Strength and Grace

Yesterday at The Yoga Centre, I went to open studio. There were just three of us, all practicing primary series. I practiced next to a friend who has been a dancer for years. I've practiced with her a few times in the past, but never right next to her.

I couldn't help but notice the grace and lightness she brought to each pose. I was focused on my own practice and my own driste, but I could see her in my peripheral vision, softening into each asana.  After practice, I began to reflect on my own grace. Or lack thereof.

When I practice in a classroom setting or in a public setting, 9 times out of 10 someone will comment to me afterwards that I have a "strong" practice. But I rarely am complimented on the beauty of my practice. (Not that I look for these compliments or need the approval.... it's just something I've noticed.) I've always been a strong girl. I get comments from time to time on my biceps or my calves or my back. It's just the way I'm built. With this strenth, I muscle myself through vinyasas and into poses. And it's very seldom that I feel a lightness or a softening in any pose. I don't have the bendiest of bodies. I have tight hips and tight psoas muscles. But should I be using my strength to compensate for this lack of flexibility? And example would be Upavishta Konasana. While on the ground, I'm pulling my sternum towards the floor with my hands. I am very careful to keep my hips grounded, but there really isn't much surrender or softening in this pose.

Maybe the grace is something that comes naturally over time. Or maybe I'll always be the strong one.

Comments

[Chris]

I'm with you on both counts. I'm always the "strong one", too. I figure that just puts us on a different path towards balance, those that are flexible are coming from another path but we'll meet in the middle. But strength has it’s benefits.

And I came to Ashtanga from Bikram because I saw/practiced with a woman who was the embodiment of grace. She had the practice I was looking for. I asked her after class about her practice and she directed me to an Ashtanga studio. I’m forever grateful to her.

[Susan hashem]

I am the graceful with no strength kind.
It would be nice to trade and see how the other half lives, no?

[Andrea]

Yeah...I've been told I had a "lovely" practice a couple times, but usually I just get the strong comments. And really, I don't think there's anything graceful about me..I've always been on the klutzy practice, but what I love, LOVE about Ashtanga is how strong it's made me. I had NO upper body strength before I started Ashtanga, and now I shock guys with my biceps! And, because it's all about lengethening muscles ashtangis don't generally look hulking and built, but damn are we strong!
--A

[Jenna]

Too true. It's funny because I used to lift weights 4 or 5 days a week. So I've always had muscle mass. But ashtanga has definitely given me a different body. I'm a heck of a lot "sleeker" than I was when I was lifting.

At least I don't ever have to worry about the wobbly underarms most women get as they grow older.... thanks to all those chatwaris!