Hello Yogis,

What if we could look at the natural world as our mentor?

Janine Benyus, author of Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature defines biomimicry as "the conscious emulation of life's genius." She goes on to say, "It's also an innovation practice where the people who make our world; the designers, engineers, architects and the construction workers, when they go to solve a problem, they ask, 'What in the natural world has already solved this problem?' And then they try to emulate the organism or that ecosystem to come up with something that helps us live here more gracefully."

So what might biomimicry have to do with yoga? I posit that we can apply regenerative thinking and permaculture (art and science of working with Nature) with the principles of biomimicry to our inner landscape, physical bodies, and the way we relate to everything around us.

Back to Janine's definition about consciously emulating life's genius...we are each an expression of this genius. Yet, culturally we have been called away from the wisdom of our bodies again and again, separating our whole selves into limiting compartments. And it's still common to find the mind and intellect situated at the top tier, used to control and rise above the natural knowing in our hearts, bodies and spirits. We've been taught that humans are meant to dominate nature, and the human body is just another part of that equation.

Then, as we turn that disconnected view outward, there is an assumption that humans are at the top of the food chain, innovating and taming nature in the name of progress. This isn't to say that there isn't brilliance and at times, good intentions in the way we make our worlds; it's just missing the consciousness of long-view, no waste, cooperative outcomes.

Back to yoga...how do I see us engaging with biomimicry in our classes? We know many of the poses in Yoga carry the name and likeness of flora and fauna. I'm inspired by the study of primal/anthropological posture and how non-industrialized people move their bodies. In the study of Somatics, it makes a lot of sense to me to get back to how all other mammals use 'pandiculation' to retain functional integrity in their myofascial systems. It's about working with the body, mind, emotions and energy rather than trying to override our innate good sense.

Returning to ourselves through our yoga and meditative practices is by the Sanskrit definition, a practice of wholeness. It offers us an opportunity to integrate back into our own natural genius. It is one way to open us up to living more gracefully and to consider the bigger picture of what Nature has to teach us.

I highly recommend this On Being episode with Janine Benyus for inspiration!

Here's to redefining progress.

Peace & Lovingkindness,
Heidi