Parvati Magazine October 2014- Equilibrium | Page 9

YOGA stant source of internal chaos. This internal chaos can take many different forms; for some, it is a silent buzzing, for others a screaming force. For all, it is a form of internal drama, which can be understood in terms of fear, anxiety, depression, dissatisfaction, low selfesteem, and anger. We tend to try to balance this internal drama through creating external drama, which most often takes shape in the form of conflict, the projection of our fears onto others, overexertion of our bodies, and overachievement through perfectionism. It is understandable, then, that we become overly driven, overly harsh on our bodies, and that we project our fears and insecurities onto those around us. We are simply trying to feel more balanced. Through matching our internal chaos with external drama, we feel a false sense of equilibrium. We have ideals of wanting to enjoy simplicity, peace and calm; however, how often is it that we find ourselves feeling more unsettled when we are not overly exerting ourselves, physically, mentally and/or emotionally? A simple example can be seen in our yoga practice, where we are often drawn to the yang/ physical exertion of the practice, yet feel overwhelmed in the more yin/restful aspects of the practice. The energetic vigor, the push, feels good, yet sitting with ourselves throughout the practice is often challenging. Our practice of yoga can be a useful tool in observing this false sense of equilibrium we have developed as a coping strategy. Through the practice of acceptance, compassion, and observation, we learn that there is no shame or blame required for the patterns we observe within ourselves. Yoga can teach us to address our deep core beliefs- these fears of failure, rejection and abandonment- that are at the root of our need for external drama. Each day is an opportunity to use our mats as a place of self-exploration, whereby we can observe our core beliefs, our internal dialogue, our emotions and our physical tensions. It is an opportunity for us to work on ourselves, to sit with ourselves, even –and most importantly – when we want to run. Over time, this self-development allows us to feel more comfortable in our own bodies, and more connected to our own selves. Gradually, we open up to the possibility of being less dependent on the need for the external buzz. We slowly observe that our tendencies toward conflict, drama, overexertion, and overachievement aren’t as necessary as they once were. We can seek solace, and sit more comfortably in it. This is equilibrium. Ella Isakov is a humanitarian and certified passion for communitycertified Crystal Ellis is anis a Toronto-based psychotherapist (MSW, in the Toronto Chantal Wade early 30s Yoga gal with a yoga instructor RSW), and area. She teaches Vinyasa flow, Restorative, and kids yoga classes. She in a continuous learning. She can always instructor. She has been a practising yoga instructor and certified pilates be found with her head in a book, is apsychotherapist in Toronto since 2005,over ononbeen teaching yoga and leader pose, or sharing her musings and has the committee of “Yoga silly yogain the Toronto yoga community and her blog or Twitter. With a fiery Unite,” a yoga initiative that views her own self-development asgreatness, personality she constantly strives to motivate others to see their awareness pilates since 2011. Chantal holds fundraising events to create an ongoing for diverse non-profit organizations at the Toronto area much from journey at while fascinating process, to laugh in herself. Followso thaton her those with and always making sure and is honoured to learn along are creating change. Ella is also a Phoenix Rising yoga therapist, writes articles for several yogicrystal.wordpress.com or on Twitter at @YogiCrystal. whom she works. magazines, is a certified raw food chef, and leads holistic yoga retreats several times a year. For more information about Chantal, please visit www.chantalwade.com. For more information on Ella, please visit yoginipath.com and stellarkidsyoga.com.