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Sensation. Discomfort. Pain.
It started with my daily yoga practice. I was live-streaming a class with a new-to-me teacher. As most yoga instructors are wont to do, she talked us through some of the more challenging asanas — giving us modifications along the way to help us gently be where we were.
As she spoke, she casually discussed the fact that in yoga we strive for sensation, not pain. And my mind grabbed onto that — as I eased back in my stretch. My hamstring had been activated and was complaining mercilessly. I released the asana and proceeded to return to a less intense version of the pose, utilizing some props.
Then, there it was — not pain but sensation and I sat with it. Eventually, over time, the sensation eased and I went deeper. I could feel something as I sat there on the verge of pain again — however, it wasn’t pain I was feeling — it was discomfort. And sitting there, slightly uncomfortable I breathed through the asana into All. The. Places that needed opening.
Yoga means to yoke. The goal is to unite the mind, body, and soul. And as I came out of the asana, I felt my body lead my mind to the place where we could examine sensation, discomfort, and pain. Not just the physical — but the emotional and spiritual as well.
