The first time I heard the term “one muscle” was at a myofascial movement course with Gary Carter in London four years ago. Gary Carter is a specialist in fascia and the movement of the body. Hearing him suggest to experience the body as one muscle grabbed my attention right away.
Now I always set the intention to move as one muscle in my yoga practice. I aim for my movements to feel fluid and effortless. The “one muscle” expression also inspires me for how I move off the yoga mat. Here it translates into awareness of how I walk, as one muscle, or how my body breathes, as one muscle. Everything in tune as one whole entity. It has been a few years since “one muscle” entered my yoga vocabulary and I don’t think I will ever let go of the expression. It helps me feel whole and at peace.
As I was practising yoga the other day I suddenly thought: “What if life was a muscle?” How cool if I could translate the “one muscle” feel into how I live and how I am in life.
What would this mean? First thought that came up was less forcing in the way I live. I would aim for ease and flow. This would mean increased awareness for what feels right and what feels wrong. My actions would naturally want to be in tune with what is good – it would benefit the “one muscle” feel. When dealing with challenging situations I would be in acceptance and not run away from them. I would remember that meeting resistance and facing challenges are vital for growth. The life muscle would get stronger and help me get better at living well. I would be more trusting in opening my heart. I would be brave. I would trust life in the same way that I trust my body. My view of life would expand: I would feel connected to my surroundings, be less serious and have more fun. If life was a muscle I would be eager to learn how to make it stronger.
As I am writing this I look up and see the sea in front of me. It is a super windy day and the seagulls are playing in the wind. They are actually surfing on it. It is the perfect example: They are at one with each other, at one with their surroundings, at one with life in this moment. It gives me chills just thinking about it.
Wishing you well! Annette X
