AAA Benefits

I routinely call on AAA to help ensure that my yoga class will be moving.

In fact, in a new class this week, AAA led us from the mat to the art box filled with construction paper and glue sticks.

There were no tow trucks or spark plugs involved. This AAA stands for Awareness, Ahimsa and Allowing. In other words, in each class, we move and we watch. We notice, we’re kind, and we let go, We see it in each other’s eyes.

Awareness
For example, instead of perfecting triangle pose, we step back and witness. How does a wide-legged stance feel? Notice if bracing one foot’s outer edge against a wall makes a difference. Becoming familiar with our various body-part shapes and what shape they’re in defines yoga practice.

To see the sun is to praise
your own eyes.  Rumi

Ahimsa
We don’t stop to identify, judge or bemoan a not-so-wide legged stance or crooked downward dog. We take note and take care. The Queen Mother of the yamas, or yogic ways of being, is all about compassion – including with ourselves.

Allowing
Let crooked dogs lie. They can tell us something about asymmetry and the beauty of imperfection.

AAA and Namaste
We end class by looking into each other’s eyes. When AAA is on the scene,  there is a spark. We really look – notice, witness, observe –  and see the light of compassion. Reach for some construction paper and a glue stick; the eyes have it.

If only we could pull out our brain and use only our eyes.  Picasso