Anyone who’s had a sexual fantasy understands how consciousness directly effects tissues. We use our imagination to conjure inner visions and our bodies respond to them as if they are real. We’ve all experienced this through both night dreams and day dreams. Different types of fantasies activate different energy centers in our body. For example, a sexual fantasy activates the tissues and hormones of the pelvic floor area, a fantasy about a great meal will activate digestive centers, fantasy about being chased by a tiger will activate the adrenal glands, etc. This is an important scientific phenomena! And it is the basis of many paths of wisdom; including yoga. Yoga invites us to consciously use this mind-body connection to effect healing patterns in the body. We are also invited to notice where we unconsciously negative activate limiting patterns in the body and gently quiet those until they release completely.
And it is not just the big fantasies we have in moments of sleep and day dream that affect the body, it is the consistent repetitive way we think about ourselves and the world that starts an unconscious loop of information that effects areas of the body over time. Some effects are positive. For example, if you were raised with the story that you can do anything you put your mind to and the people in your life supported and celebrated your successes year after year, you likely have an “auto-pilot” loop of confidence and empowerment that keeps your third energy center in balance. But often we have limiting stories looping on auto-repeat; stories that are so old and familiar we don’t even realize they are looping in our bodies and may be limiting us.
The science of yoga understands that the body will “hold” these unconscious stories in the tissues until they are consciously disrupted, dredged up, and released. Yoga asana is shedding practice. Yes, we are shedding the tightness in muscles and fascia, yes we are shedding the sleepiness of neuro-networking and the weakness of the core, but we are also shedding old stories that keep us from the joyful growth that is each person’s birthright. Because most of our “issues” are about survival, it is the lower three energy centers where most of the limiting patterns reside. The hips, low back, and core hold the majority of limiting tension and limiting weakness.
Our Hip Opener class is designed dive deep into the holding patterns in the hips. And, using conscious breath and mindful intention, release layers of stuck energy from this foundational areas so it is free to be redirected towards new stories; stories of healing, empowerment, connection, joy and beauty.
Join Jennifer Lynn Thursdays 5-6:15PM for a Hip Openers. All Levels Welcome.