the push-pull

Pushing and relaxing are opposing actions. Pushing creates tension and resistance, in both the mind and the body; relaxing releases tension. It’s true; if you don’t go far enough in your asanas, there will be little stretch and you will probably not increase the range of yoga poses (asanas) within your reach.

But pushing too far in your yoga practice is a kind of boundary violation likely to result in pain, frustration, and injury. Somewhere in the middle of those extremes, a state of balance awaits you.

Given your personal tendency to “go for the burn”—and you are not alone in this—I’d like to offer a few ideas and questions for you to ponder. First, what is the edge that you are trying to push to? Is it an edge of flexibility? Endurance? Attention? And what do you need to surrender?

Consider the possibility that the type of surrender you might want to cultivate on your yoga mat is letting go of the need to push to achieve. If you work in your poses having clarified your intentions, what happens?

Word choice can also make a big difference in how you approach your edge. The next time I tell you to “push” to the edge, you might try translating their directive into “explore” or “meet” the edge to soften your will. I personally like the image of “snuggling” up to the edge; it’s cozy and friendly. It helps me relate to my edge like most relationships, which are ever-changing and take some time to get to know.

Namaste xo