EXPRESSION

Intention: EXPRESSSION

We tend to associate expression with spoken or written words, maybe with art and music. But, the truest expression of a person is in their movement. During this class, practice integrity in each posture. My hope is that you’ll find purposeful expression on and off your mat.

--- PRACTICE EXPRESSION ---

At various times during your practice, deepen your current posture to find what we yogis call your “fullest expression”. Take an advanced option, with or without permission by your instructor. Express open arms while the rest of the class has their hands at heart center. Take a bind when the rest of the class is reaching their arms open.

Tune into exactly what your body and mind need most - and express it!

CHILD’S POSE: Live life to express, not to impress.

RUNNER’S LUNGE: Keep your thoughts positive, because your thoughts become your words.

GORILLA POSE: We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak.

BALANCING: Well timed silence is the most commanding expression.

CROW POSE: Success in any endeavor depends on the degree to which it is an expression of your truest self.

HALF PIGEON: A speech should not just be a sharing of information, but a sharing of yourself.

WARRIOR ONE: A smile is the universal expression of kindness.

WIDE-LEGGED FORWARD FOLD: Don’t confuse emotion with weakness. Emotions are the expression of who you are at your deepest place. Honor your emotions and the emotions of each person around you.

SPINE STRENGTHENING SERIES: Spend a little extra time strengthening your spine and opening up your heart and your throat.

RECLINED BOUND ANGLE: Eloquent speech is not from lips to ears, but rather from heart to heart.

OUT OF SVASANA: Everything changes when you start to emit your own frequency rather than absorbing the frequencies around you, when you start imprinting your intent on the universe rather than receiving an imprint from existence.

I hope you are inspired to take your intentions off your mat and back out into the world.

Namaste.

--- PERSONAL INSPIRATION ---

Why EXPRESSION?

So much of my life has been spent living on the surface. Recently, it’s become more and more important to me for my words and outward expression to directly reflect my truest thoughts and feelings. As I practice purposeful expression, I hope to encourage and empower my students to do the same.

Over the past couple weeks I have been faced with specific encounters that have tested my ability to express myself. I’ve been having important conversations with colleagues and supervisors regarding the path of my career. A friend of mine continually tries to set up a consultation with me in hopes to sell beauty products. I’ve also returned to therapy in support of a family member in need.

In each of the mentioned interactions, I aim to be candid. But the truth is that I cannot HELP but think about what other people want to hear. This instinct really interferes with my ability to remain open and honest. I clam up, or I avoid certain people, or I procrastinate e-mail communication, or worse; I say exactly what it is I think they want to hear.

“Yes, let’s set up a date so you can show me that new eyebrow tool.” (In my head: I have no money to buy anything but CVS makeup. In my heart: My eyebrows are freakin’ on fleek. I don’t need that sh*t anyway.)

“Sure, I’ll think more on your offer.” (In my head: you wanna pay me WAY less than I am worth. In my heart: I have little-to-no reason to believe that you’re looking out for my best interest. My instincts are to remain skeptical.)

The result? I have literally stifled my voice. I am currently nursing a bad cough and my voice is as good as gone. For days I’ve been chugging tea and sucking on cough drops. Come to find out, as I journal-ed this morning for the first time in over a week; this is not your every day run-of-the-mill seasons-changing head cold. This is my throat chakra completely out of balance.

Therapy is definitely one of the few places I feel really deeply honest. It’s never easy, but being in the presence of a professional, unassuming, non-judgemental, unbiased third party makes the whole expressing yourself thing about as easy as it can possibly be. I highly recommend it. Marrying a gentle, unassuming, supportive husband is another path I highly recommend. Leaning on a grounded, understanding, open-hearted sister is another great way to express yourself. I’ve got a sister holding my right hand and a husband holding my left, and I’d never give them up for anything in the world.

If you have family, biological or chosen, or if you have therapy, then start there. Express it all. Don’t hold back. Ultimately, when it comes to conversations with less-than-familiar faces, you’re likely to express your truest self with ease.

Live to express, not to impress.

I hope you are inspired to live your life to the fullest.

Namaste.