Monday, November 19, 2012

"Just Enough Light"

Headlights allow us to drive in the fog, but they provide just enough light to proceed slowly ahead with the setting on "low beam."  When we try to look too far beyond the light all we see is fog and the unknown, so we stay within the low light provided. Because the future is in the fog we are protected from seeing beyond the present moment.  This encourages us to live in the now moment, taking one step at a time toward our destiny, and trusting that the light provided will be just enough to guide our steps.  
Who provides the light to lead us along life's path?  Who influences which path we choose? For me, the Holy Spirit functions like headlights in the fog.  David explained it best in Psalm 27, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life.; of whom shall I be afraid?"  Hopefully, we are connected (yoked) to the Spirit of God so that we will be guided step by step to achieve our positive life purposes.  We all want to make wise decisions about how to spend each moment of time that we are given, but we're not meant to do this alone.  God wants to take us by the right hand and lead us on His chosen path for us.  David went on to say in Psalm 73, "Nevertheless, I am continually with Thee; Thou hast holden me by my right hand.  Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." 
This week in the low light of "Half Moon Pose" or Ardha Chandrasana Variation, allow God's Holy Spirit to guide you moment by moment as you experience just enough light to enjoy this hip and side body opening position.  Be thankful that you can do what you can do, and don't force the pose.  This posture is safe for prenatal students!
  • Physically---After prayer and several rounds of the "Cat and Cow Flow" (Chakravakasana as described in the December 20, 2010 blog) to warm and massage the spinal discs alternately in extension and flexion, the axial and lateral extension may be safely added in this week's "Half Moon Pose" or Ardha Chandrasana Variation.  Begin by inhaling both arms out and up into an "Upward Salute" while drawing the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles up and back toward the spine (called bandhas) for support.  Then slowly exhale while extending the spine and leaning to the left as the left hand is released to the floor in line with the left knee and directly under the left shoulder, fingers spread wide and pointing away from the left knee.  During the next slow and deep inhalation, sweep the right arm out to extend it directly above the left hand and shoulder as the gaze rolls up toward the right hand (hastagrai drishti). At the top of the inhalation and extension engage the "locks" or bandhas and then lift the right leg straight out to the right side, extending and stretching through an active right foot with toes spread wide.  Remain in this "Half Moon Pose Variation" for 3-5 slow and rhythmic breaths before exhaling the right leg and hand gently back to the floor.  After 2-3 repetitions of the "Cat and Cow" stretches, inhale up onto the knees and exhale the right hand to the floor in line with the right knee and practice this "Half Moon Pose Variation" with the left leg and arm lifted and fully extended.  Always rest in "Corpse Pose" for a minimum of five minutes at the end of every practice.
  • Mentally---Pay attention to each segment of the breath as it leads you step by step to enter into and out of this week's "Half Moon Pose Variation." Notice the peaceful presence of God's Spirit guiding your movement and your breath.
  • Spiritually---Practice remaining in the pose in each now moment with just enough light to keep the body and the breath focused and aware of God's presence.  Try not to fall into the trap of looking beyond to the next step or transition or what you'll do after your practice.  Become comfortable with the future remaining in the fog as you trust God to be your present guide and companion.

In the words of Jesus, "I am the light of the world; he that followeh me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."       (John 8:12, KJV)