Contraction + Expansion: a yoga class to move through dualities

Going inward, spreading your wings + equalizing

Life is a collection of dualities. Some days I feel like I’ve shoved myself into a compact box of limiting beliefs; other days I feel like I could spread my wings and soar.

Experiencing this kind of pendulum swing certainly isn’t unique to my life, but navigating these nuances hasn’t always been easy for me (case in point: my recent posts on anxiety).

As I’ve learned more about the thoughts and habits that either contract or expand me, though, I’ve felt increasingly more resourced to move through highs and lows with a bit more equanimity—even if I still get caught up here and there; even if the resourcing and regulating comes after a big dip. Human, not robot.

Yoga has taught me a lot about myself and the dual nature of things. I’ve always appreciated how yoga (or other movement, or gardening, or art) can connect us to the inner workings of body + mind in ways that cultivate tools to help steer the ship of life.

Even the concepts of contraction and expansion themselves can be dualistic: Contraction can be beneficial when the muscles learn how to effectively contract and strengthen. Expansion might be detrimental if we have no stability to sustain us.

In a yoga practice, both steadiness and softness are essential—one can’t exist without and shouldn’t overpower the other. We wouldn’t know light without darkness. Etc.

Voilà. Enjoy a vinyasa + Iyengar-inspired yoga class on contraction and expansion explored by way of the eagle, and a few self-inquiry prompts to consider along the way.

Take the virtual class, support, and subscribe on Substack.

Contraction

What makes you contract and feel small?
What helps you go inward in a way that encourages self-reflection?
What steadies you in a way that helps you feel equalized, but not constrained?

Expansion

What helps you expand and spread your wings?
What encourages you to go outside of your comfort zone and take risks?
What opens you up in a way that helps you feel expressive, but not overexerted?

If you’re looking for personalized support around your own versions of physical or emotional contraction + expansion, book a free assessment call.

Take good care,

S