centering (v)- to come to a focus; converge; concentrate
As we've moved through the 40 Day Challenge at the studio, our weekly themes have progressed along with our practice; from presence and vitality to equanimity and restoration, we've explored it all both on and off the mat. You might think that "centering" would be towards the start of this journey- focus and concentration being important elements of a yoga practice- but in fact it's right where it needs to be. We cannot center ourselves without first doing all the work at our feet.
Centering, then, is the penultimate step before we can truly celebrate our practice, our yoga. It is at this point we can remind ourselves, "This is the beginning of anything you want."
It's difficult to believe sometimes, though, isn't it? These simple instructions- be present with what's in front of you, focus your energy to the task at hand, stay present with the truth of your being, be patient, (and now) stay with your peace- are able to help us through myriad situations, not just the physical practice of yoga.
There is a concept- samyama- that in simple terms of yogic practice translates into YOU becoming the object of concentration, YOU are the yoga. Your body is there, your mind is present, and you are "doing yoga" or "meditating," but when you fully come into samyama, a full awareness, it is only after building to it through stages.
Tasya Bhumisu Viniyogah
Its practice is to be accomplished in stages.
Yoga Sutra 3.6, Patanjali
We are the culmination of all our days before today.
This is true each and every morning we wake, each and every time we roll out our mat and commit to our practice. The Sanskrit word samyama translates as tying up, binding together, or integration. Think about those concepts now in relation to a yoga practice that has grown and evolved over a period of time (like through our 40 Day Challenge). You cannot go back to who you were before you started. You cannot discount the work done to get you to the present moment.
For many practitioners, we can experience this type of centering during meditation or savasana; we may feel aware of our physical presence on the cushion or mat, but our minds take us outside our body, outside the physical space we're in, and off to a place where we feel as if in a trance. It's a beautiful place to be.
A tool that is always with us for this centering practice is of course our breath. Try repeating this phrase when you need to get centered: "I am present within myself. I can center myself with the ease of my breath. I feel grounded, confident, worthy and whole."
Remember that you cannot rush this process, and that no one can do the work for you.
"At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want."
- Lao Tzu
Until next time,
XO Rachel