103 Slow Flow Vinyasa For Feeling Supported - Emphasis On Back

Last week I shared ways to embody yin qualities in the often more yang practice of Hatha yoga. Today I explore the question of "how can you feel supported and able to relax while being strong and active?" Progressing now into a slow flow Vinyasa practice.  There is a Buddhist concept of "taking refuge." This means finding things that are reliable sources of support, perspective and refuge. Yoga practice can be that.  Buddhism teaches 3 refuges: dhamma (the path), buddha (awakening) and sangha (peer support).  I take this to mean that when I am looking for perspective, insight or meaning it’s helpful to look within. To cultivate self awareness (the refuge of the buddha within). To continue on my path (dharma) and do the practices and work that I know are important to me. To receive support and guidance from others on a similar path (sangha).  My intention as a teacher is to offer support and guidance like so many generous teachers have before me. To offer a yoga practices that are a reliable source of refuge from the ups and downs of every day life. To help make sense of it all and give perspective.  Often taking refuge seems to mean slowing down. But what about those times when we have too much energy for that? Can taking refuge be an active and engaged practice?  What would a yoga practice look like that embraced that paradox? I'll share my take in today's practice and, as always, I encourage you to find your own definition.  The practices of this season (7) have explored polarities and paradoxes. I've shared ways to assess imbalances and return to your center. As this year comes to a close, I encourage you to find time take refuge in your practice. To assess what still may be a bit out of balance - rather than aiming to 'fix' it, being curious. Letting your practice be a place without judgment, shame or expectations.  Letting your practice be a place to take refuge now and throughout the year ahead.  Having found that place of inner refuge, next week I will share a practice to bring closure to the year.  Props: 2 Blocks, Blanket Tags: Crow, Headstand, Locust, Core Strengthening) ----------------------------------------------------------- One way to practice all 3 refuges is on retreat. Check out Mindful New Year - an online & in person retreat - Jan 17th - Yoga, Ayurveda & Vedic Astrology - Learn more at http://www.mindfulnewyear.com Support Quietmind Yoga - The only weekly yoga practice podcast - and one of the only approaches to yoga that addresses often overlooked issues in yoga practice such as hamstring strengthening, integrating yoga history and philosophy, and maintaining a diverse and evolving practice. Want to help this podcast grow? Subscribe and leave an honest review. Join the Quietmind Community: The best way to keep in touch is to join the Quietmind Community at http://www.quietmind.yoga - sign up for any of my free downloads to join. I'll send you exclusive offers and weekly updates about my classes, retreats, online trainings and my 2 other podcasts: Quietmind Astrology and Yoga Teacher Training. Thank you to our supporters. Special thanks to Erika Frahm, Anna Nyeste and Virginia Sudela for your continued support!  If you'd like to become a supporter for as little as 99 cents/month click the link below: