From curiosity to certainty

Like B.K.S. Iyengar often taught, when you feel the rhythm of the body, hear the melody of the mind, and are able to align with the harmony of the soul to create the symphony of a lifetime, only one practice comes to mind: yoga. For instructor Neochea Flower-Smith, yoga isn’t just a workout, it is a work-in­, quieting the noise and opening the heart to love, meditation, motivation and inspiration.

“The term yoga means to yoke, connect and unite. Yoga is a system and framework of physical, mental and spiritual practices that is intent on deepening the connection of the mind, body and spirit,” Flowers-Smith told Lifestyle.

Introduced to the discipline during her pre-teen era, the young student had seen her mother following along with the yoga or pilates teacher on television. It was there that she grew fascinated with the movements involved. Although she had been intrigued then, time had passed and she had forgotten about it, until a decade ago.

Remembering that this practice was available to her, she began conducting her own research. “I was working at a bookstore at the time. So I had found some yoga books and had started to read them on my own.” Flowers-Smith stayed on this literary mission for about a year, eventually turning it into a physical practice as well.

TrueSelf Centre opened its doors back in 2014, and because the classes were located right around the road from her house, she signed up and hasn’t looked back since.

She never intended to pursue yoga as a career, but she found it deeply satisfying, profoundly moving, and essential for self-reflection, helping her reconnect with a part of herself she had lost. “I was going through a severe bout of depression and it really helped me to move through those feelings and examine myself, see certain patterns and work on how I could disrupt them, how I wanted to move forward.”

The yoga student decided to do a teacher training programme. However, it took months for her to decide to teach. This decision gave her a new and even greater purpose in helping others work through their issues and find their own light.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

This writer was one such student. I had signed up for an aqua-focused programme last year at Fit Lab Studios in Kingston to deal with issues surrounding my osteoarthritis. Being a ‘retired’ dancer, I gravitated towards movement such as dancehall and hip hop. It was suggested that I sign up for Neo’s Gentle Yin class. At first, I was hesitant, but I decided to give it a try. It has, by far, been the most awakening experience I have ever had.

With mood lighting present, students are invited to manage their breathing and really find their centre through controlled stretches. Inhaling fresh air and releasing bad energy, Neo takes the class on a journey through a series of poses which challenges and strengthens the body. Her suggestive rather than prescriptive approach shines right through, as she is right there to assist others with finding the ideal option, modification and variations of shapes for their bodies.

Going through serious depression at the time, this class invited me to tackle it head on. I can’t remember ever hugging myself before or talking to my heart, but I did so openly, expressing gratitude for life in a truly profound manner. For those who weren’t already sleeping through class– which, by the way, is welcomed– attendees would return home that night to the most comfortable and relaxing slumber, after what we like to call the Neo magic. And, that’s the power of yoga.

Flowers-Smith reveals that she mostly practises yin yoga as well as restorative yoga. For these genres, she appreciates the stillness that is required and the use of props. The latter opens up the body to deeper relaxation.

“I appreciate bearing witness to whoever shows up and how they go through their practice. I love the challenge of making something accessible for someone. And seeing how people’s moods and bodies change from the beginning of the class to the end is beautiful to see. We incorporate sounds in the practice as well, which makes it fun and it really helps the releasing element. I also love when people fall asleep. It means ‘mission accomplished’,” she added.

Rejecting the commercialised impression of yoga, she focuses instead on the deep and meaningful impact of mind-body connection. “As a yoga teacher, I hope to facilitate persons finding their own sense of ease, in life, health and wealth.”

If your curiosity is greater than your uncertainty, then Flowers-Smith is encouraging you to try yoga for yourself.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com