Iyengar Yoga for Grief & Anxiety | 45 min

Iyengar Yoga for Grief & Anxiety

Yoga is often defined as union, the union of mind and body. It offers us a pathway for unity both within ourselves and beyond ourselves.

Yoga teaches us how to be an integrated whole, connecting our little 's' self with our captial 's' Self. It teaches us how to observe, listen, self-reflect, and be in dialogue. These skills help us feel whole on a personal level but also help us meaningfully connect with the world we are a part of.

I am so saddened by the state of affairs in Israel and Gaza. The accounts of what is happening are horrific, and from my comfortable seat of privilege, incomprehensible.

I have dear family and friends in Israel and my heart aches for them. My heart aches for the Israeli hostages and their families. My heart aches for all the innocent Israelis who have been terrorized by Hamas and are grieving unfathomable loss.

My heart also aches for the Palestinian people who have lost loved ones because of this horrendous war, and at least a million of them who have been displaced.

My heart is broken from what has happened, what is happening, and equally fearful about what is to come.

I yearn for unity, both within and beyond.

And so…I have turned to what I know, my yoga.

In this YouTube video, I’m not teaching as I usually do but rather asking you to join me in practice so that together, on the mat, we can be a symbolic expression of the collective unified whole.

This particular practice is one that I turn to in times of despair. I have found that it helps quell my anxiety. I offer a few thoughts for reflection, mainly pertaining to the symbolism of the asanas, but much of the practice is in silence. At the end of it, you’ll hear a beautiful rendition of Hine Matov, performed by my cousin, April Lavine.

The verse she sings is translated: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for people to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)

In times of so much darkness, holding on to hope can be fleeting.

I was able to draw some light from this yoga practice and the beautiful melody. My hope is that you can as well.

xo, /stephanie.

#iyengaryogaforpeace #iyengaryogaforgrief #iyengaryogaforanxiety

--
🎶 MUSIC: For more music from April Lavine, please visit her SoundCloud page:   / user-376624549  

⭐ FREEBIE: Shopping for props can be overwhelming. But incorporating props into your Iyengar Yoga practice can be incredibly liberating! I created this free guide to help you make informed choices: https://studiopoyoga.ck.page/e18e5a8866

⭐ IYENGAR YOGA FUNDAMENTALS: Start at the beginning and enjoy a lifelong practice! If you have a cranky back, stiff neck, are overweight, anxious, or simply don’t look, feel, or resonate with the images of yoga on social media, I invite you to practice with me! In this online course, I teach you how Iyengar Yoga online can provide you with the tools you need to prioritize your health and elevate your wellbeing. https://studiopoyoga.com/fundamentals

--
Stephanie Tencer/Studio Po Yoga Corp. - Disclaimer

Please consult your physician before taking on any new fitness regime. In participating in this exercise program, you agree that you are doing so at your own risk. You should understand that when participating in any exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. Please be mindful and listen to your body. In voluntarily participating in these exercises, you assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Stephanie Tencer and Studio Po Yoga Corp. from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of their negligence.