Wise Practice Introduction

Introduction

In Wise Practice, you’ll find nuggets of teaching wisdom that are applicable across most teaching situations. These are core teachings that have been passed down from teacher to student for many years, spreading through the majority of lineages and styles. They are teachings that have been said in many ways by many teachers for many years because they are foundational to the practice of yoga. When we’ve found the teachings presented in particularly unique ways, we’ve included attribution.

Practicing Postures for a Purpose

Remember, it doesn’t matter how deep into a posture you go. What does matter is who you are when you get there. – Max Strom

• Asana serves a purpose. But of course, it’s not to simply be better at asana! (See also: The Purpose of Asana)
• Individual students will find different practices be challenging. It may be releasing into a backbend, softening into a forward bend, lifting off into an arm balance, respecting their limitations or sitting still. Practice provides the opportunity to observe, try different strategies and awaken.

Different Postures, Same Purpose

Some bodies require more accessible postures and others require more challenging postures, but both have the same outcome: they help practitioners feel more stable, comfortable and confident in their own skin… Basic postures and challenging postures have largely similar effects… different people can access the same experiences through different postures relative to their [individual situation]. – Jason Crandell

Embracing Difficulty

When you embrace the difficult elements of a  pose, you will improve your ability to practice ekagrata, or one-pointed focus. – Natasha Rizopoulos,