“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” – Abraham Lincoln
If there’s one thing in life that we have control over, it’s our ability to choose how we see things. Our perspective is one of the only things that no one can change or take away from us (unless we let them). Each one of us has the ability to choose whether we want to see the glass half empty or the glass half full. Each one of us has the power to view life’s challenges and setbacks either as a negative thing or as a tool for self-empowerment and as an opportunity to learn and grow from.
Having trouble seeing the silver lining? Yoga can help. This week’s featured classes will help elevate our energy and open us to view the world from a different perspective.
- Overwhelmed? Shift Your Perspective with Tiffany Cruikshank: A meditation to shift your perspective. This is perfect for when you’re feeling down or overwhelmed or if you have high stress in your life or just want to shift to a more positive outlook. We tend to see the negative stuff easier than the positive so sometimes it takes a more proactive approach to shift your perspective for your day. I like to do this one regularly first thing in the morning to set my mindset for the day. It has a simple meditation tool to help you create the space to shift your perspective. Repeat regularly.
- Strength from the Ground Up with Alex: Simply stay on the ground. Doing an entire yoga class on the ground will give a new perspective in stabilizing both the physical body and the emotional body. Gain support and strength from the ground up! Props Needed: One strap and one bolster.
- Flow and Restore with Taylor Harkness: Become immersed in a smooth, yet powerful flow that unites lunging sequences with arm balances, back bends, hanuman (splits) work and standing one legged balancing poses. After the heat builds and the muscles are primed, spend a solid portion of the class in deep, yin style stretches to unwind and restore. After a long savasana, reawaken to a new body and a fresh perspective. Props Needed: Two blocks. – Props Suggested: A strap.
- A Whole Other Perspective with Amy Ippoliti: Approach “hand to foot backbends” (such as full pigeon, natarajasana, eka pada dhanurasana and supta natarajasana) not as the goal but instead as the journey and process of opening your body for the attempt! Modifications abound, so grab a strap, a blanket and have a wall near by.
- Steadiness & Perspective with Darren Rhodes: Perspective is a precious resource that is often lacking in the midst of life’s unexpected twists and turns. This class requires and therefore offers steadiness and strength.
- Daily Shift with Kia Miller: Big breakthroughs come from small things attended to over time. Begin or end every day with this sequence designed to clear away obstacles of the mind and align your energy. The simple, yet powerful exercises and breath work in this class initiate a shift in perspective; one that helps us to remember the sacredness of life and to receive the grace of being alive. The effects are cumulative, each day building on the next. Props Suggested: A blanket to sit on.
- Yoga to Change Your Perspective with Kathryn Budig: Shift your attitude and perspective along with your hamstrings and hip flexors. We explore the potential for growth, length, space and change in
our minds and lower bodies leading up to Uttitha Hasta Padangustasana (Standing Hand to Big Toe) and Vashistasana II (Side Plank II). - Shifting Our Perspective with Elena Brower: With strong awareness of our foundation, an efficient and thorough sequence of standing poses, forearm stand, abdominal strengthening, handstand, vinyasa flow, twists. headstand with variations, virasana, forward bends and a brief meditation. Shift your vantage point and find more equanimity and acceptance in any moment.
