Exploring the Foundations of Wise Practice
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Exploring the Foundations of Wise Practice
Introduction
In Wise Practice, you’ll find fundamental teachings that resonate in many teaching situations. These concepts have been shared from teacher to student for years, across most lineages and styles. They are core teachings—a foundation for yoga practice. The wisdom may come in various forms, but the essence remains the same.
Practicing Postures for a Purpose
“Remember, it doesn’t matter how deep into a posture you go. What does matter is who you are when you get there.” – Max Strom
Asana serves a purpose beyond simply performing poses. Each student will face unique challenges—whether it’s bending backward, moving forward, balancing, respecting their limits, or just sitting still. Practice allows for observation, experimentation, and awakening.
Different Postures, Same Purpose
“Some bodies require more accessible postures and others require more challenging postures, but both have the same outcome: they help practitioners feel more stable, comfortable, and confident in their own skin.” – Jason Crandell
Basic and advanced postures offer similar benefits. Everyone can access comparable experiences, depending on their individual circumstances.
Embracing Difficulty
“When you embrace the difficult elements of a pose, you will improve your ability to practice ekagrata, or one-pointed focus.” – Natasha Rizopoulos
Progressing in Practice
Characteristics & Efforts that Lead to Progress
You can address specific qualities in your classes: sincerity, humility, discernment, integrity, detachment, and serenity.
Aadil Palkhivala outlines five requirements for a student’s progress:
- The urge to grow ~ Sincerity
- The willingness to change ~ Humility
- Appropriate and truthful guidance ~ Discernment
- Consistent effort ~ Integrity
- Patience ~ Detachment and Serenity
The Importance of Karma Yoga and Ethical Conduct
Dharma Mittra shares invaluable advice from his guru: constant practice and embracing Karma Yoga are crucial. Success in practice is measured by one’s ethical conduct and spiritual enthusiasm. Without these elements, progress stalls.
Practice Consistently
“It never fails to amaze me how the five breaths I do take help me feel more connected to myself than the 90 minutes I think I should do but never get around to.” – Anna Guest-Jelley
Prioritize consistency over duration. Many experienced practitioners emphasize that daily practice brings the true benefits of yoga. Encourage students to replace a lengthy weekly practice with just five minutes every day.
Suggest that students create an intentional space for practice at home. Even while traveling, maintaining routines is possible. Personal items like photos or essential oils can help ground practitioners amidst change.
Story of the Fox and Cat
From the Kriya Yoga Institute:
My Guru’s Guru often told a story of a fox and a cat discussing escape techniques. The cat had one simple way up a tree. The fox claimed to know many methods but got lost in details. When danger struck, the cat quickly found safety, while the distracted fox faced consequences.
The moral? It’s better to know a little and practice it rather than knowing many techniques without action.
Off the Mat
“The principles that are learned in class can be taken back to work.” – Swami Lalitananda
Over time, practitioners notice the impact of yoga on daily life. Learning to distinguish between tension and relaxation can translate directly to stressful situations outside the studio.
Leverage yoga philosophy, including concepts like santosha (contentment) and ishvara pranidhana (surrender). These teachings encourage students to detach from outcomes and focus on the process itself.
During Travel
While traveling, grounding can be challenging. Mindfulness and being centered are essential regardless of surroundings. Staying grounded means connecting brain, body, and breath.
Consider these ideas:
- Cultivate calm amidst travel disruptions.
- Find ways to maintain the rhythm of practice, even in different environments.
For more insights on Wise Practice, check out this resource.
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