"Soley Physical Exercise?"

Do you come to your yoga mat only when you are suffering physically, or attend classes only when you're feeling fat and out-of-shape?  Is yoga solely a form of physical exercise or relief?  If you answered "yes" to these questions, then according to yoga guru, B.K.S. Iyengar, you are not truly practicing yoga, but simply exercising.  In my humble opinion, you're also missing the most significant aspect of your yoga practice---the process of becoming a surrendered, spirit-filled Christian.

Of course God's Spirit is always present, always within you, but are you filled and controlled by that inner voice of God-installed intelligence?  Are you fully conscious of the Holy Spirit's presence that will enable you to pause long enough to consult Him before you speak or act---before you say or do something destructive that cannot be taken back?  In order to take full advantage of the original purpose of yoga, your intention must be to yoke with your Creator and become fully aware of Christ's Spirit within.  Then, when you are spiritually ready to make a meaningful commitment to serve and glorify Him, you begin to surrender selfish desires and make a promise to "present your body [your life!] as a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."  (Romans 12:1, KJV)  While on your mat this week practice the physical act of submission and surrender in "Feet-on-Hands Pose" variation with extended preparation, also called Padahastasana in Sanskrit.  God will accomplish the full spiritual surrender by drawing you to Himself gradually, but not before you are ready to yield.  This position can be practiced briefly by prenatal students with a slightly wider than hip-width stance. 

• Physically---Begin by grounding the feet firmly, hip width apart, on a flat and level surface, in a variation of the position (asana) called "Mountain Pose" or Tadasana described in the April 20, 2009 blog. Then continue with several rounds of "Upward Salutes" lifting both hands upward while inhaling a deep dose of energy (prana) to join the hands over the head in Urdhva Hastana.  At the top of the deep inhalation lift the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles up and back toward the spine before exhaling to bend forward from the hips, not the waist, as you fold the torso over onto both thighs with bended knees.  Remain in this bended knee variation of a "Standing Forward Fold" called Uttanasana for 3-5 smooth and rhythmic breaths to allow the muscles along both sides of the spine to extend and release.  Then cup each elbow with the opposite hand and rest the crown of the head on the forearms to further release for 3-5 smooth and relaxed breaths through the nose only.  After a few minutes the erectae spinae muscles (along each side of the spine) will be lengthened, and the head and arms will move closer to the floor. This is the beginning of the physical surrender.
• To move into the preparation for "Feet-on-Hands Pose" or Padahastasana, on an inhalation open the eyes to gaze at the big toes (padhayoragrai dristhi) and lift one foot at a time to place the corresponding hand under that foot, palm upward with the fingers pointing back toward the heel.  Once the balls of both feet are pressing into the palms of the hands, exhale while grounding the big toes into each wrist.  Remain here with bended knees while the torso is surrendering completely onto the thighs for at least five three-dimensional breaths, tipping the pelvic basin forward and lifting the tail bone during each inhalation.  Finally straighten the legs by engaging the front thigh muscles, hugging muscle to bone to protect vulnerable knee joints, and then release the hamstrings in the back of the thighs to feel the stretch in the belly of the muscles and not the point of attachment.  Never ever force the hamstrings to stretch beyond your personal "edge" into a place of pain and possible injury!  
• Mentally---Practice present-minded awareness by consciously waiting until your physical body is ready to yield to the stretch.  Switch your gaze point focus or drishti from the big toes (padhayoragrai dristhi) back to "third-eye" by lightly closing the eyelids to bring the attention inward to the rhythm and number of breaths.
• Spiritually---Patiently and gradually stretch yourself spiritually by deciding to yield to the drawing of God's Holy Spirit.  He will never force you to submit your will to His.  When you are ready you will joyfully yield and surrender to offer yourself "as a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."  (Romans 12:1, KJV)

May you enjoy the process of becoming a spirit-filled Christian, experiencing the surrender of self to Christ as a totally freeing  journey.   Namaste,  plf