structure vs. intuition: what lays a better framework for a daily practice

This idea of structure vs. intuition has been on my mind recently. Intuition does not always feel natural for me. Maybe that is because I tend to second-guess and over-think. But I often get skeptical of intuition, wondering if it is just my imagination in disguise.

Perhaps that is why I have gravitated toward very structured and alignment-based systems of practicing yoga. For a long time I have felt most comfortable in spaces where you follow a clear method under the guidance of an experienced teacher.

However, in the past few months something has shifted for me and it has become more and more apparent in the way I practice yoga. I realize that all of the structure that I enjoy and trust originated through some individual’s intuition. Through their ability to experiment and discern what they were experiencing, they developed a method and chose to share it with the world.

Structure is like the training wheels on a bicycle when you do not yet have the steadiness to ride, but intuition is knowing the right time to take them off.

The structure of a formal practice helps you to refine and develop intuition. Intuition help you to discern what structure to hold onto and what to leave behind. Ultimately there is value in both, particularly when they are balanced.

These days I am leaning into my intuition a little more and allowing structure to be a little less definitive. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong, or a better or worse. This is just what is happening now and it feels good. I’m curious to hear from you if this is something that you have contemplated or struggled with. Send me a message and share your thoughts!