As academics, we should make sure that our college students work intensely, but with out drive. We usually assume that working forcefully is working intensely. Not so! Pressure is the other of true depth. We drive when we aren’t absolutely current within the physique, not listening, not conscious, not alert – simply working blindly. Depth is powerfully centered motion, the place the thoughts, coronary heart, and physique are united in effort and directed by a vigilant consciousness, making certain progress with out drive, development with out violence.
Thus, when a pupil is straining to open his hamstrings, take the chance to show a deeper lesson. Remind him that his hamstrings resist as a result of they don’t seem to be accustomed to the opening. Once we forcefully yank them open, how is that totally different from forcefully imposing our beliefs onto others who’ve opposing ones? Solely feeling can develop sensitivity and acceptance of an opposing viewpoint.
If you see a pupil pushing as laborious as she will, instantly ask her questions that require her to tune in and really feel her physique. Ask “What are you feeling simply now? Can you’re feeling the load in your ft? How a lot weight is…in your fingertips?” Even one thing so simple as feeling a bodily motion will transfer her away from forcing. Additionally, at all times remind your college students to watch their breath as they do the poses and to maintain it clean and deep, for this helps cut back forcing and, as a non secular bonus, invitations the soul into the physique.
When demonstrating a pose to your college students, illustrate the distinction between a pose completed with drive and a pose completed with feeling. Grit your enamel, clench your jaw, knit your forehead, purse your lips, and tighten your physique with grim dedication, finishing the pose by puffing out your chest with false satisfaction. Then, take a deep breath, soften your physique and exhibit the pose from the serene quietness and energy of internal consciousness. In the event you exaggerate the extremes on this approach, the following laughter will launch stress and cut back the somber temper of an intensely centered apply. Such a comical show additionally offers college students an oblique approach of laughing at their very own pretentiousness and egoistic aspirations. The clown has a excessive goal – to assist others see the divinity they deny.
Aadil Palkhivala©2008
