A Relationship with Misalignment

A lot of the yoga I've practiced has focused significantly on physical alignment, which both protects the body and allows greater expression and expansion of the pose. The one time I've been able to study with John Friend, he noted how the physical alignment of the body occurs at such a cellular level that it truly makes us "happier" beings. Another great teacher of mine also noted that once you find alignment, "you can't go back." While there's truth in that statement, it's not always followed. And it reminded me of a bad romantic relationship. We've all had them.

You know the kind, right? Deep inside, we know it's not right. Sometimes we even leave, seeking greater alignment in our lives. However, there's comfort in the familiar, and we are often drawn back to what's easy and known. Eventually, the misalignment creates pain and discomfort. Some live with the pain for years, even decades. Others are spurred to truly put an end to the dysfunctional relationship.

Such is my relationship with misalignment. Sitting for 9 hours a day in front of a computer really makes it easy to drift into the comfortable and easy position of slumped soldiers and protruding lumbar, which are the sites of pain for millions in our society. It takes a lot of effort and awareness to break the pattern. Even after years of awareness, I slip into my old habits.

Some of us are not ready to accept the dysfunction that exists in our relationship with our body. I have tried to explain to co-workers why they had a flare up of pain in their lower back, but I realize it is a futile discussion when their eyes glaze over as I speak of "exercises" they can do to make their back healthier. Their time isn't yet right, but it will undoubtedly come.

I think there is an innate desire for alignment in our lives, whether it be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Too often our relationship with misalignment in any of these forms becomes so familiar and comfortable it is the norm. But eventually there is pain, which is our cue to seek alignment. Because only through alignment can we find greater expansion and expression of ourselves in our lives.

Namaste,

Jacki