond to stresses on the mind/body. We practice to learn about ourselves.
And when we can take this knowledge and apply it to community, the information received is invaluable. I've personally learned that I “grip” when asked to fully receive. I think to myself "What will be expected in return for this?" I find it difficult to fully relax.
Some teens had this experience as well. Some found it difficult to fully give, wondering if the recipient of their gifts might misconstrue their intent. Some found difficulties with both ends of the spectrum. Others were able to participate fully, floating in the bliss of community love.
Where do you grip? Is it hard for you to give, without expectation? Do you find it difficult to fully receive, without doubt? Wherever you may land on the full spectrum of giving/receiving, have no judgment about it. Simply take this new awareness off the mat, and into your life. And let the bliss roll in.
I know the teens and I felt it yesterday. And it felt gooooooood.....
Peace,
Megan Sappington
posted by Jan at 9:37 PM
0 comments
