"Don't Go There!"

DO go somewhere to retreat from the busyness of life, and take your yoga practice with you! It isn't even necessary to take a yoga mat; a blanket will do. But we all know that there are places we shouldn't go. For example, it's not a good idea to walk down a dark alley in a strange city, alone, after midnight, in the poorest section of town. Really. When practicing yoga postures, we should never go beyond the place referred to as the "edge." That place can be defined as the point of maximum resistance in the muscles, fascia, ligaments and joints BEFORE the sensation of pain is experienced. Beware of the inner voice that might urge you to force or push your physical body beyond the edge---that's called your ego. Rather, listen to the God-installed, inner voice of intelligence that helps you to move into your best version of each position.
Slight discomfort can be experienced in an active stretch because we are lengthening and/or compressing tissue to encourage openness and the movement of body fluids in order to lubricate affected areas. This stretching sensation should not feel the same as the type of shooting pain that causes injury. Don't go there! Do try this week's easy stretch to become familiar with the difference between a healthy stretching sensation and actual pain:

PHYSICALLY---If the weather permits, sit outdoors in any comfortable position (Sukhasana, Siddhasana, Virasana, or "Adept's Pose", or even seated in a chair) and inhale both arms out to the sides and upward in a sweeping motion called "Upward Salute" or Urdhva Hastasana in Sanskrit. Slowly exhale the arms down to the sides, stopping at shoulder height with the hands bent backward at the wrists and the thumbs pointing upward. On the next deep inhalation, spread the ribcage and fingers as widely apart as possible to experience a healthy, not painful, stretching sensation. Experience the three distinct segments of this easy breath-synchronized flow as the breath arises, and then remains or abides during the active stretch, and finally dissolves into a state of ease for the hands and ribs. Repeat this active stretch for 3-5 smooth and rhythmic breaths before continuing your practice.
MENTALLY---Remain aware and focused on the coordination of physical movements with the smooth and steady flow of the breath. Try to describe the stretching sensations between each finger and rib. Practice conscious breathing as you count each breath and its segments.
SPIRITUALLY---During each deep inhalation fill your heart and lungs with gratitude for the gift of life and for your God-installed conscience that attempts to keep you out of trouble. Become more aware of how each minute experience flows into the next, generating energy and clarity.

"For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death." (Psalm 48:14, KJV)

(Yes, this blog looks different than the previous blogs because I haven't figured out how to bold or italicize font while using the "Blog Press" application for my iPad. If there's an Apple "genius" or anyone out there who knows how to do this---I've already tried "command + B" to no avail--- please email me at yogaladyplf@gmail.com.)  Eventually I edited these changes on my home PC.
Namaste, plf
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

If you'd like to practice with personalized instructions and modifications you may attend a live, one-and-a-half hour Christian yoga class on Tuesday evening from 7-8:30pm at the Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church on Fairmont in Anaheim Hills, or from 6:45-8:15 am on Wednesdays at the Hephatha Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall on Santa Ana Canyon Road in Anaheim, OR from 1:30-2:45pm every Wednesday in the Hephatha Fellowhip Hall.

Location:Big Bear Retreat