Freedom and Form

Freedom and form are two energies or ways of being that have enjoyed much brain space of late. What is freedom, what is form, and how do they work together to achieve momentum, balance, beauty and health? I also like to think of them within the context of: creative compared to craft, evolution versus tradition, feminine in contrast with masculine, yin reflecting on yang...I'm sure you could help to expand the list.

In my yoga practice I think of these energies as balance between tradition and creative play. There is a history to the practice of yoga, an institution which has developed a movement and breath-work system: aka asana and pranayama. However, yoga is also a living practice, and as individuals we take this form and attempt to create health, movement and beauty with our bodies, minds and spirits. In order to play a harmonious and enjoyable tune, there needs to be an even-ness between our conscious, creative volition and the structure of the poses. It doesn't mean we all have to play an Iyengar or Bikram tune to be successful and skilled yogis, but there is a distinct and recognizable difference between noise and music.

In my kitchen I think about the interplay of these energies as recipes, food variety and nutritional science working in balance with the inspirations of the chef and season. If these elements come together in good proportions, the end result is a meal joyfully prepared and nutritiously, and satisfyingly consumed. Too much freedom in the kitchen might perhaps result in an excessive consumption of sugar, butter or salt; to strict of an adherence to form might result in loveless preparation, and joyless consumption. What is food with out a solid dash of beauty or love?

In my experience with art and word play I think of these two energies as the balance between articulation, by means of studying the craft and harnessing a skill, and marrying it with an expressive voice and inspiration from within.

I personally find this contemplation and study the meeting place for science, tradition and art. It has been my experience that when a balance of these principles is achieved, universally-recognizable beauty grows. Maybe it can be exampled in our understanding and appreciation of the golden mean, an example of living craftsmanship and art: an expression of both evolutionary freedom and inevitable form.

And why am I even blogging about this? Well, ultimately I am a student and I am a teacher. I feel a lot of determination as a student, and a fair bit of accountability as a teacher. This exploration between freedom and form brings clarity to both my practice and study as a student and a teacher. It inspires me to continue learning about physiology, bio-chemistry, nutrition, yoga, and color; it also inspires me to continue to express and share my thoughts, skill and art form as a yoga teacher, cook, mother and friend.