Welcome to Sunday Round-up – a weekly class follow up e-mail that breaks down and explores
in a more detail some of the concepts / alignment principles that we employ in class and on the mat.
First week of classes can often feel scrambled and overwhelming, especially if you are just starting with yoga classes.
Here is the very foundation of our practice - how to PACE YOUR YOGA JOURNEY - so you can feel safe while continuing to move forward.
PACING YOUR YOGA JOURNEY:
Understanding these basic concepts of pacing is extremely important - they are useful both on and off the mat. Learning how to pace appropriately can help us to choose the right amount of daily activity and navigate complex terrain of recovery.
Here are a few PACING IDEAS that will, hopefully, shed light on the
situation.
1. Find your baseline. A baseline is that amount of activity that you can do and know that the pain won't flare up. For some people flare up happens the next day or even later.
2. Find your progression. Be gentle on yourself and plan to increase the amount of activity very slightly, but consistently.
3.
Don't flare up, but don't freak out if you do! Because the nervous system alarms are so sensitive it is nearly impossible to completely avoid flare ups. When you flare up, it can be tempting to give up and seek some radical quick fix treatment. Don't give up - be persistent.
I know this might sound overly simplistic.
The truth is, this process is doing some pretty complex
things to your brain and nervous system. It has been proven again and again that if you stick with these simple principles you will gradually be able to overcome the pain and expand your mobility.
Keeping above concepts in mind, here is your first PAIN CARE YOGA CHALLENGE:
Find your baseline - on and off the mat - by asking yourself these questions:
Does this feel safe?
Will I have to pay for this tomorrow?
How much / how far / how many is enough?
Are you willing to accept this
challenge?
See you on the mat,