"The Greatest Gift of All"

Ironically the greatest gift of all is often not received.  For example, if you're fortunate enough to be the benefactor of an inheritance, you must sign notarized documents to indicate that you are who you say you are, and that you will accept the inheritance.  It is legally possible to refuse the bequest and there are varied personal reasons for doing so.

Some unfortunate people even choose to refuse what I believe to be the greatest gift of all!  This gift of grace was provided by Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem, His sin-free life and then death on the cross almost two thousand years ago.  On that first Christmas morning the angel of the Lord came to his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, while they were taking shelter in a humble stable. The angel said to them, "Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."  (Luke 2: 10-11, KJV)  Note that the angel used the words "to all people" and not only the Hebrew nation.  And yet there are many who still refuse the salvation provided through this free gift of grace that was intended by a loving Creator for all people.  

Throughout this Christmas week as you remember "the reason for the season" practice breathing in acceptance of the greatest gift of all.  Experience the freedom from sin and guilt as you physically practice this week's "Cat and Cow Pose" breath-synchronized (vinyasa) flow, called Chakravakasana in Sanskrit.

• Physically---Begin by lowering to your hands and knees in the humble prayer position called "Child's Pose" described in the very first blog of 2009.  After your personal prayers, continue to remain in the peaceful presence of God through the gift of the Saviour, Jesus Christ, by breathing in deeply into all corners of your lungs as your torso moves forward onto the forearms and the toes tuck under the heels of the feet in a "Four Post Pose."  Look up as you slowly draw in and receive that first healing breath. Tilt your hips forward (anterior tilt of the pelvic basin) and lift the tail bone away from the heart as your weight shifts forward onto both hands (aligned directly under the shoulders) and evenly onto all ten toes, which are aligned under the heels and hip-width apart.  At the top of each inhalation, engage the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (the mula bandha and uddiyana bandha) by lifting them upward and strongly drawing them back toward the spine. While the tail bone is scooping down and forward in a reverse (posterior) tilt of the pelvic basin the gaze shifts back toward the navel.  Throughout the long and thorough exhalations the back of the spine is arching upward like a cat as the locks (bandhas) are engaged to support the vertebrae in this deeply rounded cat-like position.  
• Mentally---Feel the physical energy rising (called prana or life force) rising upward through the spinal column as you receive every breath as the gift of life.  Then notice the used energy and toxins (called apana) moving downward and out of the body during each exhalation.  Stay mentally present with each breath as you synchronize the breath with the physical movements.  
• Spiritually---Receive your gift of life and salvation as you breathe consciously, opening the physical body during the inhalations to represent your acceptance through faith.  Close and round the back of the spine with each exhalation symbolizing your rejection of all doubts and distractions.  Live in the peace of forgiveness through Christ as Simeon experienced when he first met Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem:

"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.  And Joseph and His mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of Him."     (Luke 2: 29-33, KJV)

Like Simeon, marvel at your greatest gift given to all people.   But above all, accept Jesus as your personal Saviour during the celebration of His birth this Christmas season.   Namaste, plf