Monday, December 27, 2010

"What Next?"

Nobody really knows "what's next," so we get over it!  We accept that the "knowing" is for God alone. As the song says, "Whatever will be will be; the future's not ours to see." Although I cannot be sure that there will be a tomorrow, each moment of today I will continue to serve God and my family in the faith that there will be a future.  From personal experience, God always provides what I need, as I need it because He's perfectly aware of my needs before I am.  He even inspires the words for each week's blog as I sit in front of the computer, fingers poised over the keys, not knowing exactly what I will write.
By contrast, very young children appreciate and seem to need the comfort of traditions that set a pattern in their young minds.  They often say the same words to their parents before bedtime, "Night night, Mommy/Daddy. See you in the morning!" And often they like to use the same cup for their milk, and even read the same bedtime stories. (Hopefully those stories are from The Bible.)  Young minds seem to be apprehensive of change.  But as adults we've already experienced the unpredictability of life, and so we quickly learn to adapt and adjust as life tosses the unexpected our way. 
Yes, it's wise to use reason and probability based on the past as guides for the future. As the saying goes, "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."  Hopefully we learn from history because the year 2010 will soon be a part of history, but the first day of 2011 is yet-to-come and bursting with new opportunities to change old habits and learn from mistakes!  Trust your God who knows all as your very best and safest guide.  The words of Jesus explain the concept of God's sovereignty in The Book of Matthew, Chapter 24 beginning at the 36th verse: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels in heaven, but my Father only."  The apostle, Mark, also recorded the words of Jesus in The Book of Mark, in Chapter 13, beginning at verse 32; and then he added in verse 33:  "Be on guard; be alert! You do not know when that time will come."   Live with the inner peace of not needing to know "what's next."
My ongoing "New Year's Resolution" is to start every day on my knees, practicing the tools of yoga to connect with/yoke with the only God who does know "what's next!" When I literally don't know what to do next when sequencing postures (asanas) I listen more intently to my body and mind with present-minded awareness.  Following I've outlined a very brief overview of just a few basic yogic tools that you can put to use in your daily yoga practice for 2011:
  • Physically---When changing position from one posture (asana) to the next, always move slowly and cautiously in sync with the breath.  Inhale through the nose only (God's filtration system) to extend the spine and open the chest and lungs, drawing in fresh energy (called prana) and then sealing it within the physical body by engaging the locks (called bandhas) described in the May 11, 2010 blog,  These physical locks are usually engaged at the top of the inhalation and squeezed or lifted firmly upward and inward during the exhalations to provide support for the body weight. The pause at the end provides s time to let go.
  • Use the pose/counterpose technique to balance your body---following every forward bending position with a backward bending position, every external rotation of the hips is balanced by an internal rotation, and every twist to the right by a twist to the left.  Begin slowly to warm the muscles and joints and then include a few standing and balance positions that challenge your body to be stronger and more stable.  
  • Remain in each position for at least 3-5 breaths (unless practicing a one-breath, one-movement vinyasa flow) and include passive stretching with props for support when your body needs rest.  
  • Always conclude your time alone with God in "Corpse Pose" (See November 29, 2010 blog) for at least five minutes to "be still," rest and restore your physical body, which is the temple of God's Holy Spirit.
  • Mentally---Pay close attention to the rhythm of the breath, especially the duration of the exhalations, which are usually equal to (sama vritti) or longer than the inhalations.  If the mind wanders out of the present moment, return to focus your attention on each breath without irritation or emotional response.
  • The eyes are usually focused in the direction of the upper body stretch (called drishti) or inward (called the "third eye" or naitrayoh ma dai) on the object of your affection, which for a follower of Christ would be His gift of life found in the spirit of each breath, and His free gift of eternal life through His death on the cross in our place.  The eyes may be closed lightly or just 2/3 of the way to help withdraw from the distracting sense of sight.
  • It's especially effective to schedule your yoking time to be alone with God as the first thing each morning or the last thing before bed to eliminate phone calls, texts, etc.
  • Spiritually---Be mindful of the power of physical gestures and thoughts as you use your body and mind to demonstrate your love and devotion to the one Living God, Creator of all things visible and invisible.   
  •  Every time you look up, spiritually acknowledge and worship God as the source of every breath you take.   Bow in surrender and submission as you exhale with every forward bend.  
  • Make every yoga practice, long or short, a moving meditation dedicated to your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who so loved the world that He came to save the world, not to condemn it.  (Please re-read John 3:16 and 17.)
"O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee; my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is....Because Thy lovingkindness is better  than life, my lips shall praise Thee."              (Psalm 63: 1 and 3, KJV)
  
I pray that each day of your New Year will begin by using the ancient tools of yoga to yoke with God, resting in His calm and peaceful presence, listening to the guidance of the only One who knows what's next.... Happy, healthy and peaceful 2011 to ALL!                                          plf