.... and you will learn a lot just by finishing [each exercise]."
This excerpt, taken from Back to Creative Writing School (BCWS), resonated loudly with me last night and compelled me to examine the subject (of tenacity), not only from a writer's view point, but also in connection with yoga.
I confess, after everything I said about the distractions of Black Friday and yesterday, Cyber Monday, I did in fact take advantage of a free download of BCWS, with kind courtesy of its author, Bridget Whelan - thank you, Bridget - and I've been hooked on the lessons therein ever since.
According to Collins Concise, Tenacious is defined as: holding firmly, retentive, stubborn, persistent, holding together firmly, cohesive, tending to stick or adhere.
Whilst Bridget suggests that one of the attributes a writer needs in order to carry out his/her role effectively is "tenacity", the same can be said for the practice of yoga.
I've already mentioned (in previous posts) that yoga practice is about the journey, not the destination and that, with patience, comes ease of travelling on that journey. To my mind, patience and tenacity are inextricably linked and both are relevant in writing AND in yoga.
I wanted to bring you some yoga postures today which perfectly demonstrate this link between the two "practices". I've already shown you different variations of these postures, now I'm adding a bind.
Binding postures, in yoga, means that your hands are linked in a way that causes your shoulders and torso to rotate - in other words, your body is bound and constricted by your arms and hands. Now, of course, this does require a degree of flexibility, both physically (so that you can get into the pose) and mentally (so that you can embrace and remain in the pose). BUT, fear not, I'm not going to have you doing contortionist acts (just yet)! And, for safety's sake, never attempt the postures before being warmed up (with, say, a few Sun Salutations), and certainly not if you have any injuries to the joints (knees and spine, in particular). That said, I don't want to put you off, and you will see from the photographs below that there are a selection of different levels from which to choose. No video today as workmen drilling right outside my house curtailed any kind of filming activity, such as it is!
If you do decide to have a go at any of the above exercises, I think you will agree that the dictionary's definition of "tenacity" firmly applies to these postures - you will feel firmly bound and constricted (so don't forget to breathe). And, in reaching and finding your limit (or finishing, as Bridget states), you will also have learnt a lot. Adhere to your practice and try again tomorrow.
I leave you with this quote from Louis Pasteur:
Be patient.
This excerpt, taken from Back to Creative Writing School (BCWS), resonated loudly with me last night and compelled me to examine the subject (of tenacity), not only from a writer's view point, but also in connection with yoga.
I confess, after everything I said about the distractions of Black Friday and yesterday, Cyber Monday, I did in fact take advantage of a free download of BCWS, with kind courtesy of its author, Bridget Whelan - thank you, Bridget - and I've been hooked on the lessons therein ever since.
According to Collins Concise, Tenacious is defined as: holding firmly, retentive, stubborn, persistent, holding together firmly, cohesive, tending to stick or adhere.
Whilst Bridget suggests that one of the attributes a writer needs in order to carry out his/her role effectively is "tenacity", the same can be said for the practice of yoga.
I've already mentioned (in previous posts) that yoga practice is about the journey, not the destination and that, with patience, comes ease of travelling on that journey. To my mind, patience and tenacity are inextricably linked and both are relevant in writing AND in yoga.
I wanted to bring you some yoga postures today which perfectly demonstrate this link between the two "practices". I've already shown you different variations of these postures, now I'm adding a bind.
Binding postures, in yoga, means that your hands are linked in a way that causes your shoulders and torso to rotate - in other words, your body is bound and constricted by your arms and hands. Now, of course, this does require a degree of flexibility, both physically (so that you can get into the pose) and mentally (so that you can embrace and remain in the pose). BUT, fear not, I'm not going to have you doing contortionist acts (just yet)! And, for safety's sake, never attempt the postures before being warmed up (with, say, a few Sun Salutations), and certainly not if you have any injuries to the joints (knees and spine, in particular). That said, I don't want to put you off, and you will see from the photographs below that there are a selection of different levels from which to choose. No video today as workmen drilling right outside my house curtailed any kind of filming activity, such as it is!
 |
| Bound Seated Twist |
 |
| Bound Seated Twist (Reverse) |
 |
| Cow Face Pose |
 |
| Cow Face Pose (Reverse) |
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| Marichyasana C |
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| Marichyasana C (Reverse) |
 |
| Bound Triangle |
 |
| Bound Triangle (Reverse) |
 |
| Kneeling Eagle |
 |
| Kneeling Eagle |
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| Bound Extended Side Angle (Reverse) |
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| Bound Extended Side Angle |
If you do decide to have a go at any of the above exercises, I think you will agree that the dictionary's definition of "tenacity" firmly applies to these postures - you will feel firmly bound and constricted (so don't forget to breathe). And, in reaching and finding your limit (or finishing, as Bridget states), you will also have learnt a lot. Adhere to your practice and try again tomorrow.
I leave you with this quote from Louis Pasteur:
"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal.
My strength lies solely in my tenacity."
Until next time.
:)
:)
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