I have a big driveway. That’s my shovel in the photo, and in the background, there’s a little bit of my snow. The snow’s been falling since I woke up this morning and now it’s noon. According to the forecast, we can expect several more inches today. Snow shoveling is one of those activities that really makes me appreciate my yoga practice. Before I pull on my boots and head out into the cold, I can do a few poses to warm up my muscles and protect my low back. If I get overheated shoveling too much heavy wet snow, I can chill out with a few stretches for shoulders, arms, legs, spine. The practice of yoga is all about balance. In yoga practice and in life, achieving balance involves dealing skillfully and artfully with opposites. For example, hot vs cold, activity vs passivity. The more we practice recognizing and balancing those opposing elements, the more expert we become at detecting, correcting, or even completely warding off imbalance to begin with. As yoga sage Patanjali put it, “The pains which are yet to come can be and are to be avoided.” I like Patanjali’s way of thinking, which is why I’m about to hit the yoga mat for another mini practice before I grab the shovel and head out for round 2.
Each week one of the teachers at the Yoga Space shares her thoughts and experiences in this blog. Alicia Rowe teaches Iyengar yoga classes on Monday and Tuesday mornings at the Yoga Space. The Yoga Space is a studio just east of Dexter serving Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Manchester and Ann Arbor. We have been helping people with their flexibility, strength, focus and stress management for over 14 years. We offer a free class the last Friday of each month from 6-7 pm. The next free class Friday, January 31. 180 Little Lake Dr #1 Ann Arbor, MI, 48103.www.yogaspaceannarbor.com 734-622-9600