Twisting Ourselves Into Knots

When we think of yoga, at least before we take a class, we often think of someone twisted into a human pretzel. Like this:

– or some of those really crazy ones where you can’t quite figure out what leg is connected where. That’s the physical version of tying oneself in a knot, but we can do it to ourselves without ever leaving our chairs, can’t we? Right now we are trying to plan for the seemingly infinite possibilities of the next few months, looking into a crystal ball to try to understand how we can continue to fulfill our organizational missions safely, and working to sort out what needs to be done for ourselves, our family, and or colleagues. It’s no wonder if we have twisted ourselves into metaphorical knots or that we might have quite a collection of physical knots in our backs and necks. It’s a wonderful paradox that a physical twist is a perfect solution for the results of those mental twists and turns.

And, it doesn’t take turning oneself into a pretzel to get the full benefits of a twist. I have two favorite twists – one lying on the ground and one seated. Both of them are easy twists, accessible to all of us as places to start. According to yoga teacher Rodney Yee, “Twists allow you to be soft, fluid, and organic in our body movements. When you use force in a twist, it reveals how your mind is often directed and determined, reminding you to lead more from your center – your belly – and simply observe from your mind.”

Take a moment to transfer that idea from the physical to the mental. Think of the difference in taking action when you aren’t sure that it’s the right thing to do (forced), versus making a decision when it comes from your center, your values in other words (organic). What a difference in the way these feel and in your confidence that you are making the best decision possible.

In the coming weeks and months, all of us, whether or not we are working on campus, will be making decisions based on incomplete information. For some of us, these decisions will be for ourselves and our family and friends. Others of us will add our responsibilities to students, staff, and entire institutions into the mix. It will be easy to twist ourselves into knots trying to figure out what is the best thing to do, especially as best for one may not be best for another. I hope you will remember the idea from yoga of moving from your center, of deciding based on what you know is important and right. It won’t make the decision any easier, but it may help you feel more at ease, help you trust your ability to embrace the future as challenging as it will be.

Twists and turns will always come, but we can learn to move into them with suppleness and openness rather than twisting ourselves into knots.

Take care,

Gage

Meditation