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| Tune out by tuning in. If something in life is bringing discomfort, anxiety or fear the immediate reaction is to push it away. To the contrary, if there is something in life that we seek more of, the tendency is to pull it towards us in an attempt to bring it closer and keep it there. In this pushing, pulling and grasping, life becomes elusive. We become outward focused and always reaching, striving and not quite being there. Like trying to grasp and hold water in the palm of a closed hand, the harder we squeeze the more immediately the water disappears. However, if we hold the hand gently open and let the water flow, the source will remain abundant. Life experiences are reflective of the nature of water. We need to allow the flow without grasping or pushing. Children are often masters of this. However, over the years through context and conditioning the tug of war begins and its influences become obvious. Soft, supple bodies and minds become stiff and less fluid. The grasping and pushing is expressed quite clearly as dis-order and dis-ease. Our psychological nature is integral with the physical body. We store information from our memories everywhere. The hatha yoga practice opens our physical channels to be observed by the logical, cognitive side of our brain and being. Yoga encourages the practitioner to open these channels to invite physical and mental bodies to function together to release and heal on very deep, cellular levels. A well- rounded yoga practice encourages a strong sense of self-awareness. In the practice we come into the pose with both breath and focus. Within this breath and focus we dissolve deeper into the posture. It is here that we find the opportunity to tune in. It is here that we practice letting go. In our beings we carry countless associations. When we arrive in the moment and attend to ourselves we discover our history. Our history becomes our presence. We acknowledge the sensations: the tightness, stiffness, physical restrictions as well as the freedom. In doing so, we invite the opportunity for change and healing. When we come to the practice we not only let go physically but we let go mentally and emotionally. We release critical thoughts and behaviour patterns that don’t support our personal growth and well - being. Modeling this lifestyle is a gift we can give to our children. Teaching them through example how to accept what comes and how to be present with it. Letting go of the need to multi-task. Being present in the moment allows us to fully experience life and be there for ourselves and for our children. Whilst living in thoughts of future, past, and to do lists all of the time, life continues to unfold before us, without us. Our children continue to grow and evolve (perhaps without us) Often we may be physically present but otherwise absent -not present in the moment sharing the depths of the experience. Yoga helps to guide us to these depths. Yoga is union with the flow of life (prana = breath) and realizing the space or akasa (Sanskrit word that derives its meaning from the root kas which means to radiate) whereby it is optimized. | ||
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Trikonasana - the Triangle Stretches the spine, opens the torso, improves balance and concentration. Start with feet spread 3-4 feet apart, feet parallel. Turn your left foot 90 degrees to the left and your right foot about 45 degrees inward. Inhale and raise both arms in letter T at shoulder height. Exhale, turn your head to the left and look down your left arm toward your outstretched fingers. Check that your left knee is aligned with your left ankle. Knee is straight but not locked Take a deep breath and stretch long to the left, tilting the left hip down and the right hip up. When you've reached as far as you can, pivot your arms, letting your left hand lengthen down and come to rest against the inside of your leg thigh or calf, while your right arms points straight up. Turn and look up at your right hand if that is comfortable for your neck otherwise gaze may be downwards. Breathe deeply for several breaths. Inhale, engage core strength and come up tall. Exhale, lower your arms. Rest your hands to hips and pivot on your heels, bringing your feet to face front. Repeat the posture on the other side. |
Shanti.
