Using your yoga mat as a playground

Access your playful spirit this summer with vulnerable and goofy practices

Like many things, sometimes we take our yoga practice too seriously.

We expect so much from the practice. We get attached and want every class to feel good, help us close exercise rings on devices, and solve all of our problems.

We participate in yoga challenges and overuse the #yogaeverydamnday hashtag so that we can prove we did asana practices 365 days a year.

We think missing a class is bad, (needlessly) apologize for not making a session, and commit to being more consistent.

At least, I fell into these tendencies before I learned more about the roots of yoga and found my own practices outside of studio spaces.

A post this week, reminded me of this shift. It talked about how we can use healing modalities and routines to continue perpetuating our need for perfectionism and productivity.

Like when we use strict diet or skincare routines to heal but they just make us feel bad about ourselves or set impossible standards to maintain.

So instead of using yoga every day to achieve a summer body or check a box on your wellness routine list, consider a less structured approach to your yoga practices.

Approach you mat like a kid on recess running to the the swings.

Get there anyway you want - running, crawling, jumping.

When you reach it, crash into it - let it hold you.

Roll around, push side to side, kick your feet - you won’t break it.

This mat is your playground.

The place you get to be wild.

The time you have to let loose.

The moment to ignite something in your heart.

The feeling that calls you home.

Play.

Play with your movement, sounds, and breath.

Witness your expression, freedom, and joy.

Paid subscribers this week gain access to two practices that I taught at the Summer Retreat and a special version of the weekly Stop, Drop, and Yoga practice focused on playing on the mat.

5 Ways I Practiced Yoga Last Week

1. Dhyana (meditation): I guided and practiced a meditation focused on finding play in the body.

2. Svadhyaya (self-study): Noticing how I still find ways to work when I try resting continues to provide learning experiences.

3. Aparigraha (non-possessiveness): I continue to evaluate my relationship to physical items as we reorganize the house.

4. Pranayama (breath control): I paired breath with movement while lifting heavy items as I continue work on the house.

5. Asana (movement): We practiced balance and warrior poses on Wednesday night at the park to stay warm.

5 Ways You Can Practice Yoga This Week

1. Dhyana (meditation): Step outside, take a few long breaths while looking at the sky. Repeat/stay as long as possible.

2. Svadhyaya (self-study): Reflect on the last time you really played. What did you feel?

3. Aparigraha (non-possessiveness): Spring cleaning doesn’t have to stop. Part with items that you no longer need.

4. Pranayama (breath control): Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat this box breathing several times this week.

5. Asana (movement): Try a new pose or version of a pose this week. I suggest a balance pose like half moon, standing tree, or eagle pose.