Band practice was cancelled for tonight, and I had a yoga make-up class to take, so I went to Suzie Hurley's Yoga III class that meets from 8:00 to 9:30. I took that class for a whole session last summer, when it was on a different day and time that worked better for me, so I know many of the people in the class.
It's an advanced class, at a relatively late hour, and I had been tired during the day, so I didn't want to knock myself out. I decided at the onset to keep my effort back a bit from the edge, to not push myself hard, but to stay within myself and keep a feeling of ease in the practice.
I succeeded in my intention, for the most part. I was careful and deliberate in all my movements, and more aware than normal of times when I began to push, or felt my effort or the intensity of sensation was going too far. I don't think the approach limited me in any way, and my poses were as full as ever.
The main difference was that at the end of the night I felt more refreshed and relaxed than I might have expected after an advanced class. Some time ago, I asked Suzie how she approached a difficult practice that pushed her limits, to avoid injury. She said the key was to work at an 8 or 9 out of 10 in terms of effort - not to let the effort get out of control. I think for the most part tonight I worked at a 6 or 7, with occasional moments working a bit harder. Overall, I accomplished what I set out to do, and had a healthy, productive practice.
No comments:
Post a Comment