Arrogance is an unattractive trait. It's downright offputting to most of us, and it's annoying to be around those who habitually boast of themselves and their good fortune. God doesn't like it either. When He lists the "Seven Deadly Sins" in the Book of Proverbs, the first one that offends Him is "...a proud look"---right up there with "a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood." And yet I find false humility to be even more offensive because it adds the vice of dishonesty to the offense.
If you've been blessed with many talents and/or beauty, give God the credit. If you have the strength and flexibility to move into advanced yoga postures, be grateful to God for your health. But if you have many physical and/or mental limitations, be thankful to God for what you do have. When we're dedicated to serving and honoring our Creator with whatever gifts we've been given, we begin to practice one of the niyamas. or rules of conduct, called isvara pranidhana that involves our complete dedication to the Lord. This wisdom acknowledges that all of creation belongs to the One who created it, so we cannot be puffed up with pride that takes credit for anything because "I" and "my" have dissolved into dedication and service to the Creator. All personal gratification is released in service to God, who empties us of self as we eventually begin to reflect His purposes and His character within us.
Even the lowly creatures that we refer to as "bugs" have a divine purpose to fulfill as they crawl along the surface of the earth. This week let's target our pride as we practice the lowly and humble "Bug Walk." Prenatal students should be careful about compressing the side walls of the uterus in this effective hip opening position.
- Physically---After several warm-up rounds of "Salutations to the Son", exhale from an "Upward Salute" (Urdhva Hastasana) into a slightly wider than hip-width "Forward Fold" (Uttanasana) but with the knees slightly bended. Remain here, arms hanging down and released, for 3-5 smooth and deep breaths to allow the back muscles to lengthen and relax into the gentle tug of gravity. At the top of a long inhalation gaze at the big toes while (padhayoragrai drishti) drawing up the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles and lifting the tail bone upward. Then exhale both hands inside the feet and back around the outside of each leg to firmly grasp the foot, ankle or calf, depending upon how tight the hamstrings and hips are feeling in the present moment. With each exhalation take a step with the right foot walking around the left foot in a counter-clockwise motion until you gone full circle. Relax back at center for 2-3 breaths before reversing the direction of the "Bug Walk" to move in a clockwise direction for 360 degrees. After completing slow circles in both directions, release from "Downward-Facing Dog" to the knees and then onto the back for a minimum of five minutes in the restorative "Corpse Pose" (Svanasana) described in the January 24, 2009 blog.
- Mentally---While walking slowly in the "Bug Walk" circle, focus on taking one step with each exhalation and releasing any pride or desires for self-gratification. Breathe in gratitude that you're able to do any version of this hip and hamstring-opening "walk."
- Spiritually---Laugh inwardly at the image of yourself walking in small circles, butt in the air. But remember that God has fully equipped you for His purposes and it only seems as if you're walking in circles. Adopt a humble and obedient attitude while practicing the "Bug Walk" reminding yourself of what the Lord requires of you.
