When I return late and exhausted from a long plane trip and yet agree to take the first train out of town the next morning to babysit my grand daughter, I hope that choice speaks volumes about my love. (This is especially true if I can do this without complaining or bragging---except in this blog that I don't think my family reads anyway!) When I choose to schedule activities and appointments around my yoga classes, hopefully that speaks volumes about my priority to serve God and my students. For every instance when we sacrifice personal plans or wishes in order to place the needs of others above our own we exhibit selfless love. Hopefully, our intent is to keep peace and maintain healthy relationships.
A pure expression of selfless love expects nothing in return, not pity or praise, so we sacrifice quietly. If your physical circumstances are not ideal, focus on nurturing the spiritual ones. When I awaken early enough to have private time to yoke with God before the busy-ness of the day takes over, I am making a conscious choice to seek the God-connection instead of that extra hour of sleep. I must not brag or complain. (This is a "pep talk" to myself.) I choose to quietly accept the repercussions of all my decisions with a quiet strength and a vulnerable openness, much like the yoga breath-synchronized (vinyasa) flow that begins with this week's "Crescent Moon Pose" or Anjaneyasana. This yoga position strengthens the legs while opening the entire front of the body, one side at a time. However, prenatal students should enter into this posture very cautiously, keeping the arms straight out in front of the chest rather than raised overhead.
- Physically---There are several methods of entering into the pose called "Crescent Moon Pose" or Anjaneyasana, but for the sake of brevity we'll begin from the traditional transition posture (asana) called "Downward-Facing Dog Pose" described in the May 4, 2009 blog. After five smooth and rhythmic breaths in "Down Dog" inhale energy (prana) deeply into the body and hold it there briefly by drawing the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles up and in toward the spine to engage the energy locks or bandhas. During the breath retention (called antara kumbhaka) look forward at the right hand and lift it from the heel through the finger tips as the right foot lunges forward and the left knee lowers gently to the mat on the exhalation. Then inhale while sweeping both arms out to the side and upward to join in the prayer gesture called anjali mudra, bending backward and pressing the left hip forward. Be sure to ground firmly into the ball and toes of the back left foot and all four corners of the right foot for a stable base as the body forms a "crescent moon" shape, arching down from the tip of the fingers and around to the toes of the back foot.
- Hold this backward bending stretch for 3-5 smooth breaths deepening the arch in the spine by pressing the tail bone downward and lifting up and back through the crown of the head and the hands. To exit the pose, inhale deeply making sure that the energy locks (bandhas) are fully lifted and engaged to support the lower back. Then exhale the arms straight down to the mat, aligning them directly under the shoulders as the right foot slides back next to the left foot, hip-width apart, and the tail bone rises up and back to return to "Downward-Facing Dog Pose" for several breaths.
- To move into "Crescent Moon Pose" on the left side be sure to engage the locks at the top of an inhalation before lunging the left foot forward to replace the left hand and exhaling the right knee gently to the mat. If necessary, a folded blanket or pillow may be placed under the back knee as protective padding. Use thorough, three-dimensional inhalations to deepen the stretch across the entire front of the right side as the hands stretch up and back away from the tail bone to open the shoulders, chest, hips and thighs for 3-5 smooth breaths with the left foot forward. To rest for 8-10 breaths, exhale the hands slowly to the mat, shoulder-width apart, and slide the front foot back beside the back foot as the hips lower back onto the heels in "Extended Child's Pose." Next week's blog will describe how to continue with the breath-synchronized (vinyasa) flow into a forward bending posture.
- Mentally---Backward bending positions challenge the mind to stay focused on breathing those victorious, three-dimensional "chest breaths" by expanding the rib cage fully because the abdomen is compressed by flattened and lengthened abdominal muscles. Keep the mind focused on the coordination and timing of the energy locks (bandhas) at the top of each inhalation as you open yourself to accept God's guidance and peace.
- Spiritually---With each inhalation quietly accept where you are at in this moment. Know with confidence that you're where you are by the grace and permission of God who is preparing you for His higher purposes. Don't expect to understand everything in this life. Breathe in the peaceful presence of God and ask Him to help you to make wise decisions that speak volumes about your priorities. Specifically ask Him to keep you from speaking evil and continue to seek peace in all of your relationships.
