Dear Yogis and Yoginis,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the sunshine. As many of you know, this will be the last month of teaching for me - I will be going on maternity leave on June 21st. Although I look forward to meeting the little human that is slowly growing inside my belly, I will miss our classes and the relationships I have formed with several of you over the past couple of years.
While I do my best to prepare for my transition into motherhood, as students you will transition to new classes or a new teacher. Indeed, as the term comes to a close, many of you will be leaving Oxford for your next adventure!
Transitioning into a new phase in one's life can be one of the most challenging practices - whether it means finding a new teacher or taking a step towards the unknown. Change can make us uneasy, and while it opens up unforseen possibilities, it can be unsettling and cause us to be afraid. So how to meet the challenge of a transition with grace and courage?
When it comes to the physical practice of yoga, I remember the words of one of my teachers, who suggested that we try practicing each pose with a Balasana Mind. In Balasana, or Child's Pose, we seek to quiet and relax the brain, and while regulating the breath we cultivate a feeling of surrender and ease as we drop our weight into the ground. Balasana reminds us to soften, as we organize our body into a less demanding shape then Downward Dog or Warrior I.
Only by experiencing what it feels like to let go and release, can we try to cultivate similar qualities in those poses that are more exciting and stimulating for the nervous system. As we practice this month, I will look at different ways in which we can learn to release and soften the brain, trying to cultivate our Balasana Mind in order to tackle challenging poses with more grace.
Once you leave the mat, the same principle applies. What is your Balasana practice in your day to day? How do you nourish your sense of ease when you are confronted with change or an unexpected turn of events? Following an exercise taught to me by the lovely Judith Lasater, I encourage you to think of 5 ways in which you comfort and take care of yourself - write them down right now on a piece of paper, no matter how silly you think they sound!
The next time you come across an unsettling event, practice taking care of yourself, resetting your mind to Balasana. With a softer mindset you might notice things look and feel different, maybe even a little easier and less tight! Whether in a new class or at a new job, your Balasana Mind is always available to you.
Please remember that while I will be pausing my newsletters during my maternity leave, you will still be able to reach me by email so don't hesitate to be in touch with any questions.
With my best wishes,
Beatrice
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