You may have heard your yoga teacher instruct you to “play your edge,” but did you understand what she meant?
Your edge is like an arena of potential, an opening to the possibility of what lies beyond the safety of your comfort zone. Playing your edge is finding balance between effort and relaxation — not too little, not too much.
Moving slowly is key so that you can feel and observe what is happening physically and mentally. Always avoid pushing aggressively toward pain and causing injury.
Discomfort versus Pain
You will often feel discomfort when practicing asana. This sensation comes from stretching to a point of intense feeling yet not so far that you feel pain.
When you do nothing, you feel nothing. If you are feeling nothing, you are in your comfort zone. You want to sensitively journey outside of this zone, which will result in a certain degree of physical and mental discomfort. The more that you embrace this discomfort, the more you will create space and ease in body and mind.
Pain is a sign that you have entered dangerous territory, and you need to pull back or stop entirely. Ideally, you’d like to play your edge to the maximum point possible before the onset of pain.
Using Your Breath
Proper breathing is a pivotal part of playing your edge. Slow, deep breathing will keep you calm and centred when faced with challenge and discomfort.
If you feel overwhelmed in a posture, breathe deeply and slowly to find a place of calm. Your naturally active mind might decide to take control of the situation and tell you that you have been defeated. Conversely, you might decide based on how you feel that you can force yourself further.
At this point, you should come back to your steady breath to quiet your mind and listen attentively. Wait for cues from your body that it is ready to create more space for you to move deeper. Similarly, pay attention to sensations that indicate you might have already gone too far, then adjust accordingly. Notice if your breath becomes choppy, strained, or shallow as these are also indicators that you are not in a balanced place.
Your Edge, Not Theirs!
Remember that yoga is non-competitive. It is less about “doing” and more about “being.” Accept and honour your body and its limitations, and try not to compare yourself with anybody else.
Your edge reminds you of your limits. By definition, an edge is a border or a dividing line. But it is also an action of moving slowly or gradually. Mindful movement allows you to play safely, as it gives you the opportunity to change direction if needed.
Pushing past your limits can be counterproductive. You want to work with your body, not against it.
The challenge is that you may not know your body well enough to be aware of these limitations. Therefore, it is important to develop healthy relationships with your body and mind so that you can navigate your way with an attitude of acceptance and love.
When you play your edge, you encourage yourself to realize your potential with sensitivity and the utmost respect for your body.