Inner Strength

How many times have you heard, "It's not what's on the outside that matters; it's what's inside that counts"? One of the things I love about Anusara yoga is that it's not so much about what's going on the outside (the external look of your yoga pose). What's most important is the internal feeling of the pose and the underlying support system that gives it strength and meaning. The outside does matter but it only matters because it's a manifestation of the inside. Your pose is sparkly and beautiful not because of your muscles but because of your heart. In describing Anusara yoga practitioners, John Friend (founder of Ansuara) says that, "when they are embodying the Anusara yoga teachings, (they) naturally become nicer and more considerate. They develop a greater sensitivity and a heightened compassion toward everyone and everything around them. Further signs of progress on the path include a deepening of inner strength and steadfastness." Notice how he doesn't mention anything physical when speaking about the amazing benefits of the practice. Even though the physical benefits are wonderful, the focus is inside.

So this month I've decided to tap inside into a deeper place when teaching and practicing. The cool thing is that it is through working with the body (the outside) that we learn to find our greatest support (from inside). Through a physical yoga practice, we can develop tremendous physical and non-physical (mental/emotional/spiritual) strength.

So here's how I approach this inner strength thing. It's pretty easy to strengthen the surface muscles or the "movers". They are responsible for large, gross movements and are typically the muscles focused on in a workout routine. It is typically easier to strengthen the larger surface muscles/the movers (e.g., the "six pack muscles in your abdomen") than it is to strengthen the smaller stabilizers (e.g., the transverse abdominus-a deeper layer of abdominal muscles). The stabilizer muscles are a deeper layer of muscles and are activated and strengthened by subtle smaller movements. It requires a bit more mindfulness and patience to tap into these babies (so it can be a challenge for students and teachers alike). For instance, if I was to say "engage your pelvic floor muscles", what would you do? It takes practice and sensitivity to go deep within and find the strength of the stabilizers. Stabilizers protect the spine and keep you safe in your daily activities (sitting, bending, lifting, etc.). Most importantly, they help us feel really strong and supported from inside.

One of the techniques we use in yoga to work with the stabilizers involves engaging the "bandhas". These internal body locks are a sustained contraction of muscles that help us feel supported from within. I find that they also help me to feel light and buoyant both within a pose and in the transitions between poses. All of these physical internal supports help to remind us of our more subtle supports that are always with us (e.g., the breath, the flow of grace). When we know that we are supported by something greater, something that is always with us, that gives us a tremendous confidence and power that comes from inside. The mind is strong, the will is strong, the desire is strong. This is the mark of progress on the path-that deep, abiding inner strength.

Peace,
Erin

P.S. The image you see above is the Triquetra Knot of Inner Strength by Mark Cooper. You can learn more here