The yoga term asana means 'steady pose' or 'to sit'. It's easy to forget this when you're flowing through a dynamic sun salutation, and all too real in trying to balance on one leg.
Through my practice I've learnt that even in a static pose there is movement with each breath in an out, so no pose is completely still even though that's what we aim for in our mental state at least.
A yoga pose is always in flux, like yin and yang.
Through my practice I've learnt that even in a static pose there is movement with each breath in an out, so no pose is completely still even though that's what we aim for in our mental state at least.
A yoga pose is always in flux, like yin and yang.
So what happens when you take a steady pose and add a moving floor?! That’s essentially what we do in practising yoga on a stand-up paddleboard - which is hugely popular in the US and slowing making an impact in the UK.
Trying to hold steady with the ripple of the water beneath you adds a whole new level to your yoga practice. The trick is to relax into the movement rather than try to counteract it. The latter is tiring, creates tension and will ultimately end in a dipping!
This is a useful lesson for us all in our yoga, in our sport and in day to day life. The more effort we put into fighting reality, the more we will suffer. In other words - soften and accept the wobble.
Trying to hold steady with the ripple of the water beneath you adds a whole new level to your yoga practice. The trick is to relax into the movement rather than try to counteract it. The latter is tiring, creates tension and will ultimately end in a dipping!
This is a useful lesson for us all in our yoga, in our sport and in day to day life. The more effort we put into fighting reality, the more we will suffer. In other words - soften and accept the wobble.
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I find that gazing at the water’s surface is both deeply relaxing and a steadying factor, as is keeping an even and conscious breathing rhythm. You have to be present in SUP Yoga or you’re in Aqua Yoga - there’s no chance for distraction here. The practice can deepen your sense of connection with yourself and with nature if you’re outdoors.
On a physical level the constant wobble really fires up the small postural muscles and core to keep you steady and on the board. I could certainly feel the additional workout with over an hour on the SUP. Therefore totally deserving of the sublime final relaxation gently rocking with the water flow, especially with your fingers trailing into the water.
I’d say I’m hooked! Looking forward to being able to practice SUP yoga some more and eventually bring it to Bristol for the yoga and surf community.
On a physical level the constant wobble really fires up the small postural muscles and core to keep you steady and on the board. I could certainly feel the additional workout with over an hour on the SUP. Therefore totally deserving of the sublime final relaxation gently rocking with the water flow, especially with your fingers trailing into the water.
I’d say I’m hooked! Looking forward to being able to practice SUP yoga some more and eventually bring it to Bristol for the yoga and surf community.
All photos courtesy of Lucy McCormick, SUPfit - more information at www.supfit.co.uk
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