Angles and Perspectives
I’m just going to come out with it this week. I was standing in the mirror at the end of last week doing that thing we all do. You know! When we look at our physical bodies and pick apart all the imperfections – I know you do it as well! The areas that we want to change, the permanent aspects we only wish we could change. As I stood there, I realized I was turning my body to an angle that would show ALL these imperfections in the very best light. Why? Then I was thinking about those times where we take photos with friends and family and someone says, “only from the side”, or “only from the front”, or “don’t get my waist in this picture”.
Here’s the reality. We all have “better” angles in which we want to see ourselves physically. So why focus on the “bad” ones. We know that behavior trickles into our mental health, the way to move through the world, the confidence (or lack thereof) in which we show up daily.
But also, what about the angles in which we present ourselves inner selves to people. What we say impacts the perspective in which we are viewed by others. But is it not true that even if we present the best “(in)side of ourselves” a person’s perspective is not within our control? It is simply just how they perceive us and the situation? The statement “I’m just worried about you.” Can come across as caring or condescending can it not? (Of course we can consider the yogic philosophy and the Avidya through this conversation.)
Journaling Ideas: First, let’s tackle the physical. Stand in a mirror and find your best angle and write down all the things you see you love and admire. Then, move away from the mirror. Think about recent conversations that made you feel good about yourself and write down as many words or phrases, from those conversations, as you can. Reread what you have wrote in this journaling experience and ask yourself if it speaks your truth. If no, ask yourself why. Do you need to take a different angle or perspective on your inner self?
Meditation Ideas: This week I am suggesting a walking meditation. Change your walking route. Perhaps walk it in reverse. Or find a totally new area to stroll in. Actively take in the angles of your vision, the perspective of the scenery. Pause in places along the walk, and just like a camera, change your field of view and pause. What do you notice as you change your field of view?
After a 10-15min warm-up below are suggested poses for your week to help facilitate opening in body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga Poses to Add to Your Practice This Week:
- Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Focus on the physical angle of the hips, the ankles, and wrists. But also, the perspective within an inverted position.
- Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): A pose with numerous angles created in body. Take this one in front of a mirror and play with the depth of the angles within the posture.
- Pyramid Pose (Parsvottasasana): Taking the pose with an extended spine, breath into the angle of the torso over the hips. Then, on the exhale round the spine, head moving towards the front leg to soften the back and change the perspective and sensation of the pose.
Remember to always practice within your own limits and take care of physical and emotional well-being.
Wishing to learn more about the practice of yoga? Join our upcoming 200HR Yoga Teacher Training in Calgary, AB! Within this training you will learn about over 100 yoga postures, within 5 different yoga modalities. At the AYC we do not teach one “brand” of yoga, but we do teach you to honour the traditions while thinking critically about the movement and science behind the posture.
If you want to share your experience with us, follow us on Instagram: @albertayogacollege
With gratitude,
-Stephanie