Certainly every waking moment does not have to be filled with a project or small task in order to hold meaning or purpose. An occasional break from routine can become a healthy observance of life itself! Don't muddle those moments by allowing feelings of guilt to creep into your heart and mind. Rather open yourself to the luxurious opportunity to meditate on something positive that you'd like to invite into your life. Learn to rest in tranquility with the intent to be totally still, merging body, mind and spirit with your Creator.
Devoting time to God during brief leisure moments can become fulfilling occasions rather than empty time. While waiting for a phone call to be mazed through to a living voice, or biding time that it takes for an old or infected computer to boot up, these are illustrations of time that is ripe with opportunity to nourish the soul. Although any comfortable position will work, I've discovered that a supine, supported chest opener with props really opens up everything! Next time there are a few unscheduled moments in your day try this "Supported Chest Opener" that I call R in R or "Refuge in Recess." Prenatal students should wait until next week for the modified version of this position.
- Physically---Whether seated or lying down, two key components of a "Supported Chest Opener" are the crucial props to support the upper back and head, and secondly, the chest and shoulder opening that occur while cupping the elbows over the head. Ideally, begin by lying down on a flat and level surface with the knees bent at first. Place a block or several thick books under the upper back so that both shoulder blades are fully supported by these props and then place several folded blankets or a firm pillow under the back of the head so that the forehead is at least as high as the chin. Take a very slow and deep inhalation as both arms lift up and over the head and then exhale slowly while each hand firmly cups the elbow of the opposite arm. Whenever desired, the legs may be extended away from the hips with the lower ribs dropping downward as the heels of flexed feet are pressed away from the hips and ribs during an exhalation.
- Mentally---Because this getaway is usually very brief, it's important to inhale that first deep ujjayi (victorious) breath, and then allow the eyelids to gently close and relax into their sockets with a long sighing exhalation. This brief withdrawal from the distractions of sight (called pratyhara) signals your "recess in refuge" from the busy-ness of life as you focus on the expansion and opening that occurs at the end of each long exhalation. Notice the smooth rhythm of your breath and how the exhalations feel warm and moist as they exit your body. Allow all disturbing thoughts to exit with them.
- Spiritually---Give in to the nourishment of being alone in the presence of God, if only for a moment, as you remind yourself that God desires this connection even more than you do! Invite Him into your heart and your life. Trust God to deal with all of your concerns using His wisdom and power. Breathe in the tranquility and refuge found in His presence.
