THE BLOG

Yoga Anywhere: The Art of Creative Practice

#creativity #drishti #yogaanytime #yogaeverywhere Apr 01, 2024

I'm home after spending a week away in the serene landscapes of North Queensland.

One of the most profound practices I engaged in was Hatha yoga in a pool,. It was quite powerful! More than I expected. It deepened my connection to my body and the present moment.

I centred myself first.

To centre:

I lay on my back in the water. I allowed myself to fully experience the sensations of my skin touching the water's surface. Plus my bacl enjoys this and blocking out sound. The temperature of the water enveloped me in a gentle hug. While above me, the sky painted patterns of clouds that seemed to danst for my gaze..
✅ This moment was about surrender:
✅ It was about letting go and allowing the water to support me;
✅Teach me, and remind me of the fluidity that exists within and all around us.

This created presence for the rest of my practice.

Practicing pranayama while standing in water brought an interesting dynamic to my breath work. Thewater'resistance meant that every breath met with a gentle pushback. Allowing for a more tactile experience of prana moving through my body. This water element added a depth to my pranayama practice that was both invigorating and calming. I then ventured into practicing standing pranayama. Warrior 1 and 2 were nexyt. Then a series of balancing poses. Such as:

✅ Tree (Vrksasana);
✅ Eagle (Garudasana)
✅ Warrior 3 (shallow end); and
✅Hands to Feet (Hasta Padangustasana);

Balancing in water adds a layer of complexity and grace to the practice. The buoyancy of the water means that every micro-adjustment magnified. Requiring a heightened sense of awareness and presence. The challenge of maintaining balance in an ever-moving medium mirrored the constant flux of life itself. I focused on a specific focal point.

Incorporating a drishti (single pointed focus point) during my practice became a powerful tool. A tool for pratyahara. The fifth limb of yoga which is the withdrawal of senses. A step towards meditation. My drishti was varied depending o what I did:
✅ The water's surface;
✅The horizon;
✅ or even a cloud ;
✅ Plants near the pool.
This practice was instrumental in cultivating a state of deep meditation. Where the external world faded away, and all that remained was the essence of my being. Teaching me to find my center and equilibrium amidst change.

Then of coursen savasana in the same manner of the way I started. Then I was in a great place for family time in the water.

This trip was a reminder of the transformative power of combining yoga with the healing elements of nature. Whether it was the grounding earth beneath my feet during a forest walk. The enveloping water during my pool practice. Or the expansive sky overhead. Each element contributed to a deeper understanding and connection to myself. Plus the world around me.

A reminder to my readers and students hatha yoga can be practiced anywhere. It's portable. It's accessible. Only sometimes requiring a dash of creativity to adapt to our surroundings. Whether it's utilising the unique properties of water in a pool. I've also helped clients practice yogq in the office!

Or, finding balance on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean. Or meditating in the lush greenery of a rainforest, the essence of yoga remains the same. It's about connection, awareness, and the harmonious balance between body, mind, and spirit.

Cheers

Liz

Don't limit yourself. This adaptability of yoga encourages allows us this. To explore the vast possibilities of practice in various environments. It’s a call to creativity and openness, inviting us to find our yoga in every moment, every breath, and every place.

After my practice I felt more Sattvic (balanced). It’s a beautiful reminder of yoga’s versatility. iIs capacity to adapt and thrive in various environments.

To anyone feeling stuck or in need of a reset I encourage you to think outside of the box. I cannot recommend enough the powerful such explorative practices like poolside Hatha yoga. Here’s to bringing more moments like this into our lives. Where we allow ourselves to be present, connected, and alive.
Or if you need help with this send an email and we can go from there.