Could you be in bondage to someone or something without knowing it? Are you aware of your true intentions when you make those hundreds of decisions each day? Where does your devotion lie and who do you want to please above all else? Some people search a lifetime for freedom from something that effectively eludes self-discovery. I've heard we only need to look in our checkbooks to see what we truly value. As Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34, KJV)
I believe that slavery comes disguised in the form of many well-known addictions---alcohol, sex, drugs, money, power, recognition, as well as some not-so-acknowledged addictions to children and/or spouses. If we follow those ties (Are they actually chains?) to their point of origin, we may find that they lead to the self---and not such a "divine self" upon further self-examination, but a sometimes needy and unfulfilled self. Kahlil Gibran's wisdom in his classic text, The Prophet, reminds us that "love possesses not, nor would it be possessed; for love is sufficient unto love." Oh, if we could only love so perfectly---completely content simply to love, and then possibly even be loved in return without the jealousy or ownership issues factoring into the relationship. Yes, I am an idealist!
This week let's contemplate our true intentions with the possible people and/or things that steal away our freedom (and our time) as we practice a seated forward folding posture (asana) with one foot bound, either by your hand or a strap. It's called "Half-Bound Lotus Pose" or Ardha Baddha Padmasana and is safe for prenatal students. However the forward fold will be restricted by the size of the baby bump and should be carefully considered during practice.
I believe that slavery comes disguised in the form of many well-known addictions---alcohol, sex, drugs, money, power, recognition, as well as some not-so-acknowledged addictions to children and/or spouses. If we follow those ties (Are they actually chains?) to their point of origin, we may find that they lead to the self---and not such a "divine self" upon further self-examination, but a sometimes needy and unfulfilled self. Kahlil Gibran's wisdom in his classic text, The Prophet, reminds us that "love possesses not, nor would it be possessed; for love is sufficient unto love." Oh, if we could only love so perfectly---completely content simply to love, and then possibly even be loved in return without the jealousy or ownership issues factoring into the relationship. Yes, I am an idealist!
This week let's contemplate our true intentions with the possible people and/or things that steal away our freedom (and our time) as we practice a seated forward folding posture (asana) with one foot bound, either by your hand or a strap. It's called "Half-Bound Lotus Pose" or Ardha Baddha Padmasana and is safe for prenatal students. However the forward fold will be restricted by the size of the baby bump and should be carefully considered during practice.
- Physically---It's always important to warm the muscles and joints with a few rounds of "Salutations to the Son" (described in three of the May 2009 blogs that begin on April 27th.) From "Downward-Facing Dog Pose" bend the knees, lift the internal "locks" (bandhas) for core support, and then jump both feet forward during an exhalation and land between the hands so that the both feet extend out in the seated position called "Staff Pose" or Dandasana (described in the June 22, 2009 blog.) Or you may simply choose to exhale from "Down Dog" to a kneeling position with the ankles crossed and then sit back and extend both legs forward into "Staff Pose."
- Before beginning "Half-Bound Lotus Pose" or Ardha Baddha Padmasana, check the lumbar spine with the back of one hand to be sure that the natural concave curve at the waist is intact. If the back is slightly rounding into a C-shape, place a folded blanket or pillow under the tail bone to restore the integrity of the spinal curves. Then inhale a long and deep ujjayi (victorious, three-dimensional) breath as both arms sweep out to the sides and upward to join briefly before exhaling to bend the left knee and lowering the hands to firmly grip the left shin. Cautiously draw the flexed left foot (to protect the knee joint) onto the right leg just above the knee (but not onto the belly of the quadricep muscles) and press through the heel of the right flexed foot to fully extend the right leg. Continue to hold the left shin with both hands while loosening the resistance in the hip joints with a brief Thai yoga massage by inhaling to rock slightly forward, hinging only from the groin and not the waist, with a poker-stiff back and lifted chin. Then exhale to rock back away from the right extended leg with a long and straight spine. Rhythmically rock back and forth for five smooth breaths, inhaling forward with chin lifted and exhaling backward over the tail bone with a lowered chin lock called jalandhara bandha. Then slip the loop of a canvas belt or strap around the left foot and inhale the right arm out to the side and around the back to hold the strap firmly in a "bound" position as the torso begins to fold forward, hinging from the hips only. Inhale to extend the spine by raising the head and the chest; then draw the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles up and in toward the spine like a drawstring that will support the entire back as we prepare for next week's variation in which we deepen the forward fold into a "Half-Bound Lotus Forward Fold" also called Ardha Baddha Padma Pachimottanasana.
- This week let's be content to remain in this very slight forward fold with the left foot bound for 8-10 smooth breaths before switching sides. If you practice every day this week you may eventually be able to move the "bound" foot up the extended leg and onto the crease in the groin, which is actually the full "Half-Bound Lotus" position. After releasing the resistance in each hip, one side at a time (unilaterally) it's very important to spend a minimum of five minutes in "Corpse Pose" with the hips relaxed open, toes pointing away from center.
- Mentally---The various stages and variations of this posture can cause damage to tight knees and/or hips and sacroiliac joints if not practiced with present-minded awareness. Beginners should maintain a flexed bound foot to protect torque in the knee joint before moving into the more difficult position where the outer edge of the foot rests in the crease of the groin of the outstretched leg. The sacroiliac joints in the lower back are protected by maintaining the integrity of the lumbar curve and engaging the locks (mula and uddiyana bandhas) for firm back support. Be sure to count your smooth and even breaths, carefully focusing attention on the knee and hip joint of the bended leg.
- Spiritually---Only during the final few (3 or 4) breaths should your mind be allowed to contemplate the true intentions behind your decisions. Although elementary advice, be careful what you bind your heart to and where your loyalties, your desires and intentions lead you. The Old Testament Book of Proverbs (wise sayings and advice) tell us to "keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother; Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee." (Proverbs 6:21, KJV)
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