Yoga Off the Mat

If you think yoga is only for the gym, yoga studio, or at your home think again. My Anusara Yogi, Dianne Falk, teaches us that what we experience On the Mat we should take with us to experience in our world Off the Mat. Calm, Peace, Tranquility, Vibrance ways of life on the mat can all be a part of our day to day epxeriences.

This weekend I used all I've learned in my 6 years of practice (still a novice at level 2) to face my fear of deep water.

Swimming at the Millbrook Quarry in Haymarket, Stephanie and Rob Colburn, coaches for Rehab to Racing told me to just float on my back and relax. Normally I would be flipping out.
The wetsuit helped but what I experienced was classic Svasana. On my back, arms at 45, legs relaxed and open, and closed my eyes. The warm Sun beaming on to my closed eyelids and warming my face. A cool breeze across the water to further enhance the moment. I lay there floating for about 1 minute but Oh what 1 minute can do for the soul. I was able to complete a circuit of the 630 yard course. Another way to just relax and keep the flow.

So I encourage you, Yoga or otherwise, what you experience On the Mat begin to experience Off the Mat. You will enrich you experience and may someine else.