Yoga as Inspiration? Yoda as Inspiration? Adapting your practice to suit your passions.

Contemplating the names of yoga poses led Matthew Latkiewicz, a lifelong Star Wars nerd, to create his own Lucasfilm-themed postures. He posted pics of himself performing some of them, including the TIE Fighter, and the Half I Am Your Father, to his blog, framed as missives to Lucas from the marketing dept. "I loved the idea of someone pitching him branded yoga," he says. "There's mysticism to the films -- a lot of Jedi/yogi overlap -- so it sounds plausible. Which makes it even funnier."

Now, trust me, I'm not endorsing any of these poses as classical, mainstream yoga, but the poses are darn close to some that we do frequently (or not so frequently). Take a look at some of Matthew's self-styled asanas and try to identify the originals.


You might see a modified Virabhadrasana III, or Warrior III in the top illustration. Matthew's "Speeder Bike" resembles a lovely Utkatasana with arms extended as a modification.

Humor and enjoyment of the moment are part of our journey as yogis and yoginis. Here's a guy who doesn't take himself too seriously (or perhaps he takes Star Wars too seriously). The Downward Facing Wookie to the left might very well include vocalizing. I see a strong influence of the classic Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog. Look at his nice straight legs and lifted tailbone. Matthew's been practicing for a while and seems to be enjoying himself.  

Yoga needn't be serious, stodgy, solemn, or self-important. Your practice is a celebration of yourself--the inner self as well as the outer. Just as your moods vary from day to day, so can your yoga practice. Laughter Yoga involves self-triggered laughing. It's fun and very therapeutic. We all can remember some occasions when a deep "belly laugh" provided real relief.

At any rate, embrace the playfulness that can be part of practice. I'd love to see some of your own creations! 


Until next week, 
Namaste
Nancy