Leaning into uncertainty
Leaning into uncertainty in our practice on the mat heightens our ability to be with the unknown in other aspects of our life – potentially inviting profound growth as it encourages exploration beyond the confines of our comfort and routine.
It is our nature to cling to certainty
It’s human nature to think that in order not to lose our way we should depend upon certainty; but over the years I have come to understand this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Certainty inhibits our curiosity whereas uncertainty sparks an inquiry, an openness, releases judgement and can intrigue us to explore further.
Why would we seek to know if we already know?
If we can drop into neutrality and an acceptance of uncertainty we become sponges, sponges for possibility.
My own journey through discomfort may bring you comfort
I am currently navigating the complexities of my father’s illness. During this time I’ve noticed how my initial resistance to the unknown bred discomfort, but leaning into that uncertainty whilst being present to what is, is slowly beginning to bring me a sense of peace.
This journey of touching into uncertainty is not new, I can recognise that even years ago, through my studies of contemporary dance it was present. I learned to embrace the fluidity of movement and the beauty of spontaneity, discovering that no wrong move was a wrong move, only more gateways toward different expressions.
And through my yoga practice, I am constantly reminded of the importance of making peace with the never-ending nature of not-knowing.
Learn to let go – it always leads to liberation
Letting go of the expectation that I should have everything figured out is liberating (when I remember). Simply put, not knowing is reality.
In times of uncertainty, it’s essential to arrive at where we are, recognising that anything beyond this moment has yet to unfold and, and therefore isn’t ours to grasp (check out the yoga discipline of aparigraha).
“The path emerges step by step, and all we need to do is trust in the process and keep showing up and keeping eyes wide open for the gifts.”
Yoga provides countless tools to help us
A dedicated yoga practice can remind us that we are inseparable elements of an unfathomably complex universe. What we are, who we are, where we’re going, and what it’s all for remains a mystery. It’s not something we are meant to fully understand, instead, it’s for us to witness and experience.
The path emerges step by step, and all we need to do is trust in the process and keep showing up and keeping eyes wide open for the gifts. Leaning into the unknown, just like a dancer trusting their instincts on stage, allows us to connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us. In this dance of life, we discover that the magic lies not in knowing, but in the beautiful unfolding of each moment.
Pose of the month
Pose – Pose of the sage: koundiyasana 2
Sanskrit – eka pada koundiyasana 2
Pronounced –EK-uh PAHD-uh KOON-din-YAH-suh-nuh
Type – arm balance
Sage Koundinya, was a great scholar and believed in himself. This pose is dedicated to him, so throughout our practice we keep in mind the faith and trust in oneself, a deep intuitive listening whilst moving through territory unknown.
Don’t worry!!
In Jivamukti the class is structured so that the body is prepared; stretched, strengthened and opened by visiting the requisite shape and effort in preparatory postures so that our destination posture each month begins to feel more and more accessible over the 4/5 weeks of practice.
Book your first discounted class now! Use the code AUM
Mantra of the month
When one is established in aparigraha, non-clinging, knowledge of the past, present, and future and the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of life is realised.
PYS 2.39
aparigraha-sthairye janma-kathantā-sambodhaḥ
अपरिग्रहस्थैर्ये जन्मकथन्तासम्बोधः
The yogic discipline of aparigraha requires that we look at our vasanas (our desires) a question that we should be continually asking ourselves is
Is it necessary?
Is it necessary for me to hold on to this particular item, to this relationship, to this thought, to this feeling, to this assumption, to this certainty, to this way of thinking, to this judgement.
