2010-02-04 "No Pain, No Gain...or is it?"

I find it interesting how old ideologies have been programmed into the psyche of society without question. I also often wonder how people continue to allow an unpleasant physical state in their bodies perpetuate more of the unwanted.

I am referring specifically to the "No Pain, No Gain" exercise motto, which was popularized around 1982 when actress Jane Fonda produced a series of aerobic video workouts. Her concept was to push past the point of sensation, into pain, "Feel the Burn". This ideology spread through the fitness and sports community, and beyond into our very psyche.

Yoga really is about finding balance and ease, strength and flexibility, patience and virtue. It is a practice that teaches us self awareness and how to reconnect with our bodies on a level that many of us have forgotten. The trouble in recent years is that many have turned to yoga while maintaining, on some level, this old ideology of "trying too hard", pushing through pain, resulting in injury.

When we push ourselves to a place of pain the body naturally responds by tightening and contracting even more – the opposite effect we were going for. Moving in pain sends signals to the brain that this is an acceptable way to move, so the brain then maintains that pattern of pain. For you to create more ease and mobility in your body, you need to move in a pain-free range of motion and allow your body to open with your breath, naturally.

"Struggle" is simply effort laced with negative emotion - or in terms of body movement - resistance. Arrrr..crunch.

An opportunity to slow down and listen 

Yoga Therapy is proven to unravel the web of connective tissue reducing pain, creating ease, developing strength, stability and mobility by applying the principle of "Moving within a pain-free range of motion". Susi Hately Alduous, www.functionalsynergy.com, Yoga Therapist and one of my teachers, has written many books and produced numerous DVD's on the subject.

Therapeutic yoga combines traditional hatha postures with breathing techniques, meditation and modern scientific understanding of kinesiology, anatomy and physiology. It is a balanced approach to healthy movement and healing.

In a world of doing, doing, doing, and achieving and pushing here, there and everywhere, our bodies are inviting us to "slow down, take notice, breath and relax." 

By practicing Satya (Commitment to Truth) on our mats we are invited to listen to our bodies and soul. Asking ourselves, what type of practice will truly serve me today?

Perhaps a yin practice, where I can hold my postures and open deeply into my connective tissue. Perhaps a flowing practice where I open more fully to grace, perhaps a longer savasana - so that I can melt back to centre, grounding and centering. Perhaps in the case of an acute injury, no practice at all. The beauty of yoga is that there is no rush. Nothing to achieve. The beauty is in the journey, the insights in the practice. The cultivation of deeper awareness come slowly over time.

An invitation

The first part of moving towards more ease is connecting with your breath. I invite you to be more conscious of your breath throughout the day and week. Just notice when your breath is full and expands your belly on an inhale. And notice when it is limited to only your chest and feels restricted. Just notice, no judgement.

If you would like to learn more about anything presented here, please feel free to contact me or arrange for a private session. I'd love to work with you.

Namaste