“Everything that we experience every day leaves a long-lasting impression.” – Pharell Williams
Weekly Focus: Samskaras (habits and impressions)
Samskaras are the subtle impressions of past actions or recollections that impact the way that we move through life now. These color our day-to-day thoughts and actions, and may unknowingly become habitual responses in our daily life.
Samskaras make up a large part of who we are in the subconscious, and how we navigate the world unconsciously. These are a part of our overall composition. Choosing to periodically take a look at our habitual thoughts, actions and reactions allows us to reflect on where they may stem from. It also allows us to consider if they are worth reconsidering and adjusting.
Samskaras might shape themselves into narratives we build around ourselves, other individuals, relationship or situations in life. They might shape themselves into the ways that we react to commentary, action or inaction. They may shape themselves into the decisions that we make and the actions that follow. Perhaps even routines and schedules that have been built out in our daily living.
Not all samskaras are negative, but they definitely are not all positive. We have a choice — to choose to live in ignorance of the negative patterns that have evolved within us, or to see them as a part of our lived experience, to manage them, and adjust. Are you one who ignores, or do you face the sometimes uncomfortable impressions head on? How will you interact with your samskaras?
Passive Pose of the Week: Makarasana (crocodile pose)
Makarasana is a less common pose of rest. This week, you might challenge yourself to break from your habits and consider an alternative to the routine of your practice. When you are invited to rest during a class, perhaps you take Makarasana, or perhaps you use it as an alternative to a typical Savasana.
- Lie down on the floor on your belly.
- Stack one hand atop the other, making a pillow for your forehead.
- Rest the forehead on top of the hands.
- Move your feet as wide as the mat. If it feels comfortable, you may turn the feet out towards the edges of the mat.
- Lie here for 3 – 7 minutes, breathing softly. Take your time to come out of the pose.
We often take savasana lying on our backs, but who says we can’t enjoy a space of rest of our bellies? Depending on the day or the practice, lying on your belly may be axactly what you need to cut out excess distraction and settle into a place of softness. As you lie here, you can focus on the soft pressure of your belly against the floor as you breathe. How does this change your experience in savasana?
Active Pose of the Week: Catur Svanasana (dolphin pose)
Catur Svanasana can be an interesting alternative to a plank or down dog position. A great choice for those needing a break for their wrists, for anyone seeking to engage their shoulders more, or to possibly find more intensity in their hamstring stretch.
- Begin in a tabletop position on hands and knees.
- Lower your elbows to the ground. You may clasp your hands or press your palms into the floor.
- Tuck your toes, lift your knees and straighthen the legs to any degree.
- Walk the feet in closer to your body until you feel an appropriate hamstring stretch and activation in the shoulders for your body.
- Look forward slightly.
- Hold for 3 – 5 breaths and switch sides.
Depending on the length of your neck and arms, sometimes this pose becomes a bit like a headstand. To avoid your rest resting in the pose, and to differ this from headstand, strongly press your arms into the ground and look forward. Allow the push of your arms to “lift” you from the floor. How does that feel?
Join us in class this week to practice observing your samskaras. See the full schedule HERE.
To get weekly updates from our parent brand, Myriad Fitness + Yoga, follow our weekly podcast “For Time.”
