Time - the metaphorical ball and chain

Recently my yoga reading has been centred around a book called the Complete Guide to Yin Yoga by Bernie Clarke - this is an area in which I intend to expand my knowledge by undertaking further training next year.

One particular note resonated with me which stated that watches or anything that is made of metal that completes a circle round the body should not be worn during practice. Metal circles distort and interfere with electromagnetic flow, which is one of the forms of Chi.

As well as electromagnetic energy distortion, wearing a watch during practice is completely unnecessary. If you have limited time for a session then set a timer, don't wear a watch though - its a distraction and an unhealthy attachment.

In Ashtanga yoga there are 8 limbs. One of the Yama’s, or moral precepts is Aparigraha - non attachment and non coveting. Although Yin has its roots in the Far East, and the reasons for not wearing a watch are to do with Chi (energy flow), this principle also makes sense in other forms of yoga. By wearing a watch we are not only affecting our electromagnetic energy, but we are unnecessarily coveting time.

We constantly live our lives by our watches, diaries and calendars - and particularly in Western society, this is the case in order to have order! Just imagine when you last stopped living life by your watch - possibly on a holiday - can you remember that feeling of liberation not having to be somewhere by a certain time?

Now I am not suggesting that we all dispense with watches, diaries and other timepieces, because chaos would ensue, but when practicing yoga, why not leave the watch out of the equation? Let go of that metaphorical ball and chain and stop dancing to its metronomic rhythm. Observe what happens when you take the opportunity to be free from constraint - go on, I dare you!!