How did we ever arrive anywhere in a timely fashion without our GPS (global positioning system)? Just punch in the address to activate a calm and emotionless, computer-generated voice that will guide you to your destination. If you miss a turn, no problem! "The voice" will suggest that you make a legal U-turn at the next opportunity.
Wouldn't it be helpful if we could enter the destination "heaven" or "bliss", and then we'd hear that "voice" that guides us until we arrive safely. Our Creator did design and install a system within the brain at conception. It's called the conscience, but sometimes we turn the volume down so low that our guidance system cannot be heard. Or worse, we "discontinue guidance." There is a law of (human) nature that does not like to change direction because of the extra effort involved. It's called inertia---the disinclination to move or act. A law of physics states that matter tends to remain at rest, or if moving, tends to keep moving in the same direction. That is unless it's affected by some outside force. In the ancient language of yoga (Sanskrit) that life force or energy that enables us to move and even change direction is called prana. God is the original source of all energy and it's found in every breath we breathe into our physical bodies. So when our torso is folded forward in last week's position called Parsvottanasana, that initial inhalation gives us a burst of energy that flows up through the chest to lift the torso upright and into a back bending counter pose. Then we flow with the breath (vinyasa) back in the opposite direction to fold forward again as we exhale.
The Parsvottanasana flow is safe for prenatal students, providing that it is performed with mindful awareness of the abdominal muscles and not over-stretching the hamstrings or hip flexors. This is especially true for the last two trimesters when the hormone elastin is released and can allow over-stretching.
"And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despiseth thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." (Romans 2:3-4, KJV)
Wouldn't it be helpful if we could enter the destination "heaven" or "bliss", and then we'd hear that "voice" that guides us until we arrive safely. Our Creator did design and install a system within the brain at conception. It's called the conscience, but sometimes we turn the volume down so low that our guidance system cannot be heard. Or worse, we "discontinue guidance." There is a law of (human) nature that does not like to change direction because of the extra effort involved. It's called inertia---the disinclination to move or act. A law of physics states that matter tends to remain at rest, or if moving, tends to keep moving in the same direction. That is unless it's affected by some outside force. In the ancient language of yoga (Sanskrit) that life force or energy that enables us to move and even change direction is called prana. God is the original source of all energy and it's found in every breath we breathe into our physical bodies. So when our torso is folded forward in last week's position called Parsvottanasana, that initial inhalation gives us a burst of energy that flows up through the chest to lift the torso upright and into a back bending counter pose. Then we flow with the breath (vinyasa) back in the opposite direction to fold forward again as we exhale.
The Parsvottanasana flow is safe for prenatal students, providing that it is performed with mindful awareness of the abdominal muscles and not over-stretching the hamstrings or hip flexors. This is especially true for the last two trimesters when the hormone elastin is released and can allow over-stretching.
- Physically---Be sure to warm the muscles and joints first with a few rounds of "Salutations to the Son", and then read last week's description of the forward bending Parsvottanasana. Before attempting to flow back and forth allow the front body to open into a chest expansion. While inhaling lift the internal root locks (the pelvic floor) and also abdominal muscles to provide a girdle of support while the arms lift up from the floor or the blocks, and out to the sides like wings. During a long and thorough exhalation interlace the fingers behind the back and draw the hands away from the spine in order to fully open the front of the chest. Then the next inhalation will be long and deep enough to flow up through the lungs, providing the necessary energy to combat inertia and lift the torso upward and into a backward bending stance. The feet are fully and equally grounded into the floor with a slight supination on the outer edge of the back foot, but pressure on the big toe of that foot to encourage internal rotation of the back thigh. The gaze helps to lead the way and flows in the direction of the movement---up from the front big toe to a spot above the head or the tip of the nose (nasagrai drishti.) Pulling the arms and knuckles up and away from the back also aids in the upward movement of the torso from a still position.
- Practice the flow from forward bend on the exhalations to lifting up into a slight back bend on the inhalations, and then begin to explore variations in the arm positions. A slightly more intense opening of the front body may be achieved by inhaling the arms out to the sides, rotating the shoulders slightly inward, and then placing the fingertips together behind the back, pointing upward along the center of the spine in reverse namaskar or prayer position. If this "reverse prayer" position is too challenging for the shoulder joints, elbows and wrists, an easier variation is to cup the elbows with the opposite hand, or simply grip the forearms lightly with the hands.
- Mentally---Practice this vinyasa flow mindfully in sync with the breath, lifting on the inhalations to open the body, and then exhaling as the body folds forward to your personal "edge" (before pain!) for 5-6 breaths before switching to Parsvottanasana with the left leg forward. (See last week's blog for detailed instructions on how to accomplish this switch to the left side.) Notice how the stretch also switches from the hamstring of the front thigh during the forward bend, and then to the quadriceps on the front of the back thigh during the back bend. After practicing on both sides for an equal number of consciously deep breaths, on a long exhalation release both hands back to the floor while bending the front knee. Then step back into "Downward-facing Dog Pose" for a breath or two and notice how the hamstrings have released in the back of the thighs as the heels of both feet ground down into the floor. Rest here or in "Child's Pose" (January 10, 2009 blog) for five smooth breaths before continuing to practice. Always end your practice by resting fully in "Corpse Pose" (January 24, 2009 blog).
- Spiritually---The challenges of overcoming inertia on the physical plane can be directly translated into the spiritual realm. We all resist (to varying degrees) the effort required to change our direction or our minds. The most accurate translation of the word repent means to change direction. To practice this week's vinyasa flow with a spiritual intent, remind yourself of the source or force that inspires and enables the change---our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ---with every breath of life that courses through your veins!
"And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despiseth thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." (Romans 2:3-4, KJV)
