Breath, Balance and ‘So Hum’
Our yoga practice goes far beyond the physical postures; it provides us with tools and wisdom to navigate life. In last night’s class, we explored several meaningful themes that I encourage you to reflect on throughout your day and week.
Breath and the present moment: We began by tapping into the rhythm of our breath, feeling the body expand and soften with each breath cycle. This deepening connection introduced us to the mantra "So Hum".
Self-Realization: "So Hum" is a reminder of our true nature. It encourages self-inquiry and self-awareness, leading to the realization that our true essence is not limited by our physical bodies or minds but we are part of a larger, infinite consciousness.
Challenging the Ego: We confronted our ego’s desire to get it right. Just like in life, we stumble, we fall, we over do. This challenge allowed us to be exactly as we were, in the present moment without judgment.
Inner Stillness: In stillness the mind can become agitated, craving and creating distractions. We used “So Hum” and the breath to bring us back to the present moment, serving as an anchor to keep the mind tethered to the now.
Meditative Focus: Surrendering to the mantra, we let the constraints of the body and mind fade, embracing the understanding that "I am all that there is." With each breath, we were reminded that we are not our body, and we are not our mind, we are something far greater.
Take your yoga practice with you off the mat and into your life. How can you incorporate these themes into all that you do. Where in life can you give yourself permission to overcome the ego’s desires and simply be as you are in the moment? How can you practice being more present in the moment, focusing only on what is in front of you, whether it be a person, task, or simply the breath?
I look forward to seeing you on the mat next week. Use the link HERE to preregister and reserve your space. Life is unpredictable, last minute drop-ins are welcome, you can register when you arrive.
Alexandra
I am all that there is.
We began our practice by tapping into the rhythm of the breath, feeling the body expand with each inhale and soften with each exhale. As our connection with the breath deepened, we introduced the mantra "So Hum," meaning "I am that - all that there is." This breath led us through exploratory movements as we opened up our energy centers, inviting the breath up along the spine and out through the crown of the head.
Inhale: So
Exhale: Hum
An energetic current of the yogis who have come before us
Our practice progressed through a series of sun salutations, moving and breathing with intention and connecting to the energetic current of all the yogis who have come before us, honoring the living lineage of the practice of yoga.
We then moved into standing balancing twists, challenging our ego’s desire to get it right. We allowed ourselves to be fully present in the pose, breathing and experiencing all sensations that arose—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Without judgement, we were present with exactly who we were in the moment.
Inhale: So
Exhale: Hum
We find quiet within ourselves
As we began to slow down our physical movements, the real challenge emerged. In holding soft, passive postures that offers the body a reprieve, the mind can became agitated, craving and creating distractions. We used "So Hum" paired with the breath to bring us back to the present moment. So Hum: I am all that there is. "So Hum" remained the focal point for the remainder of our practice, serving as an anchor to keep the mind tethered to the present moment.
After a tranquil and relaxing Savasana, we eased into our meditation, once again allowing "So Hum" to be our focus. Allowing the constraints the body and mind to fade, we surrendered into the Something Greater, I am all that there is.
Inhale: So
Exhale: Hum
By incorporating the "So Hum" mantra into your yoga and meditation practice, you can cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and connection with the universal consciousness.
Alexandra