Posted: March 26, 2018
It’s a few minutes past 5 AM, which means that it’s a few minutes into my daily yoga practice.
My right leg lunges forward, while my right foot points ahead. My left leg is straight and firm behind me. I breathe in the quiet morning air while raising my arms, slowly extending them outward in opposite directions.
As my arms straighten, like wings at my side, I exhale and notice a calm balance perfectly displaced throughout my entire body. My right hand comes into view: all of its fingers stretch forward in a unit, hovering over the right foot below.
This is Virabhadrasana, or the Warrior II yoga pose. With this as the start of my day, I make sure my first step forward is balanced, purposeful, and calm.
There’s a story to Virabhadra’s yoga pose, as told in the Mahabharata, the great Hindu spiritual epic. In the story, Lord Shiva’s beloved, Shakti, happens to be the daughter of his enemy, Daksha. Shakti’s father openly forbids the marriage and Shakti is so saddened by her father’s disapproval that she takes her own life. The warrior Virabhadra is born out of a lock of Shiva’s hair that he dashes to the ground while avenging his wife’s death. In the end, love prevails.
The story teaches us that we should fight for love, which we and the world may not always understand. But if attended to, love will flourish indefinitely.
Bounding into the Yoga Pose
Both endeavors can last a week or a lifetime. However, each takes time, effort, commitment and open-mindedness. In yoga, we must listen to instructors, as well as our own minds, bodies, and surroundings. In relationships, we must listen to our partners, ourselves, and family members and friends.
Use Yoga to Soften Communication
Yoga breathing techniques provide a way for our bodies to communicate with our minds. The simple “Hmmm!” breath can allow both our bodies and minds to relax, giving us the opportunity to listen and act purposefully.
To practice “Hmmm!” breath, here are 4 simple steps:
- Begin by sitting in a quiet place.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief.
- Say “Hmmm!” loudly with the mouth closed.
- Repeat as necessary.
Yoga Allows Love to Happen
Being in a “yes” mind when in a relationship means saying “yes” to giving each other space and “yes” to just being together in silence. It means saying “yes” to each other’s mistakes, unforeseen expectations, and weaknesses.
A smile shows on the surface of the “yes” mind. A couple can take the time to nourish their smiles both together and alone. Having a “yes” mind allows us to open ourselves up not only to new opportunities with others but also to new insights within ourselves. It’s equally as beneficial to your partner as yourself, both in yoga and a relationship.
A Little Wobbling Is Natural
The moment we feel as though we’re going to fall, we need not panic. Up to this point, we’ve learned to trust ourselves and our partners. We’ve listened, opened our minds, and worked on our skills.
When you feel the fall coming, breathe and focus. Start again and regain your balance. Breathe, smile, and appreciate the beauty of steadiness.
Yoga & Doubt
Whether it’s a yoga pose or a relationship, doubts may arise when something unexpected or disappointing happens.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says the mind tends to doubt the positive rather than the negative:
“You know, if someone tells you that they love you, you say, ‘Really?’ But you take it for granted when someone expresses their hatred towards you. If someone asks you, ‘Are you happy?’ you say, ‘Well, I am not sure.’ We doubt in love. You never doubt your depression, but you always doubt your happiness. So a doubt is always about something that is positive.”
Don’t fight your doubts. However, don’t blindly believe them, either. Simply be aware of your doubts, explore, and accept.
A Space of Love
Allowing for time alone is as important as time together. .
“For love to blossom, there needs to be longing…and longing needs a little space,” says Gurudev.
“Though it is a little painful, longing is inevitable. If you don’t allow longing, then love does not grow. So, give them some space…and take some space yourself.”
Not only is space beneficial for a relationship, but it’s also beneficial for ourselves. Neglecting yourself will eventually hurt your partner. And while they should love and support you, they can’t know everything you need.
Just like the relationship, the Self must be attended to, and one of the best ways to reconnect with the Self is through yoga.
Honoring Time
As time passes in a relationship, couples witness change. Change should be welcomed both in yoga and in our relationships. It’s an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to refocus. Without change, both yoga and relationships would be boring and of little use.
Yoga teaches us to open our minds and our hearts: it should be no different in the face of change. The only thing that time should not change, in both yoga practice and relationships, is commitment. Stay committed to your partner, yourself, and your practice.
While a regular yoga practice can result in improved health, know that it is not a substitute for medical treatment. It is important to learn and practice yoga under the supervision of a trained teacher. In the case of a medical condition, practice yoga after consulting a doctor. Do you need information on courses? Contact us at programs@us.artofliving.org to find a a Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you.
