Yoga in the dark

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Mostly I practice yoga with a light, but yesterday was one of those times when i was doing it in an almost full darkness
(against some recommendations).
First, I had an hour meditation (my mind was quiet already) and then asanas (usually vice versa).
I really like it so I`m going to make some corrections to my everyday practice concerning this.
One remark: in this conditions I succeeded in stretching asanas but lost in balancing ones.

So, do you people practice that way and what do you think about it?

#2

We have a power crises in SA, which leads to load shedding and it has happened now already about four times this years that while we were busy with yoga in the evening the power will be cut suddenly. I usually light then three or four candles in the hall and it has an amazing effect of the mood of the people in the class. They really enjoy yoga by candle light, which is not total darkness, but very dim light. Most of them also relax more deeply afterwards and all report that they had a good meditation after the ralaxation then. So I think it might be good sometimes, but not all the times. It is difficult for me to judge alignments and problems in the class at such poor light conditions, but once in a while I like it and we have decided to even add some candle light yoga sessions from time to time if our power utility company doesn’t subject us to load shedding. :slight_smile:

#3

I absolutely LOVE doing my home practice at night, when the lights are low with just candles and maybe some low music. In all cases I prefer to yoga in low-light, because I find that my eyes have less of a tendency to wander at look at objects, and so I generally am more focused on the practice. The candlelight or some soft lighting also has a very relaxed effect. I agree that there is a difference between balancing postures in a well lit area and otherwise, but I think that I have benefited more from this because it has forced me to concentrate on my foundation and where my body is in space without seeing it, more-so than I would have done if I could clearly see where everything is. If I am doing balancing poses which are more difficult, I just practice near something which can be supportive if I start to waver or fall, and then there is not an issue. Also, when I am finished my asana and pranayama, I can go directly to practice trakata / candle gazing exercises, and I sleep so well!

#4

Whenever I go to the studio where I teach, I turn off all the lights using only the natural light. On Wednesday evenings, it is usually by candlelight with only a few lights on toward the back. It produces such a wonderfully calming effect and really sets the tone for the class. When my students have done well with certain balancing poses I will often times ask them to close their eyes and try them. At first, there is some fear, but after a short time, it subsides. The ones who struggle with balancing poses, usually start off at the wall, but soon are able to join the class…all with eyes closed balancing in tree. Beautiful! They have found in doing this a whole different appreciation for the pose.

When I practice at home, my eyes are closed for many of the poses. Much more calm and focused on turning inward and enjoying what my muscles are doing, listening to what my body is telling me.

But Sasha, it does take time especially with balancing poses. And I do have some students who just cannot do it. But it is a fun way to mix up your practice. Enjoy and let us know how you progress!

#5

Pandara, its a good decision you made: "when life gives you lemons..." (c). Candle light, about which you, Suryadaya and Lotusgirl told, is also a nice thing and I use it relatively often. Lotusgirl, during this practice I had just a few balancing poses, that I couldnt do as well as usual. Maybe it`s not because of darkness, but because of having my legs bent in siddhasana and padmasana for a long time…

#6

It could be done in any term which you make more comfortable.But best part to do it in morning.Because in morning we are full of energy and our body gain lots of positive energy.So i would prefer you to do it in the morning only.

#7

Sasha,

Having you legs in either of those positions for a period of time will affect balancing poses certainly. Next time just try the balancing poses before entering in those positions and see how you do. That will tell you. Like I said, while it is difficult to do in the dark, it does bring a much different awareness to the body. You visualize and feel more deeply. But it’s certainly not for everybody, especially those with inner ear issues or who are prone to vertigo.

Let us know!

#8

I love praticising yoga by candlelight - gorgeous! x

#9

Some musings: Light is matter; darkness is not. Light comes and goes, darkness does not. In darkness, senses return with nothing. Darkness, like zero, is another potent nothing.