A return to yoga

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I have been practicing yoga on and off for about 12 or 14 years. Actually, my entire life is always in a never-ending, back and forth battle between total health, and slothdom. Each wave usually lasts for a pretty long time though. For example, at one point I was completely “healthy” for a period of 3-3 1/2 years. (specifically, when I say healthy, I mean no smoking cigarettes, doing yoga, getting exercise, sleeping like a human being, and having a positive attitude towards life). My unhealthy side is a torrent of self-destructive behaviors that includes doing absolutely nothing, hiding from the world, emotionally shutting down, not sleeping for days (its currently been about 40 hours) and in general not caring for my body or mind. What initially brought me to yoga (via buddhism/meditation, actually) was the need to find a natural method to combat my tourette’s syndrome (mild case; mostly internal problems, or things that “regular” people attribute to an odd personality attribute, as opposed to a psychological abnormality). So, here I am again, planning the return, and forcing myself into yoga after such a hiatus is usually the major factor in bringing me back to the “healthy wave”.

I guess that I am here, writing on a forum, because I want some support. Going back is such a daunting task, and I fear it, it scares me, even when I know its good for me. One thing that always bugs me is the “old-school” terminology that many in yoga tend to use. Why use savasana when you could just say “lie down” or “corpse-pose”? It makes me feel, these terms are pedantic and used so that others can make themselves feel wiser, or more attunded, over others (okay, I may have gotten that definition wrong, lol ). I have often found the “yoga/yogi” clique to be quite disconcerting, which is why I do most of my yoga at home, although I have taken several 3-month long courses covering various asana’s and such. I don’t wear yoga clothes. I don’t have a “standard” yoga mat… actually, I made my own, which does kick ass; 100%hemp; g/f taught me how to sew it). I guess this makes me stand out even more, since I am also a man in often all women classes… I by far prefer kripalu. This style of yoga is really laid back, and helps with my tics by relaxing my muscles, which is really why I do love yoga so much. Don’t get me wrong, most people/teachers/other students have been very nice that I have come across within yoga, but I always frown a little bit when these terms are used excessively.

cheers, Michael

#2

Hi Michael, welcome back to yoga and hopefully you will feel better soon, yoga has a way of doing that and it’s great you’ve found a style of yoga that specifically helps you. I practice at home too with videos. Might I suggest looking into restorative yoga (holding restful poses) for those times when you can’t bring yourself to do your regular kripalu yoga.

#3

[QUOTE=Missi;69375]Hi Michael, welcome back to yoga and hopefully you will feel better soon, yoga has a way of doing that and it’s great you’ve found a style of yoga that specifically helps you. I practice at home too with videos. Might I suggest looking into restorative yoga (holding restful poses) for those times when you can’t bring yourself to do your regular kripalu yoga.[/QUOTE]

hi Missi,

thank you. Yes, I use video’s also, and what I have learned in classes as well. Question… the term “restorative yoga”… is that all that is meant by it, that you hold poses for longer periods of time, or is this referring to specific types of poses only? (errr…yes, I see that you wrote “restful” poses… in your response.)

#4

Congratulations on your decision to return to yoga. I think that it will prove to be helpful for balancing your mental issues. Actually, mental calm/stability is what initially drew me to yoga three years ago. Any physical effects are merely bonuses.

I understand what you mean about yoga cliques - I was scared off of another yoga discussion board by the superior attitude of some folks. I only practice at home, and I have been fearful of attending a class because I do not want to be mocked.

Anyway, not attempting to bring the focus to myself. Simply trying to say that I understand. And good job, keep doing good for yourself by sticking with yoga.

#5

Yoga is very helpful because it slows down heart rate, calms mind, and leads to a deep, inner calm and sense of relaxation. Thanks!

#6

Interesting offering Marina.

What is your position on Surya Namaskar as it relates to the heart rate and your contention above?

#7

The funny thing is, I prefer the use of the Sanskrit names over the English ones. The Sanskrit names often have shades of meanings that the English translations miss. However, I think that’s a ‘to each his own’ kind of practice.

Oddly enough, the Yoga Sutras talk about the process of yoga and how at times the student can lose all that they have gained. It’s part of the process.

Be kind to yourself.