Success in Yoga

More Than Just Flexibility

"Success in Yoga, as in life, may have more to do with opening our hearts than opening our hips". Donna Farhi 1997

The yoga mat, where we are attentive with an inward focus, offers the perfect space to see with clarity, when and how our heart closes. Practicing to keep it open towards ourselves, despite what we perceive as imperfect, is the first step in truly opening it to the world.  

Navigating Self-Judgment on the Mat

At some point in the journey of yoga practice, self-judgement and criticism come into play. It is not a question of whether this will happens but when. Some, as soon as they begin practicing, they are bombarded with thoughts of how imperfect they are.  While for others these thoughts can sneak in years later, once expectations have had a chance to root in their psyche. These three - expectation, criticism, self judgement - act as the catalysts to close the heart and dim the inner light of joy.

The Importance of Observation

So how do we go about it when we become aware of this? We observe without judgement everything that is happening, including the self-judgment.  

In a yoga class , we hear this phrase many times. ‘Observe without judgement’.  This is because noticing and listening to the body’s cues is what is needed to strengthen the link between body and mind, putting us in touch with our inner guidance.  Innocent acceptance then replaces harsh criticism and, in the absence of any mental interference, our heart stays open to ourselves.

Aha Moment

My favourite spiritual teacher often says: “judgement happens whether you like or not.” The first time I heard it, I was almost relieved as I had tried to keep judgement at bay in both yoga and in life with no success. I also knew there was something missing in her statement but I couldn’t figure out what, until I had an ‘aha’ moment. 

After contemplation what was truer for me: ‘Observation’ happens whether we like it or not. We cannot un-notice and un-see what is right in front of us. For example, in yoga I may notice that my hips are tight but my shoulders easily go through their full range of motion. In life, I may notice that someone acts with gentleness while another communicates harshly. 

I used to think that not judging meant not seeing these things or trying to see only the good. Today I think that:

Judgement = Observation + Positive or Negative Weight + Feelings of Superiority or Inferiority

Observation is factual and objective whereas judgement is emotional and subjective.

Opening Our Hearts Through Practice

Seeing our mental and emotional habits, which are clearly revealed on the mat, provide the key that opens our heart. A key that is needed whether we are in the process of improving our hip mobility or trying to heal a relationship,

If you enjoyed this, you can also read: Measuring Success in Yoga

Dorna Djenab Oct 2024