Working with Injury

Lack of true knowledge is the source of all pains and sorrows. -- Yoga Sutra 2:24

To study yoga is to take a course in studying yourself. As we approach the end of the program, I'm noticing how my asana practice has changed as I've progressed in my breathing practice meditation. I like to take the classes more slowly. I'm not as rushed to jump into poses. I linger in poses that I enjoy or provide more stretch. I concentrate more on the poses that cause me discomfort or uneasiness.

I noticed in the last week or so that a nagging soreness in my knee has been flaring up a bit more that usual as well. I noticed that my alignment in my hips has been off more than usual and that could be causing my issue. It feels a little like I have a sick child with me that I must attend to while still practicing my asana and breath practices. Being ever mindful to take it easy on the sore knee while making sure the rest of the family (limbs) gets what they need.

While focusing on other things, I let my alignment go. I need to reconnect with my asana to maintain a safe practice and healthy body to better be able to progress in in my other practices.

So now I'm looking at my practice a little differently again. To make sure not to cause further injury of the knee and to assist in it's rehab while still being present through all the asana I'm practicing.

My teacher said last night in class: "In yoga there is no destination, just a continuous circle." So perhaps I'm circling around back to beginner status again to learn what I forgot or didn't catch the last few times around.