Chaos to Calm: Unlock the Power of the 5 Elements in Your Yoga Journey
Hi Yogi Friends!
Todays blog is an exploration into the cyclical phases of a yoga journey, guided by the wisdom of the Taoist 5 Elements. Recognizing the patterns in a yoga practice over a long period of time can help us embrace, survive and thrive in the natural ebb and flow of commitment, results, and transformation.
To begin, think back to your very first yoga experience. Can you conjure the feelings of that first time?
Mine was in college at 20 years old. I liked it immediately because it was so different from anything else I'd ever asked my body to do. Plus, I didn't have to be good at it since there were no teams, no scorekeeping, no winning or losing of any kind. The teacher was strict, yet the experience was playful, and completely competition free. I welcomed that because I always considered myself terrible at team sports.
Even though the class was breath and posture oriented, nothing about it resembled modern yoga classes offered today. The whole experience was messy, with mats all over the place and no straight lines. This was way before athleisurewear was a thing, so picture instead, 90's grunge-style on the yoga mat. Even the mats were the short, Pilates-style, puffy mats. Sticky yoga mats hadn't taken off yet.
The teacher encouraged us to stay present, embrace the discomfort, and dig into the practice. Class was noisy. Our discomfort was expressed outwardly, through intense pranayama breathwork, shouting out questions when they arose, and laughing at each other as much as with each other through the discomfort of our collective transformation.
Yet, a seed of transformation, or an awareness of accessing something beyond my known world, came to me none the less in those messy, noisy, far from a modern Zen-inspired yoga class experience, and rooted itself deep inside me. This feeling continued to grow, motivating me to seek out a yoga studio after college graduation. Yoga was not mainstream at the time and studios were actually hard to come by. I didn't know anyone who practiced yoga, but I was confident that yoga was exactly what I needed in my life.
So after a little searching, I found a studio and began that familiar entry into the seductive discomfort of starting up a yoga pracitce once again. I distinctly remember thinking to myself after a class, How long will I keep this up? One year? 5 Years? Longer?
Odd, that right at the start of something, I was anticipating its end. But I had never committed to anything like yoga before, so I didn't have a track record of connecting into something greater than myself, or understand the relevance of how deeply yoga would impact my life's trajectory.
I had never heard of the Taoist 5 Elements to know that I was actually right on schedule with these very thoughts, stepping into the Wood phase of my practice...
The Wood Phase
Every new beginning enters us into the Wood phase, or springtime, of that project, lifestyle change, or in this example, yoga practice. Since one of Asana Insights Yoga Blog goals is to connect our yoga experience more deeply and personally into our lives, with each season we will specifically strive to uncover how the seasonal influences of the natural world are reflected the body, mind, and soul, as observed on the yoga mat. These connections can help us feel more integrated into the word around us and the greater fabric of the universe, bringing inner peace, insights, and wisdom to the choices we make.
In Theory
Like anything just starting out, the beginning stages are the most vulnerable. Remember how I was contemplating the end of my practice, before it even got started? I didn't have any solid roots yet to secure my intentions or my practice. The smallest distraction could easily prevent me from attending class whether they were external, like a conflicting commitment with the class time, or internal, like obstacles of my own mind playing tricks on me, telling me to quit, that it was too hard, that I was unworthy.
I see this a lot with new yoga teachers too. Committing to teaching that first class is the biggest hurdle to overcome as a teacher.
When beginning something new, when we are "green" with inexperience. We must condition ourselves to withstand the fragility, doubt, and difficulties that the Wood phase inevitably brings.
In Practice on the Yoga Mat
In a yoga practice, this principle applies equally to beginners and seasoned practitioners. Here are some tips to help you through:
Just starting out with yoga or starting a new phase of your practice?
Set small, achievable goals.
Be realistic about how often to practice and for how long.
Be honest on the mat about your endurance, flexibility and understanding.
Be inspired by your yoga community, but don't compare yourself.
Take the time to grow your own strong roots.
Cultivate patience.
Ask questions. Seek out your yoga teachers and class community members. We are a pretty friendly bunch and we love to talk abut yoga and help an eager student make progress!
I see students struggle with any number of these a lot in classes. Its goes against most of our natures to take time to really master the first challenge point of the posture before moving forward. Skipping steps imprints on us to cut corners, denying us access to the deeper levels of yoga.
And the Wood phase isn't only for beginners. Seasoned yogis enter the Wood phase every time they level up their practice. This can be moving from regular classes into workshops or intensive of some kind, starting a teacher training program, or deciding to focus on a particular posture or type of postures, like arm balances, headstand, balancing poses, or backbends. Every time we step into newness, we step into the Wood phase.
For Yoga Teachers
For you yoga teachers reading this, remember that the new students in class are the most fragile. Even if they have practiced at home or elsewhere, if the student is new to your instruction and/or to the studio setting of your class, a natural discomfort surrounds their practice.
Here are a few tools for teachers to help new students adapt into the class culture:
Introductions go a long way in putting everyone at ease. Learn names and introduce new members to regular class attendees. This also builds a strong community and increases client retention.
Watch your words and keep it simple. When teaching beginners, don't overwhelm the new student with extensive terminology. Honestly, I've had students with years of experience who can't repeat one Sanskrit name. I hear all the time, "the posture that goes like this, I don't remember what its called or how you say it..." Let this cue you into what students can absorb. Keep instructions clear and simple.
Be encouraging. This may seem silly or obvious, but when was the last time you got encouragement? Adults are rarely in a position where someone tells them they are doing well. Too many of us either feel invisible or insecure. Let the yoga room be a place to feel seen and confident.
Lastly, if you are a new teacher focus on the student experience rather than your own.Remeber that every person in class wants you to succeed. Be genuine. Be helpful. The students will remember the feeling of the class over the particulars of any of the postures. You don't have to be perfect, just be perfectly yourself!
In Closing
In conclusion, embracing the cyclical phases of a yoga journey can help us connect more deeply and personally with our practice. The Taoist 5 Elements provide a framework to recognize and navigate the patterns of commitment, transformation, and results that we experience on the yoga mat.
The Wood phase, or springtime, is the phase of new beginnings, vulnerability, and doubt. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, the Wood phase requires us to condition ourselves to withstand fragility and difficulties, cultivate patience, and grow strong roots. As yoga teachers and students, we can support each other by setting achievable goals, being honest about our limitations, and creating a safe and encouraging environment in the yoga room. By connecting our yoga experience to the natural world and the greater fabric of the universe, we can gain insights and wisdom that will enrich all aspects of our lives.
Namaste,
Lara
"Like a seed pushing through the soil, I let go of anger and embrace the renewal and rebirth of spring. As I cultivate balance and harmony within myself, I nurture the growth of a new and positive energy. With the yin and yang energies in perfect harmony, I am filled with a sense of peace, renewal, and a vibrant new beginning."
- Lara Alexiou
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