Alignment Thursday: When You Want to Get Out of a Pose, Is When It Begins

Soundtrack Suggestions: The Storm Approaches - Mardeleva

"People have, with the help of so many conventions, resolved everything the easy way, on the easiest side of easy. But it is clear that we must embrace struggle. Every living thing conforms to it. Everything in nature grows and struggles in its own way, establishing its own identity, insisting on it at all costs, against all resistance. We can be sure of very little, but the need to court struggle is a surety that will not leave us.”

- Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, commonly known as B.K.S. Iyengar, was a renowned Indian Yoga teacher who played a significant role in popularizing Yoga around the world. He developed a style of Yoga known as Iyengar Yoga, which emphasizes precision, alignment, and the use of props such as belts, blocks, and ropes to help practitioners achieve the correct positions. His approach to Yoga is systematic and focused on achieving physical, mental, and spiritual balance. Iyengar's teachings have had a profound impact on the practice of Yoga globally, and many Yoga practitioners and teachers continue to draw inspiration from his work. His books, including "Light on Yoga" and "Light on Pranayama," are considered classics in the field and are widely used as references for Yoga practitioners.

Mr. B.K.S Iyengar is known to say that “when you want to get out of a pose, is when it begins”.?

If you're a dedicated practitioner of Yoga, you can likely resonate with the quote based on the following scenario: You diligently perform your Yoga routine—Sun Salutation A, perhaps Sun Salutation B, Grounding Sequence, and Standing Sequence—all smoothly executed. However, as you progress to the forward bend, inversion, or backbend, you may find your body resistant, unable to seamlessly embrace the pose without exertion or additional support. Alternatively, even if you can execute the pose, the sensations in your body become concrete after just a few breaths, possibly overwhelming you to the point where you instinctively seek an exit from the posture.

What do we do in situations like this? What is the “right” way? Do we stay in the posture and haunt ourselves? Do we judge ourselves for not being able to stay without effort? Do we blink onto the other mat to see how much other practitioners are able to stay in the pose without effort? Do we maybe leave the pose “too early” by being avoidant to the struggle? Based on that, it’s getting clear that the essence of the quote is in the idea that the real depth, challenge, and opportunity for growth of a Yoga pose become apparent when you are seeking to release from it.

As you can guess, the challenges and dilemmas faced in Yoga practice can draw parallels to our experiences in the professional world.?

In the context of our careers, much like in Yoga, we encounter situations that require dedication, skill, and resilience. Picture your professional life as a sequence of tasks and responsibilities, much like the various poses in a Yoga routine. You might find yourself smoothly navigating through familiar tasks, just as you seamlessly perform Sun Salutations or Standing Sequences. However, like facing resistance in a Yoga pose, professional challenges can emerge unexpectedly. You may encounter projects or tasks that seem daunting, where your skills and abilities are “stretched”. It's in these moments that the question arises: How do we respond? Just as in Yoga, where the body resists certain poses, our professional journeys might encounter resistance. The sensations of discomfort and uncertainty in our professional lives are like the physical sensations experienced in challenging Yoga poses. The initial discomfort might lead us to seek shortcuts, compare ourselves to others on the metaphorical "other mat," or even contemplate avoiding the struggle altogether which might lead to missing growth and transformation opportunities. The parallel here lies in the decision-making process. Do we stay committed to the task, recognizing that growth often involves discomfort? Do we resist the urge to judge ourselves for the way we feel about the challenges we face? Alternatively, do we learn from observing others and seek inspiration without falling into the trap of comparison?

It's crucial to recognize that facing challenges can be beneficial as well as non-beneficial. They can lead to failure as well as present an opportunity for growth and development. Get to know the difference and find yourself amid your challenges. How can we cultivate the right attitude? Try to stay present, mindful, and attentive throughout the entire duration of the challenge: Does it give you strength while being in it or does it drain energy from you? Do you allow your desire to master the challenge to develop in a certain direction to turn into despair, or are you keeping your self-respect??

Ultimately, the professional "Yoga pose" may require persistence, a willingness to embrace the discomfort, and a recognition that everyone's journey is unique. Just as a Yogi might find peace in a challenging pose with time and practice, professionals can find success and fulfillment by facing challenges head-on and navigating them with patience and dedication.?

Self-study questions:

• Reflect on a recent professional challenge or obstacle. How did you initially respond to the discomfort it brought?
• Have you ever found yourself comparing your professional journey to others, like sneaking a glance at others on their metaphorical mats? How did this impact your mindset?
• Recall a situation where persistence was crucial in achieving a professional goal. How did you navigate through challenges without giving up?
• Reflect on your work habits. Do you tend to push yourself too hard, or do you sometimes avoid challenges altogether?
• What does success look like for you in your professional life? How does this definition align with your personal values and aspirations?
• How do you practice mindfulness or self-awareness in your professional life? Are there moments when you're fully present and engaged in your work?

Happy Challenge Facing, colleagues, friends, and companions.

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