"We Are Either Now Here or Nowhere"

Image: via Liz on pinterest

As discussed in my last post, over the next few weeks I will be introducing you to Baron Baptiste's Eight Universal Principles for Stepping Up to The Edge.  Remember, at the edge we build strength and discover serenity.  It's time to get started with Principle I:

We Are Either Now Here or Nowhere.

Have you ever been to a yoga class and heard the teacher speak to being present?  Pretty much every class, right?  It's because it's kind of a big deal.  Is anything happening in the past?  No -- it no longer exists.  Is anything happening in the future?  No -- it doesn't yet exist.  So if you are spending your time in either of those places, nothing is happening.  Other than unwelcome feelings of worry, sadness, depression, regret, anxiety, or loneliness -- all generated by stories that you are making up in your head about what happened or what is going to happen.  Peaceful memories and adventurous goals are great things, but it is only in the present moment that we truly experience growth.  Where we build strength and discover serenity.

Sounds simple.  Just be present.  Easier said than done.  I get it.  We live in a fast paced world filled with constant distraction and stimulation.  It's downright impossible to be present while perusing your facebook newsfeed!  The good news is, you can develop the ability to bring yourself back to the present when your mind starts to drift.  Achieving now here instead of nowhere does take practice, but it is not an impossible feat.

I admit, there are days where as soon as I arrive at my mat, I'm ready to walk out the door.  A couple months ago, I started doing CrossFit and the intensity of the workouts can leave me feeling a little wilted.  To the point where just unrolling my seven pound Manduka mat is a feat.  Before I've even settled into Child's pose, I'm already in the process of psyching myself out, "how am I ever going to make it through 75 minutes of vigorous flow in a 90 degree room when my shoulders are so sore I can barely lift my arms above my head??"

By breathing.  That's how.

Image: via Liz on pinterest

When you focus on nothing but breath, it's downright impossible not to be present.  You may have noticed that every class at CPY starts off with a few minutes in a resting posture where attention to the breath begins.  This is not by accident.  When we start class by honing in on our breathing, we immediately start to shut out the crazy thoughts and stories running through our heads and find our happy place.  Have you ever been boiling-over angry or panic-attack stressed and encouraged by a friend or loved one to "just take a few deep breaths?"  That's good advice.  This simple action calms the nervous system, allowing us to regain composure and get back to the now -- where the magic happens.

Even on my most worn-out days, when I shift my thinking to my breath (instead of the intense burning sensation in my quads, for example), I am able to remain in postures until the teacher guides us out, not just until my brain says "get me out."  Focusing on the breath can take work.  I suggest starting by simply saying in your head "inhale" and "exhale" as you breathe in and out to get into a rhythm of linking movement with breath.  Another great option is to utilize a mantra that you can repeat when your mind starts to get distracted.  I personally like "here" (inhale) "now" (exhale).  This method keeps me from thinking about what is coming next and how tired I am.  Before I know it, I've powered through class and am basking in the glory of both serenity and strength.

As you go about your day or your yoga practice, if you find your mind starts to wander to a far away place, try using your breath as a tool that allows you to enjoy the present.  Hmmm.  It actually is that simple, right?

See you on the mat,

Liz (lizabramsyoga.com)