I too had always done everything with my shoulders. All my energy was locked into my upper back and lifting my shoulders led me to believe I could carry more, and be stronger. Furthermore, by not breathing, I could concentrate better...
A few months ago, I spotted a flyer announcing a new yoga class starting at the community centre near me. I had been suffering from a pain in the neck and left shoulder for a while and I thought yoga, with its well-known physical and mental virtues, might provide some relief, so I signed up. Not to mention that my will power to go jogging had been withering away lately...
Absolutely wonderful is probably the best way I could describe it! I thought it would help tone my body and focus my mind, but I had no idea it would actually reach some rather deeply buried issues. Working on my breathing and posture, I felt a sense of release when holding my shoulders down and filling my lungs right to the top. This was a real challenge for me as years of bad posture had caused my shoulders to lock and roll forward, not only giving me a hunched look but causing terrible upper back pains. I immediately experienced a sense of well-being and tears came rolling down. I was rather surprised at this, I certainly did not expect such a strong outburst of emotion.
My teacher, the brilliant Jo Kuszmar, explains that 'good posture is not only about the physical: it brings with it improved confidence and a sense of well-being.' Standing with a hunch only conveys to others that one is in a position of self-defense, protecting one's back, therefore in a position of weakness. I needed to stand up straight thus increase my self-confidence and my personal space.
Like the ballet dancer on Liz Gilbert's podcast, I find myself with a new mission of breathing deeply, releasing my shoulders, thus improving my posture, in order to improve my creative flow and, well, my entire life! I only went in for a bit of exercise!
Yoga - Every Thursday 10-11am at the South Oxford Community Centre, Lake Street, Oxford, OX1 4RP - Jo Kuszmar (07723 027359 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
