#benjaminsears

[iambensears]

Après-ski; riding the line between maintenance and compulsion. ————————————————— Once you reach and sustain a fundamental level of health and wellness via asana practice, the most important piece is mediation. Whether via the devotional (Bhakti), breath, visual (Drishti), psychological (intention), the next step in asana practice is to use the poses as a conduit to stillness of mind. ————————————————— Ongoing work towards more impressive asana is a tool to keep the mind engaged in practicing, and a hobby that's considerably more holistic than most others. The gross/obvious leads to the subtle, which paradoxically is bigger and more powerful than anything. #yoga #keepiteversoslightlyreal #benjaminsears #luxyoga #luxlife ————————————————— UPCOMING WORKSHOPS 🇺🇸 🙏🏼 Feb 11: Norwalk, CT - @bikramyogasolnorwalk Feb 24 - 26: Austin @yogaeastaustin March 5-7: Laredo, TX @alejandra_casayoga March 11-12: Dallas @secondsideyoga March 25-26: Bozeman, MT @bendbeyondyoga April 1-2: Big Sky, MT - Santosha Yoga April 8-9: Huntington Beach, ÇA @bikramyogahb Late April: Florida tbd June, July, August: @luxyoga South of France Retreats September: 200 hr Vinyasa training, Huntington Beach, CA (at Park City Mountain)

[iambensears]

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Trying a new thing. Ana Forrest calls this one "turn signal." She uses some ridiculous pose names but she's still my favorite — like if I were going to become some kind of ashram yoga slave to any one of the powerful teachers I've had, she'd be the one. Also considering 5 knee surgeries and that kneeling down is super advanced for me, folding my knee into this one represents some progress. Insert spiritually uplifting quote about loving yourself here. #yoga #keepiteversoslightlyreal #luxyoga #benjaminsears

[iambensears]

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Once, twice — not quite thrice today. The mind loves progress, and potential is motivating. Life well-lived and practice in balance between effort and grace can be like the excitement of waiting to see your lover, the lip left resonance of the last meeting. Strive to maintain the desire to strive, the vitality of inspiration that is bigger than happy or sad. The Niyama of Santosha is a contentment that transcends the fluctuations of human experience. Pretty lofty stuff. In my experience, it's easier if I allow my successes to provide a little cushion for my efforts. And less rushing. Always less rushing. #yoga #keepiteversoslightlyreal #luxyoga #luxlife #benjaminsears (at Yogaloft Vienna)

[iambensears]

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Be the weirdo. Here I am tightened up and toeing the line between balance maintenance and compulsion. As in, I love climbing but it steepens an already uphill, um, climb towards shoulder flexibility and also it might be nice just not to give a shit sometimes. —— Who am I chasing? Have you noticed that when you are in your groove it doesn't matter that there's always someone somewhere a little stronger or more flexible, that we yogis are proud of our progress even though there's 5-year old Mongolian kids that could do any of the physical stuff way better? —— Feeling satisfied is chemistry. It's a series of reactions that occur on the cellular level that are constant culminations of millions of stimuli. And so this is why connect to that universal big ol' jib jab leaves of grass thousand suns soul of yours. Because the more you feel better, the better you feel. And it feels good in there, all the way in the inside, past the shoulders. —— VIENNA WORKSHOPS this weekend @yogaloftvienna - book via the link in my bio! #yoga #notyoga #keepiteversoslightlyreal #yogainspiration #igyoga #benjaminsears #luxyoga #luxlife (at Art Bloc Salle d'Escalade)

[iambensears]

Everyone's life is hard. Also I forgot to spread my toes. Also 2: I got into this position via 15 years of pigeon. Now I don't mind so much going into myself, folding in half. It's the figuring out what to do with what I find in there that's hitting me hard these years. #yoga #longarc #forrestyoga #twistedweathervane #benjaminsears #luxyoga #luxlife #keepiteversoslightlyreal (at LuxYoga)

[iambensears]

Grateful for the sound of the wind outside and that I can put the phone down once I've finished this post and walk through the tactile mist in the right amount of warm clothing. We have only space left for Saturday at the @luxyoga Weekend of Gratitude. Overnight stays are fully booked. Details at LUXYOGA.com — I'm excited to go deep with everyone: Asana, Pranayama, Kriyas, Journaling, Reiki, and Movement class + some really good meals in a beautiful place. #gratitude #luxyoga #luxlife #yoga #southoffrance #yogainspriation #benjaminsears #igyoga #yogaeverydamnday (at LuxYoga)

[iambensears]

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Not the most graceful decent but got a laugh from seeing my bro and one of my oldest yoga friends @wearejared do this vinyasa yesterday so voilà, the French interpretation. (I do have on more layers of pants.) Inspiration is everywhere, most of all, inside. That's been my biggest take away from the flux of the last few days. Want to make a difference inside? Do your practice. Want to make a difference outside? Do your practice then do what you can, your way. #yoga #yogaupclose #yogahereicomewatchout #keepiteversoslightlyreal #luxyoga #benjaminsears #luxlife #yogainspiration #igyoga #yogachallenge (at LuxYoga)