Memories can be powerful teachers. Since we cannot erase the past, we might as well build upon it. Our freedom in the United States of America is based upon the sacrifices of unselfish men and women who dedicated their lives to build and preserve this freedom. And so we remember them today, Memorial Day, and hopefully throughout the year.
History has much to teach those who listen. Even painful memories can become positive building blocks for the future when we learn from the mistakes of others, or even those that we ourselves have committed. However, it's essential to be open and honest by facing up to and owning the reality of those issues in order to prevent the negative memories from developing into chronic behavioral habits. A strong building block foundation necessitates early pattern recognition and change.
When we continue in a customary action, good or bad, eventually we grow in bondage to that pattern. Sadly, patterns of behavior become more difficult to break free from the longer they continue. It's been said that it only takes three weeks of repeating a routine for it to become a habit, and then eventually developing into an obsession or fixation.
Occasionally past habits form strong, positive foundations for the future. For example, think of your yoga practice as a building block that laid the foundation for the future in the form of a stronger, healthier, more connected-to-God, relaxed and mindful you. If you've been practicing last week's sequence of postures, your open hips and shoulders are physically ready to build on that past by transitioning into this week's more challenging Ardha Chandra Chapasana. This posture can be safe for prenatal students who have built upon a past practice and are willing to use blocks and straps as props for a less demanding variation of the pose.
- Physically---After praying on your knees in "Child's Pose" and thanking God for those who laid a foundation of freedom before you, be sure to practice the unilateral (one side at a time) hip and shoulder-opening sequence from a bound variation of "Warrior II Pose" leading to the bound variation of "Half Moon Pose," as described in last week's blog in order to build upon those postures (asanas).
- Remain standing firm in the bound variation of "Half Moon Pose" long enough to experience the opening of the top shoulder and hip (at least 3-5 slow and smooth ujjayi breaths) in order for the physical body to be prepared for this week's more challenging Ardha Chandra Chapasana. When your body feels ready, with the right foot firmly grounded on the floor and the right hand grounded onto a block or the floor, inhale while releasing the bound left hand from the top of the right thigh and stretch upward, extending through the inhalation as the shoulder blades release down and in toward the spine. Then on an exhalation, bend the left knee to bring the left foot closer to the left hip, or the thigh if you're not ready to catch the foot. Another option is to use a prop and with a long and thorough exhalation attach the loop of a strap or canvas belt around the ball of the left foot. If it's possible, without strain or causing the back left hamstring muscles to cramp, then reach and catch the top of the left foot with your left hand, If these muscles cramp, release and straighten the leg immediately and take several more slow and rhythmic breaths before attempting to reach the foot again. On an inhalation draw the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles up and inward to "lock" the core support as the left knee lifts upward and the gaze rolls over the top left shoulder. Never attempt perfection in a pose by forcing the body into a position that it's not ready to achieve, but rather do your best and safest version of Ardha Chandra Chapasana by using a strap to extend the top knee upward as the psoas muscles soften and expand with each breath as the chest and heart open upward. Remain here for 5-6 slow and deep breaths before exhaling the left foot back into a lunge and reversing to open the right hip and shoulder in Ardha Chandra Chapasana . Always schedule time to rest and restore in Savasana or "Corpse Pose" for at least five minutes before completing your yoga practice.
- Mentally---The mind remains present and undistracted in each breath as the inhalations lead to greater opening through the chest, hips and back. During "Corpse Pose" the mind then reverts back to its foundation of unity and connection with God.
- Spiritually---The more you experience safety and security in the base foot and hand---even if it's aided by the gentle support of a sturdy chair or bed---the greater your appreciation for building from the bottom upward---from the past to the future. The same is true for your beliefs and behavior regarding God. As you practice stability in the position called Ardha Chandra Chapasana that is based upon your past practices, remember what Christ said about hearing and doing His sayings:
"Whosoever cometh to me and heareth my sayings and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like. He is like a man which built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock; and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it; for it was founded upon a rock." (Luke 6:47-48, KJV)
