A great benefit of yoga asana practice is the demand it poses to the mind-body system to counteract the habitual ways we use our bodies. Often, habit comes without heed, and mindless movement is a certain gateway to stress, strain, or injury.

Instead, with a grounded and well-guided hatha yoga practice, we enter an agreement to purposefully place ourselves in shapes and movements that create challenge without creating stress. Performing a new task or making an unusual body shape may create momentary discomfort, and if we're tuned in well enough, we can discern problematic physical pain from the discomfort of simply being in a new moment. It's like wandering through a new town – just because we've never been there before doesn't mean we're lost or in danger, and if we pay well enough attention, we can navigate the unknown streets with ease and enjoyment.

In class with Amir this week, he likened this process to juggling. In order to keep the balls in the air, the juggler must keep watch, stay grounded, and keep connected to the moment. Like so much of life, the payoff happens when we can do a complex thing methodically, intentionally, and with a calm and clear presence - even if and especially when it's hard.

Make some time for yourself to explore new shapes and apply fresh attention to the complex miracle that is your mind-body-breath-spirit. Click here to check the schedule and make your yoga plans for the week.