Sambasana

I like to move it, move it! I like to think of each yoga class as a DANCE — the choreography of the asana; the primitive rhythm of the breath; the unique expression of each special being. So why do so many yogis practice so still, so rigid, so POISED??

Dance has been used for centuries as celebration, worship, ritual…even for communication and self-expression. Couldn’t incorporating a little dance into our yoga practice do that for us? First, try thinking of its ritual nature — that every time we step onto our mat, we’re honoring someone {ourselves, each other?} or something {world peace, hot, fresh pizza?}, using each precise movement paired with breath as a sacred act.

Now, imagine that with each act, you also have a beautiful story to tell…but you really need the movement to have it be heard. Try this: Before you step onto your mat, pick one of the following that speaks to you, and make THAT the theme of your practice.

1. WORSHIP {A higher being, yourself, your thighs…} — What if every reach toward the sky fills your heart with adoration? What if your Warrior II was an homage to those thick, strong {maybe even jiggly} thighs?
2. CELEBRATE {An accomplishment, the fact that you’re still breathing…} — Bring your JOY. Smile, laugh, sing {even out loud, maybe…what???}.
3. COMMUNICATE {Speak with your TRUE voice} — Have each movement speak for you. Feeling your power? Be STRONG with each asana. Feeling romantic? Let your Heart Chakra lead you.
4. EXPRESS {An inner flair, your grace, love…} — Let your fingers and hands create a beautiful mudra, flow with your hips to the beat {of your breath, the music}, create a Sun Salutation that is all yours.

Remember, the most important thing is that if you’re connecting your mind, body and soul, it’s YOGA!!! Need more easy, breezy ideas?? Try these:

1. Wake Up. Cue your favorite music {Guilty pleasures like “Everybody Dance Now” encouraged}. Dance, move, leave it ALL on the floor {you go, J. Lo.}
2. Find a local DANCE studio. Hellloooooooo? Ballet, Hip Hop, Ballroom {my heart flutters as I write this}, Salsa, your daughter’s 8^th grade dance…whatever calls to you.
3. Attend a flow-y yoga workshop/class. There are some great teachers out there who masterfully incorporate yoga and dance! Some of our recommendations: Faith Hunter {http://www.faithhunter.com/Faith_Hunter_Yoga/Home_faith_hunter_yoga.html}, Natalie Levin, Dana Flynn {http://nyc.laughinglotus.com/ourteachers_dana.html}, Simon Park{http://liquidflowyoga.com/}, and Shiva Rae {http://shivarea.com/about-prana-flow}

Now, go get ‘em Footlose!

Kelly Whalen, CYKT

P.S. Look for more MOYO Mixx classes in the new year — a PERFECT opportunity to add a little Sambasana to your repertoire.