Today in class Amber spoke about maintaining alignment while moving from one side Vashistasana to the other. She mentioned that in keeping strength and integrity through the movement we would be saving ourselves extra work that comes from falling in and out of alignment. When we are moving from right and left, or changing postures in the flow, we find ourselves in the delicate displacement of transition.
Transition- movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change.
Regardless of whether transition happens on our mat, or in our daily lives, change is generally uncertain, exciting, and often scary. When we feel we are missing stability it is easy for the mind to panic, and our bodies react in a variety of ways. Sometimes we tense up or fall, often we choose to compromise our free flowing out of fear. In rollerskating transition means to switch from skating forward to backwards, and is totally terrifying until done often enough to become reflexive. Once we eliminate doubt, the move becomes a lighthearted dance instead of crash to the ground. The trick with transitioning on skates is to turn the gaze first to the direction we want to go, and the body will naturally follow. The same principles apply in life. If we focus on where we came from, we will have a hard time navigating the new direction in which we wish to move. Often setting our sights on the horizon and stepping forward takes a leap of faith. Letting go and floating in transition can be exhilarating, and it takes trust to make the most of uncertainty. Remaining unattached to a fixed position (whether it be a pose, a job, a home, or another person) creates endless space for new potential. Not having a steady anchor may seem unsettling at first, but a ship is not meant to live in port all of the time. What’s important is that we have the supplies we need to make a meaningful move. In yoga it is about maintaining strength and alignment to carry us through, in the outer world it is very much the same. When opportunities arise we want to be ready to make strong decisions about the future, with clarity and ease. Feeling calm and centered is the key. Treat yourself right, especially in times of change. Eat well, rest your body and mind, laugh and spend time with the people that inspire you. Life is one continuous transition, enjoy the ride.
