#Essenceofyoga challenge - The 7 principles of (Acro)Yoga

June is starting with the #essenceofyoga challenge learning about the AcroYoga core principles. However these principles are true in case of all kind of Yoga.

Let's see what are they:

1. Trust
“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” ― Ernest Hemingway.
 How does trust influence your yoga practice?
The first time I really came across some trust issues in my yoga practice was when I started AcroYoga. For a very good reason, it is also called the yoga of trust! No other practice is so much fun but also teaches you so much about trust: Trusting yourself and trusting others.
It can be so hard - but nothing is more beautiful in the end when you manage!

What is your experience with trust and yoga? 

2. Courage
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the COURAGE to continue that counts.”  ― Winston S. Churchill
Stepping out of your comfort zone - how do you handle it in your yoga practice and off the mat? When was the last time you very really brave?
Teaching for me is sometimes a challenge because it also means embracing my imperfections. It requires me to be brave enough to stand in front of a class and share my practice without thinking too much about doing or saying the wrong thing. There are always so many things that can go wrong, but over time I have learned to trust my intuition and laugh about myself - that’s always the best medicine.
If you are also a (yoga )teacher you probably know what I mean? If you are thinking about becoming a yoga teacher - I can highly recommend the experience - it made me grow so much!
3. Safety
“What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” ― Erin Hanson
How do we hold space for each other and take care of our own body? Safety and injury prevention in yoga is a big topic. What are your experiences with it?
In AcroYoga we look after each other with our LUNAR practice. It is the relaxing and restorative side of AcroYoga and unfortunately sometimes neglected… but I LOVE it! It should be an essential part of every training session!
In the SOLAR = dynamic and acrobatic side of AcroYoga SAFETY is our highest concern at all times. To keep ourselves and others safe while playing we always train with a SPOTTER! In a team of 3 it is also always more fun and we can achieve more together. Being a good spotter is one of the highest qualities you can obtain, you will always be a highly valued training partner!

4 - Respect
“Respect yourself and others will respect you.” ― Confucius
RESPECT: How important is it in your yoga practice?
Respecting our own bodies can be the hardest challenge! How far to push our practice? Where are the limits of our body and mind? To respect means to listen! Active listening to our partners and our own bodies is the first step in the right direction.
I have so much respect for the amazing flyer on this picture: Cooper has become a dear brother and he is not only a great listener but also a big inspiration. His strong hugs and infectious laughter are pure medicine. Namaste wise soul!

5 - Inclusion
“A lot of different flowers make a bouquet.” — Muslim proverb

Do you practice alone at home or prefer the group dynamics of a studio class or AcorYoga jam? What means inclusion to you?
2 is a party -  3 is a crowd!
Me and my yoga mat… we have a kind of an interesting relationship. I am easily bored when alone with my mat unless in a challenging class. That’s why I love AcroYoga!
Sharing is caring. We like to share yoga mats. Usually 3 people per mat - sometimes more! We like to include everybody - literally every body! Whether young or old, tall or tiny, thin or big - AcroYoga is for everyone! We don’t care about your religion or political opinion. AcroYogs is connecting people around the globe and with this intention, we hope to change the world!

Day 6 - Fun
“It’s more fun when you’re not the only one having it.”  – the Oaqui

Which asana puts the biggest smile onto your face?
This lovely lady, on the first picture, wonderful @julia_swadharma, not only co-host in this challenge but also co-teacher at the Lunar Immersion in Vienna in November. It will be my first time teaching this format and I just can’t wait to share all the amazing content with you! Having Julia by my side for this adventure makes me truly happy! So glad to have her as my mentor!

Day 7  - Presence
“Your true home is in the here and the now.”  ― Thich Nhat Hanh
Today’s topic: PRESENCE. How do you practice stillness and being present?
“Some of the most magical moments happen when nothing happens at all!” ― Lisa Looping ;)
Finding stillness is an ongoing challenge for me. I like to move a lot. I am very active. It is hard for me to sit still. My dad always said: “You have bumble bees in your bum.”
With my meditation practice I have improved a lot already and can more easily find those magic moments when my head gets empty for a short while and my thoughts stop briefly. Even though it seems impossible to control my thoughts completely - just by sitting still I already feel better - more centered and clear! So now I just need to do it more often! :D hahahaha! One step at a time...
When doing yoga I forget the world around me for a while. No past, no future. Daily problems have to wait outside. That is for me real presence and a true present to myself.

How do you find stillness?
What do you think about the Core principles? Is there anything you would add to the list?