admin Have you ever been told to “find your edge” in your class? If you felt lost or confused by this statement, don’t worry—the “edge” can be hard to describe and sometimes hard to find. Start exploring what the edge means to you and your practice by reflecting on a few key points.
What is the Edge of the Edge?
The edge of the Pose is where you feel challenged mentally and physically yet also find ease and balance. The advantage is a challenge that encourages you to explore your limits, step out of your comfort zone, and become more aware of your body and mind.
In yoga, the concept of “edge” is found in many different styles. From Ashtanga’s vigorous pace to Yin’s slower pace, the idea of edge has a deep-rooted history. Sutra 2.46 of the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali states that each posture should be both stable ( Sthira) and comfortable ( Sukha).
Sthira is also translated as firm, strong, or courageous. It represents the challenge of a posture. Sukha is happy, gentle, agreeable, and easy. It embodies a comfortable pose. These terms can help you understand the balance of challenge and ease when exploring your edge.
Discover Your Edge With Awareness
Consider your edge as having three components. A physical one, a psychological one, and a combination of both. Consider your physical condition when assessing the edge. The Pose should challenge you and perhaps even shake a little. However, it would be best if you shouldn’t push yourself too hard to the point where you are exhausted or injured.
Find your edge by cultivating your mental focus and persisting in a challenging, uncomfortable position. You may hear your mind screaming, “I’m tired!” Your body may be screaming, “Stop!” but it is fine. You will need to practice to learn the difference between physical and mental signals from your body.
Every Edge is Unique
Each yogi’s edge is different because every body and mind is unique. We can redefine our limits and grow in our yoga practice when we explore our edge. Finding your edge is about stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring and growing physically and mentally.
When it comes to playing to your edge, it can be tempting to compare your body or your yoga practice to others. Yoga poses look different for different people. Dancer’s Pose, for example, may seem effortless to one yogi but be a challenge for another. Both yogis find their edge, which helps them grow and stay aware.
Edge Changes
The edge changes constantly. You may find that it is not in the same spot as when you left. This is perfectly fine. You must recognize it. The edge is the boundary of your growth zone. This can change from day to day. You will grow in your yoga practice by pushing beyond the border.
Be aware of both your body and mind. It is your responsibility to be mindful of how the edge changes with each practice. One day, a familiar pose could feel foreign. The left and right sides might also differ.
Yoga means “union,”” and the edge represents, in many respects, the union between what you are now capable of and what you can be. The advantage is a tool that helps you realize the limits you’ve set for yourself and helps you go beyond them. It would be best if you explored your advantage every time you step on the mat. No one else can do it for you.
