Surfing yogis
Chantal and I were blessed with the opportunity to spend the final days of January in Costa Rica immersing ourselves in sun, study and surf. Opening to grace, Anusara’s first principle was easy to comprehend amidst the enthusiasm and kindness of the ticos, the warmth of the sun and the grandeur of the ocean, but all five Universal Principles of Alignment came to life when I was watching the surfers.
As a surfer, it is absolutely necessary to apply the first principle and open to grace. This involves recognizing the vast power and beauty of the sea. The best surfers in the world never try to master the ocean, but rather cultivate a deep respect for their playground. When I bring this idea to my yoga mat, I practice turning both inwards and outwards with great respect for myself and for the world around me. Rather than trying to master my body, I surrender to the lustre of my own heart and its deep connection to the universal heart. I move from the inside. I used to undervalue this first principle of alignment, as I thought it didn’t really make a difference physically. Over the years, however, I have come to realize that opening to grace matters in a radical way. When I am able to shift from the inside, my efforts are tempered and I am able to express each posture with fullness and ease.
The next principle is muscular energy, which means to hug or draw in. The surfer naturally does this so that she can stay connected to the board within the strength of the ocean waves. At the same time the surfer always remembers to surrender to something greater. If the surfer forgets and loses sensitivity to the sea she will inevitably lose connection to her board and miss out on the experience of the ocean’s grand play. Similarly, when the yogi forgets to connect to the heart, his postures ultimately become hard and tense. Naturally, there will be times when the surfer falls and the yogi loses sight of the bigger picture, which is simply a gentle reminder to keep practicing. Yoga is really just a practice of remembering, awakening and returning home.
The final principle, the fifth principle, is organic energy, which is an extension from the inner body that radiates out in all directions. Ultimately organic energy balances muscular energy. When the surfer catches the wave he celebrates the expansive freedom of the heart. The strength remains but with peace and lightness. The play and dance within the surf is a beautiful expression of effort and surrender working in harmony. The yogi lets all of his gifts shine from the inside out to inspire the world around him. He finds balance within the energy that draws in and the energy that goes out into the world. Yoga is everywhere, it is on the four corners of the mat, on the surf board, on Bloor street, on your own, with your beloved, with your friends, and with strangers. The more we practice these principles in whatever playground we desire, we can cultivate the ability to apply them in the areas of life that are most challenging to do so. Last week I experienced the ocean as my teacher, this week, I will stay open to discover new teachers all around.
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