October 2026 · Off the Mat · by Tiffany Bergin, C-IAYT, CIYT
Our practice can give us a sense of direction, sometimes when we need it most.
In asana, we learn that movement has direction. We ground through the heel to extend the spine. We spread from the center to the sides. We draw our attention from the outside in. These actions require attention and intention; they don’t simply happen on their own.
The breath also has direction. In pranayama, we become increasingly aware of its movement and of prana, the vital energy that moves within and throughout the body. With practice, we become more sensitive to these subtle movements and learn to work with them consciously.
Perhaps this is one of the ways our practice continues beyond the mat.
We practice directing the body. We practice directing the breath. And, little by little, we practice directing the mind.
When our attention wanders, we bring it back. When we feel scattered, we find something steady. When we feel dull or stuck, we create movement. The practice gives us a place to experience how attention, intention, and energy can be directed rather than simply pulled along.
And then we can begin to ask the same questions in our daily lives.
Where is my energy going? Can I direct my attention into aligned action? What grounds me, and from that place, where do I want to move?
Companion piece: Vrksasana — Tree Pose. All issues: Wisdom Library archive.
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