Everyone has a dark side. We all struggle with a sinful human nature that often gives in to depression or depravity. To deny this "dark side" actually gives it more power. In order to acknowledge the evil influence, some of my friends have jokingly given their alter ego a name when it emerges after too much alcohol . Even the apostle Paul complained about doing what he knew was not good when he said, "For the good that I would, I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do." (Romans 7:19, KJV) He went on to say, "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." And so we continually struggle with our sinful nature, even when we want to do good.
Since we cannot solve this dilemma on our own as long as we have a physical body, God gave us the solution through His Son, Jesus Christ. "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousnes of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:3-4, KJV) Translation: we must become more spiritually minded and seek less satisfaction in the flesh.
A crescent moon also has a dark side. Although we don't see it without a telescope, we know that it's there. This week while practicing a variation of the yoga posture called "Crescent Moon Pose" or Anjaneyasana, try to focus less on the physical aspects of the position and more on the connection with your Creator.
- Physically---After prayer and several rounds of saluting your Savior, "The Son of God," remain in "Downward-Facing Dog" for five deep and smooth victorious ujjayi breaths to focus on the source of each breath. To move into "Crescent Moon Pose" Variation or Anjaneyasana, after a deep inhalation draw up the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, (called the bandhas) look forward and lunge the right foot up to land just inside the right hand. Then slowly float the left knee to the floor duration the long and thorough exhalation. Inhale both hands up onto the right knee and gently press it forward over the toes during an exhalation. Take 3-5 slow and deep breaths to allow the muscles along the top of the left thigh to relax before bending the left knee and reaching around with the left hand to grasp the left ankle. OR if a canvas belt or strap is available, wrap it around the arch of the left foot to gently draw the foot forward toward the hips. Remain in this gently stretch until the quadriceps begin to expand and soften---5-6 deep ujjayi breaths. For a deeper stretch, inhale the right arm up and over the head to help hold the strap, or reach toward the left foot. Feel the chest expanding with each deep breath as the tail bone presses down and forward in this backward bending posture.
- After 5-6 smooth ujjayi breaths, slowly release the left foot back to the floor duration and exhalation, and drop back into "Child's Pose" or Balasana for 3-5 relaxed and grateful breaths before switching to lunge the left foot forward. After completing both sides rest in "Corpse Pose" (Savasana) for at least five minutes of relaxation and restoration.
- Mentally---Once established comfortably in the "Crescent Moon Pose Variation" focus attention on the slow and smooth rhythm of each breath and remember the source of each breath is from a loving Creator.
- Spiritually---In order to shift attention from the physical to the spiritual, feel the Presence of God' forgiveness in each breath. Look up to acknowledge the source of light and deliverance that is worthy of your worship and service.
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