The Space Between (Poses--Not Thighs)

Lately I have been talking about the space between.(No, not the space between like "inner thigh gap" as my husband likes to call it.) I am talking about transitions from one yoga pose to the next.

I have been noticing the over use of momentum in yoga classes. (Yes, sir. That would be you flying through that chaturanga like you are in a race with Usain Bolt for the Olympic gold.)

We tend to rush to the glory pose, the grand finale, the Pièce de résistance and ignore the less glamorous and possibly more challenging moments along the way. The transitions.

Just as in life, the transitions are not the easiest and certainly not the most glamorous. It is in the transitions we become stronger, more aligned, and our yoga practice starts to transform. (Yes, I am sure that break up was terrible and getting over "him" sucked. But aren't you stronger now? See what I mean?)

When you linger in the transitions from pose to pose you will start to feel your practice as a whole. From the moment you unroll your mat to the final Namaste'.

3 Reasons To Focus On The Space Between

1. Build Strength- Slowing down and not using momentum as a crutch will help develop muscles that are under utilized. As you become stronger, you will be able to reach greater depth and stability in your poses.

2. Avoid Injury- moving too quickly can cause poor alignment. As a result, you could find yourself blowing out shoulders, knees, wrists, and more (OUCH!)

3. It makes you humble- You will learn to let go of the idea that the big pose means you are THE BEST YOGI IN THE WORLD (or at least in that room on that day). Ever wonder why that beautiful yogi a few mats down unfurls herself so gracefully up and down in headstand? It's because she is focused on the transitions (a lot of core work baby!) and not as concerned with standing on her head.