Who Am I?

Who am I really?

The Person who lives in my bedroom or talks with my boss?

I’m in India for the month, studying at the Iyengar Yoga Institute learning from Mr. Iyengar’s daughter and son. Mr. Iyengar is here too, practicing everyday and is an incredible inspiration at 95! I’ve been here before and classes are always surprising, invigorating and riveting. We never know what to expect. Today Prashant, (Mr. Iyengar’s son) had us delving deeper into poses but almost without any instruction, instead just with our breath. You see, in this method we are know for giving lots of information about “how to do”, “how to adjust” and “what is the correct action”. Turn your leg or arm just so for example and then do something else. It is quite a wonderful way to work with your body and brings excellent results. But there are deeper, more profound ways to find out who you really are that you need to pursue after having adjusted yourself.

Are you the person who lives in your bedroom? Are you the person who greets your guests? The person who talks with your boss? Or the one who lives in your imagination? We meet who we are on our practice mats all the time, our muscles, joints and organs. And we confront our minds: our minds tell us it is time to come out of a pose, or to do a little more. We meet our emotions when we learn we love or dislike certain things we do, we resist or give in. We rarely put it all together to become a complete, quiet individual with whom we are comfortable.

Try this:  Stand facing a wall or ledge, with your feet hip width apart and put your hands on the wall at shoulder width apart. Then step back until your arms are straight and your feet are back in line under your hips (bending at the top of your legs, not your waist). Keep your head in line with your arms. If this is too much, move your hands up higher. Work on making your legs straight by pressing down your heels and lifting up the back of your legs while simultaneously pressing your palms into the wall and pulling your hips away to make your arms straight. Your body should lengthen. Stay for a few moments while you think about continuing to make your legs and arms straight and your body long. Then stand up. See what you are thinking about yourself.

Now do the same things but keeping your legs and arms firm and working, but think more about moving your breath smoothly. Exhale quietly from your waist so you experience it lengthening. Inhale quietly so that you feel legs lengthening. Stay for a few breaths and come up. Now see if you feel more quiet and integrated.

Each week one of the teachers at the Yoga Space shares her thoughts and experiences in this blog.  Sue Salaniuk is the owner and an Intermediate Senior I Certified Iyengar Teacher 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, February 28. 180 Little Lake Dr #1 Ann Arbor, MI, 48103.www.yogaspaceannarbor.com   734-622-9600