If we can remain calm in the middle of a storm, we're living in a quiet center called the "eye." This peaceful place is like the hub of a wheel. The outer rim may swirl madly around us creating friction and heat, but because of our intimate life with God we continue to reflect His beauty and order. Turmoil and troubles don't change the person we really are; they mirror our true inner life. If we're living with an awareness of God's Holy Spirit within us, the outer circumstances don't control the real person within.
As family time and holidays rapidly approach, does your apprehension about the time spent with so many people, large and small, with so many varied voices building to a crescendo until you no longer look forward to the occasion? Or maybe your personality thrives on "the more the merrier." Regardless of the outer circumstances, whether stormy or sunny, nurture your inner life with God so that you can reflect His peace in the midst. As you practice this week's pose called "Lightning Pose" or Urdhva Prasarita Ekapadasana (Now you realize why we shorten the Sanskrit names for the positions!) enjoy that calm place in the "eye of the storm" as you attempt to balance in stillness on one leg at a time.
- Physically---First warm your muscles and joints with a few rounds of "Salutations to the Son" (described in the May 2009 blogs). Then exhale as you fold forward to stand in the "Standing Forward Fold" called Uttanasana for 4-5 deep and smooth breaths. This will help to stretch and release the hamstrings in the back of the legs, preparing your physical body for the intense stretching sensation of this standing split posture (asana.)
- After 3-5 smooth and relaxed breaths in the "Standing Forward Fold," on an exhalation draw the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles up and in toward the spine, engaging the mula bandha and the uddiyana bandha for core support. Consciously rotate the thighs inwardly, lifting and engaging the knees and thigh muscles as you extend the left leg straight up toward the sky. Wrap the left hand around the back of the right ankle and rest the right hand on the floor just outside of the right foot. At the top of each inhalation extend through the pointed toes of the upper leg while grounding downward into all four corners of the standing foot. Remain in this forward bending stretch that resembles a "Lightning Bolt" for 5-6 breaths, gently moving the head or chin closer to the standing knee during each exhalation. To switch sides, inhale, draw up the locks (bandhas) and then slowly lower the upper leg to the floor before raising the right leg straight up in the air.
- Mentally---Count the number of breaths on each side and attempt to stay in this pose for the same length of time on each side, consciously extending at the top of each inhalation and then relaxing at the end of each exhalation. Keep the eyes soft and lightly focused on the big toe of the standing foot (padhayoragrai) with a calm, at-ease mind. If you can sense an inner peace at the very center of your being, you may even be able to release the hand from the floor and place it behind the ankle of the standing foot to experience real balance and stability in this position. Practice stillness at the center.
- Spiritually---Repeat the mantra (an incantation or prayer) in bolded script from The Old Testament Book of Isaiah: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength " (Isaiah 26:3, KJV)
