Sometimes we simply must keep on keeping on...even when we don't feel like it! This weekly blog has been interrupted yet again, and I don't need to bore readers with all the messy details. Suffice it to say that when someone you love has been dealt a life-threatening health blow with a name that everyone fears---the big "C"---it truly does rock your world. None of the options are part of the hopes and dreams you had for your future together. Don't do anything---you die within a year or less. Agree to chemotherapy---you lose your appetite, weight, your hair, your energy. Survive an eight-hour surgery to remove organs and reconstruct new ones---you're slightly incontinent or live with a bladder bag strapped to your leg. Not exactly a sunny outlook, especially if you don't believe that "heaven is for real," as little Colton Burpo discovered in the non-fiction (debatable to some) book of the same title.
So far I've discovered that you cannot pray or wish someone into faith in the afterlife. However, I do know that one of my purposes in life is to serve as a cheerleader and an encourager for those who are suffering. I realize that it's no easy task to maintain a sunny disposition in the face of such serious issues. I can honestly say that my yoga practice has been my source of joy and peace in the midst of these crisis times. That why I'm sharing what I've learned with the hope that readers will be encouraged to try to "let it flow" (the joy) by practicing this week's vinyasa called "Sunflower Flow," a Prasarita Padottanasana Flow variation. This flow is safe for prenatal students.
- Physically---As always, begin on the knees in "Child's Pose" or Balasana (described in the first blog on January 10, 2009) to establish that prayer connection called yoga, that is yoking with your Creator. Then inhale up into the four-post position on hands and knees to warm the spine with 3-5 rounds of the "Cat and Cow Pose" Flow (Chakravakasana described on December 20, 2010). After alternating between spinal flexions and spinal extensions, exhale into the inverted V of "Downward-Facing Dog" (See May 4, 2009 blog) and walk the feet toward the hands at the top of the mat with a long exhalation. Inhale into an "Upward Salute" and then exhale while stepping the right foot and arm to the right. Stand tall in a wide stance with the feet aligned directly under the hands, palms facing upward, and the crown of the head lifting upward as both feet are grounding evenly into the earth on all four corners, especially the big toes.
- To begin the "Sunflower Flow," a Prasarita Padottanasana Flow variation, slowly inhale to extend both arms straight out to the sides with the palms facing upward, and then lift them upward to touch the hands lightly in an "Upward Salute." At the top of that inhalation, lift the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (called "locks" or bandhas) to support the weight of the upper body in the forward fold. With a long and thorough exhalation slowly lower the straight arms out to the sides (palms up) and then downward to cross the hands at the wrists, circumscribing a large "sunflower" shape in the air. Relax and release to the gentle pull of gravity at the end of the exhalation. Be sure to engage the "locks" or bandhas both on the way up to the "Upward Salute" and on the way down in order to support the spine in axial extension. That means the tail bone is pressing down and away from the crown of the head in a straight line of axial extension. (Please reread the March 5, 2012 blog for an explanation.)
- Continue flowing up and down in the breath-synchronized "Sunflower Flow" for 5-10 smooth and victorious ujjayi breaths before releasing flat on the back in the restorative "Corpse Pose" (January 24, 2009 blog) for at least five minutes.
- Mentally---The gaze point or drishti may flow slowly to alternate between an upward gaze at the thumbs (urdhva drishti) and then down to the navel (nabi chakra) OR the gaze may remain inward for "Third-Eye" attention called naitrayoh ma dyai drishti. In either case, the mind remains present and focused on the smooth and rhythmic flow of the breath to lead the movements in this "Sunflower Flow." In the forward bending action, also notice how the diaphragm is pulled up toward the rib cage to compress the lungs and aid in exhalation.
- Spiritually---As the arms reach upward we're breathing in faith and a positive outlook. During the exhalations we're surrendering all worry, doubts and despair. Feed and nourish your faith by reading all of the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 11.
(Hebrews 11:1, KJV)
