@esthermarie.yoga on asking yourself, “What are my intentions?” 🤷🏼♀️ ・・・ #egovsalignment Number 9 . #lowlunge / #anjaneyasana These tutorials are to highlight what I’ve noticed in class as a teacher and student of yoga. How our egos crop up on the mat and robs us from the real peaceful and kind essence of a yoga practice. . 👹Firstly, What is ego? . Ego is that nagging voice in your head that critiques you/ pushes you/ compares you. It’s the voice that tempts you to look around the yoga room and compare your practice, your body and health to someone else’s. It’s the bombardment of comparison and force that leads you to question why are you not as fit / strong/ bendy as someone else. . . 🧘🏻♀️What is Alignment ? . When I teach I explain alignment in 2 ways:- 💞the alignment of physical posture to keep the body safe. 💞the alignment to your values and intentions of how you want to live, show up and practice. Values like kindness, acceptance, non attachment and contentment . These #yogatransformation highlight ego’s push points vs alignment cues I would use to uphold the integrity of the pose and honour your body . . 👹Ego picture: 👹 - Unnecessary depth to the lunge - Sinking to extreme for outward glory - Putting hips under a lot of pressure - Believing deeper is better - Choosing ego over health of body - Attached to external gratification - Not being mindful 🧘🏻♀️Alignment picture: 🧘🏻♀️ - Spine long tall and straight - Effectively stretching hip flexor - Active stretching protecting ligaments - Proportionate depth of lunge - Using strength of thighs feet and glutes - Harder to maintain as the muscles and mind have to work - Unconcerned with external gratification as internal feeling feels good . Next time you come to the mat in class or at home and you feel that critical voice inside ask yourself, how do you want to show up today? . I hope this helps you and your practice Sending love xox #yoga #yogatutorial #yogatips #ego #lessegomoresoul #yogi #yogaeverydamnday #yogainspiration #yogaaddict #yogaholic #namaste #yogalife #yogalove #yogadaily #yogaart #igyoga #igyogi #igyogafamily #instayoga #instayogi #yogaphotography #yogaeverywhere https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Olq_qlcoB/?igshid=1sd10a1zcspn8