No Pain No Gain
Really?

I teach yoga to people over 40. I use the 30 basic postures, the easy postures, yet those alone will keep the body functioning at its maximum. Using those postures the body plies in every directions and stretches without forcing to go any further than it does. And there is the basic alignment—where correct posture begins: the beautiful stance of being grounded and elevated at once, standing without effort, at ease. Allowing the body to ease into each posture while maintaining a relaxed attitude is best. With time and practice, the body opens up more and more, naturally.

Every so often, I hear people say the kind of yoga I teach is “too easy”. I observe people who comment in those ways and I know from seeing their bodies move that they can stay with those ‘easy’ postures at least for a while until their bodies flow with ease. Those ‘easy postures’ move the body in every directions, stretching every part, strengthening with slow motion; nothing more is needed. The adage of ‘pushing and straining’ to the point of inducing pain has been soooo deeply engrained in our culture that we can’t imagine any other way to gain mastery. Injuries happen every day in yoga from these kind of practices. In Northern California there are in the vicinity of one thousand known injuries every year. Forcing the body and pushing is an attitude where the body is the enemy instead of the ally. Which attitude is wisest? Which do you want to consult for wisdom’s sake, your enemy or your ally?

The body responds better to gentle movement allowing time to open up when ready. Gently waiting for opening is the most efficient way to gain and become more flexible.

Here is a quote from Baba Hari Dass, a 85 year old yogi, The Master Teacher of my School of Yoga at Mt-Madonna: “Listen to your body for feedback: use the pose to open the body rather than using the body to achieve a posture. Practice without creating pain. Respecting the body limits is part of the art of yoga so work with your body not your ego.”

It takes time, practice and consistency. That is all that is needed. Easy, right?

Suzanne Dyell
Yoga Teacher