Monday, October 3, 2011

"Turn Your LIght On"

If you're afraid of the dark, turn the light on for awhile.  If you can't balance on a bicycle yet, use training wheels until you develop the sensation of alignment involved in balancing and then the confidence to remove the wheels.  If your body isn't ready for some of the more difficult yoga postures (asanas), use props and practice regularly until you develop the confidence, strength and openness to let go of the props.  But never let your pride or fear of failure keep you from trying.  No matter how low the wattage is in your lightbulb, let your light shine without embarrassment, or worse yet, resentment.  As in the philosophy of "The Order of the Jedi"---there is no emotion; there is peace.  Or, as I think yoda would say it, "No emotion, peace there is."
This week's very challenging arm balance is called "Firefly Pose" or Tittibhasana in Sanskrit and it requires arm and core strength as well as hip and hamstring flexibility.  If you don't have these attributes, don't let that stop you from reaping the fun and the benefits of the posture.  Practice with a prop such as a padded stool, ottoman or chair and you'll learn what aspects of your physical body are preventing you from entering and then holding the full position without the use of props.  This knowledge is crucial in your journey of self discovery that leads to maturity.  If you are a prenatal student, please don't attempt this posture because of the compression in the lower and side abdominal region.  (Your baby will feel like the walls are closing in and squashing him/her!)
  • Physically---After warming the muscles and joints with several rounds of "Salutations to the Son" (described in three consecutive blogs beginning on April 27, 2009) begin to release tension in the hips and hamstrings by practicing "Turtle Pose"/Kurmasana (described in the October 18, 2010 blog).  Then take a deep breath in and stand up slowly with the feet slightly wider than hip-width apart before exhaling into  last week's "Bug Walk" posture. This activity will help to release the hips and hamstrings in preparation for this week's challenging position called "Firefly Pose" or Tittibhasana Iyengar-style, with props.  
  • After completing both counter and clockwise circles in "Bug Walk" your hips and hamstrings are ready to back slowly toward your planned and firmly grounded prop---a padded chair, stool, ottoman or even a stack of folded blankets or towels.  On an exhalation release both hands to the floor inside and slightly behind the feet with the fingers pointing forward and the elbows slightly bent out toward the inner knees.  At the top of the next inhalation lift the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles up and inward to engage the bandhas for core support, and then slowly lower the hips onto the edge of your prop while exhaling.  With most of the upper body weight pressing firmly down into all ten fingers and the heels of the hands, begin to extend the feet slowly away from the hips until the inner thighs begin to rest on the upper arms.  Eventually, with regular practice, you may be able to extend the legs until they are completely straight and then lift them completely onto the upper arms.  Be satisfied to practice this very challenging full pose with props until your body is strong and flexible enough. Without props the unsupported "Firefly Pose" requires contracted lungs and abdominals as well as open hips and fully extended hamstring and lower back muscles.  Do not force the body to move into any position that extends muscles and joints beyond "the edge" into pain or injury!
  • Mentally---From my personal experience, the mental focus must remain on the quality of each breath and the release of tension that can be created by unrealistic expectations for advanced yoga postures.  If an emotion such as fear or frustration should surface while practicing "Firefly Pose"  simply smile and return the thoughts to the rhythm and quality of each breath.
  • Spiritually---Very challenging yoga positions can only be achieved when all emotional responses from the ego are released and regular practice (abyhasa) is embraced.  Don't hide your light because of pride and fear that someone else's light might be brighter and may outshine your little light.  Turn your light on and let it shine!  You can add light to the world!  Tell them how much fun it is to yoke with your Creator every day! 
"Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."                (Matthew 5: 14-16, KJV)