Long Slow Deep Yoga a style of Yin Yoga where the postures are held for longer periods compared to Power Yoga or Vinyasa Yoga (flowing styles of yoga) can be a pathway to strengthen the first two limbs of Yoga known as the Yamas and Niyamas.
The Yamas and Niyamas are discussed in more depth in other posts and our training programs, this blog in particular is dedicated to two of the Niyamas known as Santosha (Contentment) and Tapas (Disciplined use of energy). The great thing about developing an understanding of the Eight Limbs of Yoga is that it can help us develop the qualities both physically and mentally that will help every relationship we have in our lives.
Rick Hansen a great author and psychologist often talks about humans having three basic needs, one of them is satisfaction or contentment (which also happens to be key teachings from Patanjalis Yoga Sutras) . Quite often we know we want this however how can we practice it, or rather reveal it. Long Slow Deep Yoga (a more slow practice that encourages introspection and stillness) can be a great door way in!
Santosha ~ Contentment
How can we appreciate things if we are constantly ‘doing’ too much. Long Slow Deep Yoga is the perfect way to slow down and see just how much you have already to be grateful for. It is the perfect opportunity to add gratitude meditations . Quite often silence is enough for this to happen and be felt naturally. Slowing down, holding the postures we start to peel back the layers that hold tension. In this release there is so much already there to give us a sense of satisfaction. It is the ultimate form of “remembering” literally where the root word for mindfulness ‘sati’ is translated from the pali word that means “to remember”
The nature of deep hip stretches and forward folds seem to release any form of self hatred, denial, grudges and pave the way shining the lights on our true essence. When we are connected to this aspect of ourselves, we realise it in others. When this occurs there is a sense of union rather than dis-ease , making it easier for us to recognise contentment. Becoming okay with all aspects of ourselves will lead to contentment, because we are not trying to make anything or anyone different to how they are in the moment. (Yet another ‘advanced’ practice of yoga on and off the yoga mat)
It is normal to feel emotions during yoga , for example you may notice tension in your hips and feel it as anger or express it as tears, not necessarily knowing what exactly it is in relation to. This is the beauty of yoga and it is quite normal. Staying connected to what is arising gives it space to be as it is, only then is transformation possible.
Quite often what we resist will persist. It’s one thing to preach , just accept! But when the shit hits the fan in life unless you’ve practiced building the muscles of acceptance in the face of a challenge it’s pretty hard. There is a deep satisfaction revealed that can be very unexpected when you learn to be okay with what is during this powerful practice of yoga. To not abandon our important messengers that are wanting to be heard. Long Slow Deep Yoga is a great teacher of this as it deepens our capacity to deal with difficulty which brings me to another of the Niyamas known as Tapas….
Tapas ~ Austerity / Discipline use of energy
Often described as effort over time , doing the things we may not necessarily like for example but doing them anyway because they give benefits. Long Slow Deep Yoga is a discipline , staying still is a discipline, slowing down is a discipline, deep listening is a discipline. This is because in this day and age it is rare. With all the pressures from our conditioning of more is better we have to go through and overcome certain states of mind like boredom, frustration, fidgetiness, impatience, doubt and everything the mind goes through when it is in withdrawal of being ‘busy’
Going through this and staying with the discomfort associated with this, is tapas. As we let go of our tendencies to fight, flee, freeze or try to make things better we can develop a form of respect and intimacy that has a ripple effect into our relationships in life. This in my experience has huge benefit and has been one of the many reasons I continue to practice yoga. No I don’t always get it right , in yoga or in life (as there is no such thing) However moment by moment the practice helps me face emotional afflictions that at times cause confusion. As I learn the causes and how to free tension from the body and mind with the practice of yoga , it helps me feel less confused and understand others. From tapas comes the fruits of the practice, leading us to experience deeper forms of focus, concentration and letting go and most of all connection.
There are more benefits discussed in our Long Slow Deep Yoga Teacher Training as we look deeper into not only the applications of the Yamas and Niyamas , also the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. These guiding principles are a powerful approach not only to your yoga practice on your mat , but create the depth of yoga practice off the mat in daily life.
Doing anything Long and Slow is deep because it cultivates insight into what it is you are doing in life, it reveals where you create ease and where you create suffering. This is powerful because when you become aware of it , you can make the changes required to find contentment. Although this takes effort , it is worth it because it helps you find ease.
Enjoy your practice
Namaste
Tammy