Monday, June 13, 2011

"Slow [E]-Motion Responses"

An angry response can damage relationships.  We all know this and yet sometimes find it difficult to control the build up of tension within.  How can we learn a "slow [e]-motion response?"  Trust me, we cannot control our emotions without divine help!
Throughout The Old Testament scriptures we read again and again that our God is "...compassionate, gracious and slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."  (Exodus 34:6) These characteristics of God are repeated in the Books of Numbers 14:18, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 86:15, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2, and Nahum 1:3. One possible but challenging solution points to a transformational process of becoming more like God, which is the original intention of yoga. 
Think of the yoking process (yoga) as the journey in a successful marriage.  In this union two individuals "meet in the middle" to become closer and more in sync with one another until they are truly like one.  Many traditional wedding ceremonies symbolize this union with an arch (called a chupah in Hebrew) to represent the yoke of love that unites the two individuals in the process of joining together as one in their journey.  Uniting---note the progressive verb tense---is a process, not a one-time commitment, just as yoga is the process of learning to fully connect with God and "...take [His] yoke upon you."  When we're connected to God by the yoke of yoga (redundant, I know!) we learn "slow e-motion responses."  This week's posture called "Shoulder Bridge Pose" or Setu Bandha Sarvangasana helps us physically to develop and maintain a healthy nervous system that is not  "anxious about anything."  (Philippians 4:6.)  But it's the connection with God that will help you to control your anger!  When the connection is weak or lost we lose control of our emotions. Prenatal students should not attempt this position!
  • Physically---First, massage the muscles, joints and vertebral discs by practicing several rounds of the meditation in motion called "Salutations to the Son" as described in three earlier blogs (April 27, May 4, and May 11, 2009).  This week's posture (asana) may be entered either from "Plow Pose" (October 5, 2009 blog) or from "Suppported Shoulder Stand" (August 24, 2010 blog) OR even from the "Inverted Pose" called Viparita Karani (September 28, 2009 blog).  After 8-10 smooth breaths in any of these inversions, begin to transition into "Shoulder Bridge Pose" or Setu Bandha Sarvangasana by slightly lowering the hands to the back of the waist with the heels of the hands just below the lowest rib and the thumbs wrapping around toward the front body.  At the top of a deep, three-dimensional inhalation actively draw up the pelvic floor muscles first (called mula bandha). Then exhale as the abdominal walls are stretched across the hip bones but drawn inward toward the spine like a drawstring (uddiyana bandha).   Maintain the chin/throat lock (jalandhara bandha) from the previous inversion/s as one leg at a time extends out and lowers slowly toward the floor at the end of that breath.  Take another deep, three-dimensional breath while lifting the hips up to stretch the spine upward. All three locks (bandhas) are engaged to seal the healing energy from God (called prana) within the body.  The eyes are focused on the center of the forehead, also called "Third Eye" or naitrayoh ma dyai drishti.  The weight of the torso and hips will be transferred onto the back of the head, the shoulders, the elbows, and the heels of the feet once they reach the floor.  
  • At the top of each inhalation continue to reach through the heels and toes of the feet, keeping the leg muscles spiraling inward and hugging the leg bones for full leg and hip extension. After remaining in this "Shoulder-Standing Bridge Pose" for 5-8 relaxed breaths, walk the feet in toward the hips until the knees align directly over the ankles.  Then release one hand at a time, palms facing down, and slowly release onto the mat from the top of the shoulders down to the sacrum (the flat, triangular-shaped bone just above the tail bone.)  To finish, slowly extend the legs out with an external rotation (away from center) and roll the hands onto the back of the wrists with the fingers curled softly as you close your eyes and restore in "Corpse Pose" (January 24, 2009 blog) for at least five minutes.
  • Mentally---Stay alert and focused on the rhythm of the breath as you notice how too much extension of the lower back limits the hip extension by creating tension on the psoas that are attached to the lumbar spine and the upper leg bone (femur).  Give these psoas major your permission to expand and release the tension as you remain present and aware during each smooth breath.
  • Spiritually---After the physical posture "Shoulder Bridge Pose" or Setu Bandha Sarvangasana becomes somewhat comfortable, you're ready to add the spiritual dimension by asking God to help you to become (Remember, it's a process!) "...swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger as James, the brother of Jesus suggests in James 1:19.
"...that we should be  a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."          (James 1: 18b- 20, KJV)

Practice becoming yoked to God, who is all we could ever hope to be---"...compassionate, gracious and slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."      Namaste, plf