by Rosie Bason, Mullumbimby, NSW

I recently attended an esoteric yoga workshop on quality of being versus quantity of doing.

Unlike the yoga classes that are all about postures and breath, Esoteric yoga allows you the time and space to connect to your body and be still.

I learnt so much about myself – it was awesome. Since the workshop I have been observing myself throughout the day.

For example, when I wake up in the morning I go straight into this autopilot (which I wasn’t even aware of up until this last week)… my mind goes into thinking, “what will I make for breakfast?” “what will I pack for my daughter’s lunch?” “what do I have to DO today?” – and then I jump out of bed and start DOING. I never stopped to feel how I was; it was all just Do, Do, DO!

This week I have woken up, ignored the impulse to DO, and just stayed with me in my bed to feel me, to feel my being.  (It hasn’t been an easy task, as I feel that I am a creature of habit!)

When I take the time to feel my body, to check in with how I’ve slept, if I have any aches or pains, and to gently observe if there are any issues troubling my mind, it is such a lovely experience. It gives me a chance to re-connect to me.

I am curious as to why I have avoided this connection, because it feels great. Why did I choose instead to Do and never stop to just BE? Is it because we are recognised for what we DO instead of who we ARE?

It doesn’t take long in the morning just to BE, and then I can get up and do all the things that need to be done; but instead of doing them on autopilot, I am doing them with me.

When I do things with me, I do them feeling my body, and this way I cannot ignore or over-ride how my body is feeling.

I have also been taking moments during the day to stop what I am doing and to just BE. It doesn’t take long, just three minutes and it has been a great practice.

Thank you to Serge and the beautiful people that are offering the yoga workshops and sessions, I have been able to feel more of me, and I am loving it.