Tip of the Week: Stop the Fidget

Bikram yoga aims to reign in your focus, and fidgeting is an easy way to break this meditation. It often takes a lot of self-discipline to not let your mind wander, and the minute you start fidgeting your mind is elsewhere. Fidgeting not only distracts others, it stimulates your sympathetic nervous system, promoting a ‘fight or flight’ response, which is exactly the opposite of what you want your body to be doing in the middle of class. Transitioning without fidgeting between the poses cultivates patience and calm. When coming out of a posture, bring yourself to a total stillness, with a calm and smooth breath. Focus on yourself in the mirror, and don't let let anything break your peace. Try to make a conscious effort not to fix your hair, drink water when you don’t need it, wipe the sweat, or adjust your mat and towel. Letting go of being ‘bothered’ by the details will do the mind wonders. Wiping the sweat will only make you sweat more. The next time you reach for your water bottle, ask yourself if you are truly thirsty or if you are just drinking out of habit after a certain posture. Is a hand towel your security blanket? What if you didn't have it in class? See if you can let go of the things mentally and physically that are causing you to fidget and see how your practice improves by reigning in your focus.