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How Do I Get Into That Posture….???

How Do I Get Into That Yoga Posture on The Yogi Movement by Monica Dawn Stone

October 23, 2013 By Monica Stone 1 Comment

Whenever I’m hanging out with my fellow Yogi’s and we’re talking about practice, the same controversial practice topics come up.

Yoga is not black and white. There’s not just one way, but that’s such a hard concept for westerners to understand. We’re always trying to find the “right” way, or some sign which tells us what move to make next.

I always get asked by students , “What do I have to do to get into this posture? What’s the trick?” 

It’s not about doing all of these extra stretches to open up and get into a posture. You can’t compare it to going to a gym where you would increase your weight lifting to build muscle and become stronger.

Advancement in yoga is about if you are more at peace, or if you are happier, or if you’re more compassionate. Progression in yoga is NOT about getting into advanced postures.

Your body is different every day. 

HARK! (1)

Here is my answer to that question:

Wake up tomorrow and roll out your mat and take practice (and the next day, and the next day, etc…). Be aware of what is going on in your mind. What kind of internal dialogue do you have going on? How are you treating yourself? When you can’t do a posture to your satisfaction, are you content or have you become frustrated? What are you feeling physically? How do you deal with discomfort? Do you self-inflict pain, or do you work with it slowly and compassionately? How is your breathing? Do you need to slow it down? Perhaps you’re too loose in practice? Do you need to challenge yourself a little more? What could you be avoiding? Are you comparing yourself to others around you? Are you judging others around you?

Becoming aware of all of these aspects and letting go, this is what we need to be working on. What’s happening on the mat is a direct reflection on how we treat ourselves and others off the mat. Being “good” at yoga postures is just a side effect, or bonus, of a consistent practice of asana. It’s not the goal of yoga.

To Open Hearts & Happy Thoughts,

monica xxo

Filed Under: Instruction Tagged With: ashtanga, yoga, Yoga Postures

Monica Stone

About Monica Stone

Monica is a lover of all things yoga, a vegetarian, an avid tea drinker, and never gets sick of soup and noodle dishes. She teaches yoga, practices daily, and runs a Spiritual Book Club in Orlando, FL. She likes to challenge the strict rules of yoga, and makes it accessible for everyone - especially people who suffer from daily life and work stress.

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Hi! I’m Monica

Monica StoneWell hello there! I'm Monica. I'm a yoga & meditation teacher (and junkie). I teach yoga practices that are quick and effective for the busy person who just needs a few minutes of quiet time in their day. Click around and you'll find quick meditation tips for calming the mind to simple stretches to relieve stress and tension. If you are sick of being intimidated by yoga or just confused by all of the different styles out there - then this page is for you. Yoga helps me daily & I know it will help you too! I'll show you how! Welcome to The Yogi Movement :)

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Testimonials

  • Jaime ShearerJaime ShearerYoga Student Since 2012

    Monica is dedicated to her own practice and the true path of yoga - the one of personal experience - which makes her an outstanding teacher. She is warm and easy to talk with, and she allows the student to have their own experience on the mat. She explains postures and breath in ways that are understandable so that the student "gets it." She makes yoga real and tangible in ways that truly serve the student. Work with Monica. You'll be glad you did.

  • Jacob AbercrombieJacob AbercrombieYoga Student Since 2011

    have always wanted to try yoga, but was always nervous. Monica took that fear away and made me feel like i was the only one in class with a room full of strangers. She is able to work with multiple students during the same move and still make it a personalized class for one.

  • Serena JonesSerena JonesYoga Student Since 2010

    Monica has been a highly influential teacher to me. She creates a safe environment for learning and practice. I have always felt grounded in her classes, and she pushes me beyond my own expectations. She inspires and motivates! I can't imagine my life without sharing a path with her!

  • Angela OrofinoAngela OrofinoYoga Student Since 2011

    Monica is a caring, wise, thoughtful, and talented yoga instructor. She has an in-depth knowledge of the philosophy and spirituality of Ashtanga yoga. My previous yoga experience had mostly just been at my local gym. Luckily, last year I found Monica. She has been guiding my practice at least once a week since then. As a newcomer to Ashtanga yoga, Monica made me feel comfortable and had the patience to teach me the basics. She also encouraged me to start an at home practice so that I was able to obtain a deeper understanding of Ashtanga. Monica is always encouraging and lets me know in subtle ways when she feels that I am ready to move deeper into my practice. I feel that the growth in my practice over the last year has been tremendous. Not only do I notice the change in me but others around me do as well. I am so grateful to have found Monica!

  • Sasha TamarSasha TamarYoga Student Since 2012

    I’ve come across many a yoga instructor over the years, but Monica stands out as genuinely amiable, as she glows with an infectious inner light, and highly devoted to and passionate about her practice. Her dedication to Ashtanga as a lifestyle is very clear, and creates for a contagious motivating force. Every time I’ve practiced with her, she eagerly transmits her devotion and passion of Ashtanga and meditation to everyone in class; she makes the most fledgling beginner feel at home, and simultaneously challenges the more advanced students. While I only practice Ashtanga with her, I know she provides therapeutic yoga sessions as well as meditation. And, if her methods of guiding students out of the Ashtanga vigor into the more meditative savasana are indicative of her meditational techniques, I’d recommend her to anyone

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