One of the key differences of the DeRose Method is that we hold the physical positions for long periods of time, in order to maximise the benefits of the practice. However, when we start practising we often experience discomfort and this often stops us from getting the most of the techniques. It is easy to mistake this discomfort with the impression of having reached our physical limit.
The limitations of the body: that is always in my mind when I am teaching and when I practise. How far can I push myself, or encourage my students to push themselves, without risking injury?
In simple terms an injury will only occur when we pass an individual, natural limitation; but how do we identify our REAL limitations?
Everyone, at least once in their life, has seen, or heard of, someone being hypnotized during a TV show and, under hypnosis, suddenly being able to do unbelievable things. Hypnosis works on the subconscious (the repository of the emotions), where usually our real limitations lie. Essentially, the hypnotized person achieves, or endures, things that they would never have thought possible if they were in their normal state of consciousness. So, we can conclude that, often, our limitations, as experienced in waking consciousness, are based on our state of mind and on our emotions, instead of on our real physical limitations.
I believe that to understand our limits we must work simultaneously to increase our body consciousness and to manage our emotions and mindset during the practice. In the DeROSE METHOD, this is achieved with the positions and the breathing exercises.
I am certain that we rarely ‘touch’ our real limits, but we can increase our reach by practising regularly, simply because you are working on your overall structure and expanding your consciousness.
Next time you practise and have a ‘strong feeling’, do not relate it immediately with pain but with the sensation that you’re developing your body. Injury will be caused if you go over your limits but those are a long way away!
Changing your mindset regarding the physical sensations that you have during the practice will help your physical and emotional development. Personally, when I hold a position for long time I try to keep in my mind that the sensation comes from something beneficial; this makes my subconscious accept it, and I can really enjoy what I am doing.
However, our method has a General Rule of Safety which must always be observed when we practise:“Push yourself without forcing. Any discomfort, pain, cardiac acceleration or excessive perspiration are signs from our body that you should be more moderate.”
Prof. DeRose