A full life includes everything on the continuum: incredible joy, elation, and fulfillment as well as profound sadness, anguish and pain. According to Yoga Philosophy, our attempts to cling to the “good” experiences and avoid the challenging ones perpetuates our suffering. We can, however, utilize yoga practice to increase our capacity to be with the truth of what is, to soften rather than struggle, to open our hearts rather than fearfully barricade them from the threat of pain. In this practice, as you sink into shapes, you learn to embrace the fullness of your experience. Rather than preferring what feels pleasant and shunning what is uncomfortable, you increase your capacity to be with the full range of sensation. Cultivating the ability to disarm your defenses, breathe into the challenge, and feel all there is to feel is good practice for ‘life in the world,’ allowing you to fully participate in…