An old television show called "Who Do You Trust" examined the issue of credibility and trust. Three guests panelists would each claim to be the same person---usually an obscure explorer or inventor---and the contestant could ask each guest different questions to discover which of the three was actually the person he claimed to be. The contestant's powers of inquiry and observation were pitted against each guest's ability to fabricate and deceive.
Isn't this world a lot like that television show? We are constantly evaluating others and deciding if they are who they say they are. We want to know if we can trust what they say to be true. We want to be confident in the honesty, integrity, reliability and justice of someone before we give them our firm trust. If you've ever been disappointed by someone you had trusted, you're probably coming to the realization that no human can be trusted all the time. Even the wisest human guru or shaman cannot compare in wisdom to the knowledge of God. (Read the first letter of Paul to the church in Corinth, verses 18-20: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ...hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (I Corinthians 1: 18-20, KJV)
Yes, in all honesty it is difficult for some Christians to accept that the resurrection of Christ is reliable and true because we have not seen the promise fulfilled with our own eyes. We've been deceived by the saying that, "Promises are made to be broken." But this is not true for God's promises! Every single promise made in the Old Testament Scriptures about the Messiah has been fulfilled as prophesied. In the New Testament Book of Matthew Jesus made a new promise to be with "...with you always, even unto the end of the world." It is His comforting and wise presence that we can yoke to as we practice Christian yoga. Allow the Holy Spirit of God, your Creator, to become your true and reliable guru when practicing some of the more advanced and challenging physical postures, such as this week's preparation for "Revolved Bound Side Angel Pose" or Parivrtta Baddha Parsvakonasana. Your God-installed, inner conscience will not lead you to go beyond your personal edge into pain or injury. This advanced pose is not safe for prenatal students!
- Physically---Prepare your body for this advanced rotated, asymetrical pose with 3-5 rounds of the breath-synchronized meditation in motion called "Salutations to the Son" (described in the April 27th through May 11th 2009 blogs.) From the "Downward-Facing Dog Pose" inhale to look forward as the right foot lunges on an exhalation to replace the right hand at the top of the mat. Inhale and straighten the right leg as the back foot pivots to press the left heel down and away from the front right foot. Using blocks aligned directly under the shoulders remain in this variation of an intense, forward-bending stretch called Parsvottanasana for 5-6 deep and smooth breaths to allow the hamstrings on the front leg to relax and open while the quadriceps on the back leg are extending.
- Be sure to ground all four corners of both feet firmly and evenly while practicing the Parsvottanasana vinyasa flow described in the March 16th and 23rd, 2010 blogs. Then inhale the right hand onto the back of the right hip while bending the front knee over the ankle for several relaxed breaths. Remain in this preparation for "Revolved Side Angle Pose" for 3-5 smooth and rhythmic breaths to allow the back, hips and leg muscles to soften and relax. Exhale back into the "Downward Dog Pose" to reverse and warm up with the left leg extended in order to prepare both sides of the body evenly for next week's advanced twisting pose.
- Mentally---This week's preparation for an advanced bound and twisted position requires great focused attention and concentration. Be challenged but please don't be stupid. Use the slow and deep, three-dimensional breaths to ease the body deeper into these stretches with mindful awareness.
- Spiritually---Life often throws out misinformation or challenges that we must test before we trust. Be sure to connect with your Creator and allow the Being who designed you---body, mind and spirit---to guide you safely into more advanced and challenging yoga postures. Be present with the Lord God, your Creator and Redeemer.
