Have you ever read a well-written book that uses vivid language to describe a far-away setting and felt as if you've actually been there? Or maybe a friend has visited an exotic location where you've always wanted to vacation, so you pour over their photographs and listen attentively to the glowing details of their adventures. But have you actually been on vacation? Participating in life vicariously through shared experiences with someone else's eyes, ears, etc. has some value and limited benefits. Yet it is still secondhand. If you read a book about prayer and meditation but don't set aside time to pray and meditate yourself, are you really reaping the benefits of prayer and meditation? Are you nurturing your own spiritual needs or is it like "virtual reality?"
We may think that we're too busy to take a vacation or spend time yoking with God by practicing yoga, so we read a book, or attend church or a yoga class once a week and hope to learn from the experiences of the writer, speaker or teacher. If that's your approach to your spiritual life (prayer and meditation) your yoking (yoga) experiences are secondhand and definitely not firsthand. How can you be satisfied to yoke your body, mind and spirit with God vicariously hoping that some of the peace and joy will rub off on you? Since you cannot benefit from someone eating on your behalf, it should be clear that you cannot nurture your soul with secondhand yoga in a once-a-week class or church attendance. There are just some things that no one can do for you!
When you read the title of this week's blog did you immediately think, "Oh, 'Easy Pose', finally here's a position that I can enjoy." I'd like to challenge you to practice sitting still and comfortably in this pose called Sukhasana long enough---a significant amount of time would be more than fifteen minutes---in order to experience firsthand the peace and joy and wisdom that is available to you personally in the presence of God alone.
We may think that we're too busy to take a vacation or spend time yoking with God by practicing yoga, so we read a book, or attend church or a yoga class once a week and hope to learn from the experiences of the writer, speaker or teacher. If that's your approach to your spiritual life (prayer and meditation) your yoking (yoga) experiences are secondhand and definitely not firsthand. How can you be satisfied to yoke your body, mind and spirit with God vicariously hoping that some of the peace and joy will rub off on you? Since you cannot benefit from someone eating on your behalf, it should be clear that you cannot nurture your soul with secondhand yoga in a once-a-week class or church attendance. There are just some things that no one can do for you!
When you read the title of this week's blog did you immediately think, "Oh, 'Easy Pose', finally here's a position that I can enjoy." I'd like to challenge you to practice sitting still and comfortably in this pose called Sukhasana long enough---a significant amount of time would be more than fifteen minutes---in order to experience firsthand the peace and joy and wisdom that is available to you personally in the presence of God alone.
- Physically---Most importantly, select a time and place where you will not be disturbed by outside noises. You may choose pleasant sounds such as soft music or the sounds of nature that will help you to become conscious of the Creator of every good and perfect thing. That includes lovely musical compositions as well as a chirping chorus of birds or gentle ocean waves. Begin by praying on your knees in "Child's Pose" (January 10, 2009 blog) to start the yoking process with eyes closed lightly to any visual distractions. Focus on the flow of each breath as it enters and exits through the nose only---cool on the entry, warm and moist as it exits. Try to express genuine gratitude for this gift of life before moving in slow motion into the easy, seated posture with no furniture to separate your body from the earth.
- When you feel relaxed and ready physically, inhale the arms and torso slightly forward, crossing the feet at the ankles, and then roll back onto the sit bones at the base of the hips into the "Easy Pose" called Sukhasana. Sit tall with the knees bent (flexed) and the hips open and rotating externally away from center so that the feet can be crossed loosely at the ankles. Avoid pressure that will cut off circulation to the feet. If the knees are higher than the hips, this indicates tightness in the hip rotators and will cause the pelvic basin to tip backward, undoing the natural curves of the spine. This knees-higher-than-hips position will make the physical body tire more easily because the muscles must then work against gravity to support the head and torso, rather than utilizing the curved spinal structure to align and sink into the sit bones at the base of the hips. At first, it may be necessary to place a cushion, blanket or padded block under the sit bones to maintain the natural curves of the spine with a slightly forward (not backward) tilt of the pelvic basin. For some people, especially the elderly who are not physically active, no amount of support will make this pose seem easy or comfortable, so it may be best to sit on a chair. Inhale deeply and three-dimensionally into all parts of each lung while grounding down into the sit bones and extending upward through the spine into the crown of the head. Exhale to release the hands on the inner knees, palms facing upward with the fingers slightly curled, even into jnana mudra, which is a gesture that symbolizes union with the Creator as each thumb lightly touches the pad of the index finger. Remain in this position for 5-10 minutes with the head aligned directly between the shoulders and balanced over the spine, the chin lowered toward the lifted and expanded chest. When necessary, inhale the arms directly above the head while straightening both legs into "Staff Pose" (Dandasana described in the June 22, 2009 blog)) with flexed feet. Then exhale back into the "Easy Pose" with the opposite ankle in front for 5-10 more minutes of prayer and meditation. Before heading out into the world, take at least 5 more minutes to relax in "Corpse Pose" (January 24, 2009 blog). Scan your physical body from head to toe for any discomfort or tightness that can be released with each long and sighing exhalation.
- Mentally---Once the physical alignment of "Easy Pose" has been achieved there will be a sensation of freedom and physical ease in the pose. Don't take my word for it! Get into "Easy Pose" as described above and experience it for yourself, firsthand! Once the body is comfortable and at ease in the physical posture (asana) then the mind will eventually be freed to focus on higher processes (limbs of yoga) such as pranayama (controlled breathing), and pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses). When the mind wanders out of the present moment, rather than becoming annoyed with yourself, simply return the thoughts to each breath. If you continue to return to the same issues in the past or future, simply make a mental note to deal with this after your time with the Lord. He may just provide a wise answer....
- Spiritually---The final three limbs or components of the yoking process in meditation practices are the most advanced spiritually because they require total submission of the will and dedication to the object of one's affection---for a Christian that would be dedication to Jesus Christ. In dharana (complete absorption with a still mind) all faculties are restrained and offered to the Lord for His use and service. The final two states of meditation, dhyana (being transformed into the likeness of the object of affection), and samadhi (departing from the material world and merging with God where there is no duality between the knower and the known) are rarely sought because of the tremendous sacrifices involved, especially of time and energy.
- Spending time alone with God to pray and meditate on the object of your affection is a very personal experience that is pleasing to both entities being yoked together. This can only be experienced firsthand, so try it for yourself!
