Finding Space and Ease

Finding space in our lives is a great way to practice yoga — whether in a yoga class or not!  Space gives us ease in our lives.  Having space both internally and externally can help us to feel a much greater sense of peace.  However, finding space is not always easy.  Often, we have aches and pains (both physically and emotionally) because we have blockages.  We have blockages in places in our bodies or in places in our schedules where there should be space.

Physically, when the flow of the blood and oxygen through the body is limited because of these blockages, we feel fatigue and pain.  Opening up these blockages through the breathing and stretching postures of yoga can make a big difference.  There is often little space in the brain because we are always thinking – even if it’s not serving us!  This makes it really challenging to find clarity and focus.  Yoga helps us to clear the mind, so that we have space and feel focused and refreshed.  Emotionally, when we give ourselves time and space in our daily schedule, we find balance and peace of mind.

Another way to bring more space into our lives is to create space in a room or corner in our house.  Open, simple spaces help us to feel clearer inside.  In fact, in yoga class, it’s not just the physical moving and breathing that helps us to relax and open inside — it is also the physical space itself!  Students have said that even as they walk in the door, they start to feel at peace.  The studio space itself has an incredibly calming feeling.  There is space in the space itself, and it gives us ease!

So, as we add activities to the schedule or purchase items for the home, we can practice yoga by giving these a second thought.  Will they serve us in a greater capacity than the space they will take up?