The Ground Up

I've been doing yoga for 20 years, and when I hear someone say, "I got my heels down!" I think, "did your form fall apart when you touched?" It can't "be about the heels" for every person. Go for the proper form and let go of the idea of this "miraculous end goal" for the pose. We've been told that ATTAINING THE HEEL TOUCH is "perfection;" hence we forget about the journey and what else is going on in our body. For awhile, shift your focus to your sacrum, to your buttocks flesh, to your shoulders, to your ring finger...go for "perfection" in your knuckles. Can you extend your spine a millimeter more? Can you spread your chest to share your heart? I hope this gives you a healthy perspective. Namaste, Stace Flag as offensive

Thanks so much for that response, Stace. I get equally discouraged about not being able to attain the "perfect" downward dog and it's great to know my brave (and awkward) efforts are just as valid! Flag as offensive

Thank you Stace for your wisdom. It is not the destination that bring us happiness, but the journey along the way will develop incredible awareness and joy! I still do not touch my heels to the ground in downward dog. When your downward dog is long so there is room for your spine it is quite a challenge to touch your heels to the floor. Victory comes from refining your experience in the moment , refining your being in each breath. For a lot of us we can become very attached to the final "look of the pose" that we miss the point of the teachings. Don't be discouraged by not " achieving an idea or a look " . Yoga is the path of Self Realization, the postures are simply a vehicle for self study and introspection. Enjoy the journey and be free from the outcome . Thank you all for your support and commitment to Yoga Today! Blessings, ADI Flag as offensive

Great response Stace. In my practice i let the ego fly away, so i don't think things like "me" being better at this, "me" should be like this. I love me, the way me is :) I just try to transcend into the moment thru my breath and mindfulness. I trust it. Observe it. Love it. Flag as offensive