So often I take a look out at my class and I see strained faces, clenched jaws and that look in the eye that says "I can do this (even if I can't or shouldn't)!"
Relax! I remind them they are in class voluntarily and yoga isn't meant to add one more stress to their day.
Today I took some time off from my regular vinyasa practice and attended an Acro Jam. If you don't know what acro yoga is think Cirque Du Soleil. One person is the "base" and one person is the "flyer". Both base and flyer require core strength, upper body strength and trust.
And a willingness to have fun. And an incredible sense of trust.
Let's be honest, if I'm going to come into full dhanurasana while balancing only on the bases feet - I better trust him not to drop me. And if my base allows me to soar in flying bird he better be able to believe I have the core strength to lift myself and understand what hollow body means.
But most of all, we both need to just relax and have fun. I might fall ( I didn't today by the way), but as long as we can laugh then it's all good.
There is a therapeutic aspect to acro yoga that incorporates Thai massage. We didn't get in to that part of it today. Today's Acro Jam was all about having fun and flying.
