"Nevertheless"

In spite of one thing, another occurs.  Although there are times we'd like to turn off the alarm and sleep in, nevertheless, we rise and shine. Occasionally we're not in the mood to practice yoga or our musical instrument, or work in the garden, or drive on the freeway or cook dinner; nevertheless, we muster the energy and the will to accomplish these things.  If we choose not to do a thing, we must then face the consequences of not doing that thing.  

When our Lord was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, He had the choice that would change all of our lives.  Both of Christ's disciples, Matthew and Mark, record that now-famous prayer to His Father (that is to Himself):  "Abba. Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what Thou wilt." (Mark 14:36, KJV) Christ had the power---after all, He was God in the flesh---to escape from the Roman authorities, but He chose to take our punishment for sin in order to save us and to open our path to eternity.   Jesus Christ altered the history of mankind by rewarding us with eternal life.

We have the power to alter our own personal history.  When we don't exercise our will to "do the right thing" in order to accomplish our goals, we change our destiny.  If Jesus had not been obedient to The Plan, we would all be doomed for eternity.  If the 2012 Summer Olympic medal winners had not put in thousands of hours of preparation and practice, they would not have reaped the rewards.  If I don't alter my diet by lowering my sugar intake, and then accept chemotherapy treatments to kill off any possible remaining cancer cells, I will lose the battle.   Although my desire is to experience neither of these unpleasantries; nevertheless, I choose to win back my life!  Since there are goals yet to be accomplished,  I choose to be strong with God's help and "do the right thing," in spite of the temporary sacrifices of hair, appetite, energy and only God knows what else will be temporarily gone.  

Most importantly, I choose to praise my Creator throughout these sacrifices because I know that they are small by comparison.  Every morning I will awaken with this gentle, breath-synchronized (vinyasa) flow that acknowledges the "nevertheless" that was done for me almost two thousand years ago.   Try awakening your body, mind and spirit every morning with this gentle "Praise Vinyasa Flow"  (and it's safe for prenatal students!)

• Physically---As your feet touch the floor, position your body alongside of the bed with both feet firmly grounded and aligned parallel to the bed with the inner ankles, knees and thighs pressing together, and arms resting at the sides.  Begin by taking a deep and full breath of energy (called prana) through the nose only, allowing the chest to expand three-dimensionally as the arms sweep out to the sides and then join above the head in prayer position (called anjali mudra).  Look up to acknowledge the gift of life that comes with each breath.  Then, during a long and thorough exhalation,  lower both hands  to rest at the heart center as the chin lowers to the lifted chest in humble acceptance of God's gifts and  challenges.  On the second inhalation, begin the gentle  "Praise Vinyasa Flow"  by inhaling both hands straight up above the head as the gaze follows (urdhava drishti).  Pause briefly in "Upward Salute" (Urdhva Hastasana) before exhaling the arms down and out to the sides in a swan-dive Forward Fold (Uttanasana) with a chest expansion by bringing both arms behind the back and interlacing the fingers with the heels of the hands firmly touching.  Here the gaze shifts to the navel or nabi chakra as the knuckles pull gently up and over the back of the body.  With straight arms and the fingers firmly interlaced, begin the third inhalation by drawing the knuckles and the gaze upward, along with the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (called bandhas) as the torso and the gaze roll upward.  The final exhalation begins with an upward gaze  as the knuckles now gently pull down toward the back of the thighs, drawing the shoulders down and away from the ears into a gently backbend with the tail bone pressing down and forward and the front of the hip bones lifting in a posterior tilt of the pelvic basin.  
• Then the "Praise Vinyasa Flow" begins all over again as the arms sweep out to the sides and up into  the second "Upward Salute" (Urdhva Hastasana) with an  upward gaze (urdhva drishti).  Repeat the swan-dive Forward Fold (Uttanasana) with a chest expansion, then inhaling the knuckles upward and down the back into a gentle backbend. Repeat this breath-synchronized flow for 3-5 repetitions before continuing into a full "Salutation to the Son" (Surya Namaskara A) as described in the three blogs beginning on April 27, 2009.  Finish your praise time in the restorative "Corpse Pose" (Savasana)
   for a minimum of five minutes.
• Mentally---Throughout this "Praise Vinyasa Flow" focus the attention on rhythmic, deep and smooth "chest breathing" as the chest opens three-dimensionally to accept the gift of life and energy from above.
• Spiritually---Since this is called a "Praise Flow" it's vital that the heart and mind be in praise mode.  To accomplish this, it will help to prepare your heart and mind by reading  any of the Psalms, especially the very short but succinct Psalm 150 that closes with: "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.  Praise ye the Lord."   (Psalm 150: 6, KJV)

Nevertheless, I will praise my God throughout the six hours a day of "chemo cocktails...."

     Namaste, plf

"Encircle Your Dreams"

Each one of us has the potential to become only one "circle prayer" away from a miracle or a dream fulfilled.  The only conditions are that we must invite God to intervene in a situation that would be an impossibility to achieve without His help, and it  must glorify God.

These bold circle prayers are based on a collection of stories from the Talmud and Midrash, The Book of Legends, that contain teachings that were passed down through the generations by Jewish rabbis.  One legend tells of Honi the circle maker, who during the first century BC, gained fame for his ability to pray for rain when he took his six-foot staff and drew a circle like a compass around himself, dropped to his knees, raised his hands toward heaven and began to pray for rain.  When it finally did begin to rain it saved the generation before Jesus from one of the worst draughts in the history of Israel.  

Prayers can be like prophesies that predict what you will become in this life.   Therefore, I encourage each of you to pray big and bold prayers that demonstrate to God that you live in total dependence upon His grace and mercy for all of the circumstances beyond your control.  Each morning when you awaken, schedule time to draw a symbolic circle around yourself and your loved ones as you drop onto your knees to pray in "Child's Pose" or Balasana.  Continue these bold "circle prayers" daily throughout your time of yoking with the Lord as you practice this week's  "Extended Side Angle Flow" called Utthita Parsvakonasana.  Then watch how God honors these specific prayers throughout your lifetime and beyond. 

• Physically---First thing---before food and chores---in the morning lower slowly onto your knees to let God know that the most important priority in your life is your personal relationship with Him as you seek time in His Word (The Holy Bible) and communion with Him in His peaceful presence.  Then, with the palms of your hands resting on the arches of your feet, begin to circumscribe a circle with your fingers around your body as you breathe in the healing breath of God.   At the top of that first deep inhalation, bring the palms together in prayer position (anjali mudra) above the head, and then exhale to release all tension in the neck, upper back and shoulders.  Remain here in "Extended Child's Pose" for 5-6 deep and smooth, victorious (ujjayi) breaths as you continue with your specific "circle prayer."   
• On an inhalation open  the forearms to shoulder width and slowly swoop forward to raise the torso slightly onto both hands and knees as you release a long exhalation in a "Cat Spinal Flexion", drawing the pelvic floor and abdominals up and inward toward the spine.  From here you may choose to continue to warm the muscles along the spine for several breaths of "Cat and Cow" stretches (chakravakasana) before moving into "Extended Side Angle."
• On the next inhalation draw the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (the "locks" or bandhas) in and upward as the right foot moves just outside of the right hand with the right knee remaining at a right angle to the floor.  During the long exhalation with the locks engaged for core support, lift the left knee and rotate the left leg externally (away from center) and ground the left foot with the toes turned out about 15-20 degrees, pressing evenly into both feet.  To begin the "Extended Side Angle Flow" called Utthita Parsvakonasana,  inhale as the left arm releases from the floor backward toward the left foot, and circumscribe a circle upward until the left arm is extended above the left shoulder and then beyond.  You may choose to hold "Extended Side Angle Pose" for 3-5 slow and rhythmic breaths before you begin the breath-synchronized (vinyasa) flow by inhaling slowly on the up-swing, and then exhaling slowly on the down-swing as the arm circumscribes a vertical circle around your body.  (Your circle is now two-dimensional.) Always end your practice with at least five minutes in "Corpse Pose" or Savasana.
• Mentally---Focus your attention on the significance of each circle as you draw a circle around the circumstances in your life that are totally beyond your control.  Stay attentive to the smooth rhythm and movement of the breath (prana) as it moves through your body.
• Spiritually---In a "circle prayer" begin to claim God's love and concern for your future circumstances throughout your yoking experience as you claim specific Scriptural passages that pertain to your situation and/or dreams.  Remember as you pray and circumscribe your circle that God put those dreams into your heart and mind IF they will glorify Him by being accomplished with His help!  Now your "circle prayer" is three-dimensional, and you are practicing 3-D yoga.  (Please read the February 9, 2010 blog entitled "3-D Yoga.")  Remind yourself of this promise:

"Ah Lord God!  Behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee."            (Jeremiah 32: 19, KJV)

  

"The Big Reveal"

It's been said that your checkbook reveals your priorities, and it certainly does to some extent; but it's your daily schedule that is the really big reveal!  In the spring of 2001 when I inserted a Christian yoga practice into my daily agenda, it was the very first thing I did when I awakened.  I literally rolled out of bed and onto my knees to begin my day in prayer and meditation that lasted for a significant amount of time alone with the Lord each morning---well over an hour---so changing positions was a necessity in order to avoid physical cramping!   During this treasured time I physically relaxed and worked out sleep kinks, my mind slowly awakened to clarity, and spiritually I came to know my Lord and Savior more intimately as I remained still in His presence.  I was "abiding in [Him], ...as a branch abides in the vine..."  and yoga was the grafting tool that kept my busy mind from wandering.

In time, as situations with my mother and my husband became more demanding, slowly---and almost imperceptibly---over a period of ten years, I began to shorten my quiet time alone with the Lord.   A few bad habits crept into my schedule---such as consuming too many sweet desserts, falling asleep on the couch, awakening later and later each morning, watering the outdoor potted plants before the heat of the day (and before my time with the Lord!), playing with grandchildren, etc.  Eventually, the words in my prayers became more rote and repetitive, and I was becoming distracted during the changing of postures.  The "abiding time" fluttered out the window like an elusive butterfly, along with my health. 

Only God knows exactly when the cancerous tumor began to grow in my lower abdomen.  Finally, I could not deny its cantaloupe-size existence during yoga postures that settled all of my body weight on the abdomen.  Postures such as "Bow Pose or Dhanurasana (described in the September 21, 2009 blog) and Cobra Pose or Bhujangasana" (described in the October 25, 2010 blog) were not only revealing, but extremely uncomfortable!  Yes, yoga is a journey of discovery---a big reveal!

I believe that God allows adversity into our lives to stimulate change, and that's exactly what it did for me!  My recent re-awakening now has me back on track, putting my relationship with God first every morning utilizing my yoga practice with an emphasis on the spiritual and not the physical asanas.  With the help and awareness of the Holy Spirit, I'm now avoiding all the  temptations that drew me away from seeking God's kingdom first.  Greg Laurie expressed it so succinctly in his daily devotional, Every Day with Jesus, that I'm now reading while in "Hero Pose" or Virasana (described in the May 27, 2009 blog) and occasional other seated postures.  He reminds us that we cannot truly pray, "Thy kingdom come" until we first pray, "My kingdom go."    Our daily routine and agenda does reveal what is most important to us. 

My prayer for each one of my readers and "followers" is to learn from "the big reveal" of my slow decline.  Make time in your schedule first thing every morning to yoke with your God by reading His wise Words in The Holy Bible, and then pray and meditate on that wisdom from above.  Nurture the most important relationship you'll ever have!  As the apostle Luke put it:

"But rather seek ye the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."   

(Luke 12:31, KJV)                                               Namaste, plf  (I'm back after a month of healing.)

"The Fear Factor"

Who has never experienced either fear or failure?  Not one of us is immune to the fear factor as a very human, and often a valuable emotion.  Even competitive entrepreneurs experience an average of 3.8 failures before they finally experience a success, according to a recent study of MBA graduates from the Tulane University School of Business.   The difference may be that the  fear or the failure doesn't cause strong people to give up or stop trying for fear of more failure.  Two years in a row one of my daughter's dearest friends failed to make the cheer leading squad in high school, but she did not give up and finally made it in her senior year.  She refused to allow the fear of failure to block her from achieving the joy of success!
All yoga practitioners experience some degree of "the fear factor" in relation to challenging postures (asanas) that we may dread because of our fear of failure, or even fear of pain and injury.  Occasionally that may mean we flop onto our bellies or bums during practice, or possibly fall out of an inversion into embarrassment, or worse---into an injury. 
Conscientious students must learn the safest way to prepare for postures, and how to enter safely into and out of poses under the guidance of a qualified and experienced  yoga instructor.   Once we know what to do physically, we then need to claim more of that mental and spiritual confidence promised to us in Paul's second letter to his friend Timothy:  "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."   (II Timothy 1:7, KJV)  This week let's try to enjoy the ride as we face our fears of being upside down in the position called "Peacock Pose Variation" or Pincha Mayurasana.  All inversions are considered unsafe and are contraindications for prenatal students.

• Physically---To prepare a solid foundation for this week's challenging posture,  "Peacock Pose Variation" or Pincha Mayurasana. be sure to warm the physical body with several rounds of "Salutations to the Son" and spend at least five long and slow, three-dimensional ujjayi breaths in "Dolphin Pose"  before transitioning slowly into a "One-Legged Headstand.  (This preparation is described in detail in the December 21, 2009 blog. )
• With the forearms grounded firmly on the floor and the elbows aligned directly under the shoulders, rotate the upper arms externally (away from center) as the forearms slowly slide open into sphinx position---hands palms down and fingers spread wide like a starfish.  While gazing at the thumbs (angusta ma dyai drishti) slowly walk the feet toward the elbows as close as possible without allowing the elbows to swing open or the hands to come together.  Rest in this preparatory stage for at least five smooth and rhythmic breaths with the head lifted high and a breathing pattern that moves equally and smoothly throughout the body. [Note: the tighter the forearms and shoulder joints are the more the hands will want to come together and the further away the feet will be from the elbows. Using a block between the hands may help to keep the wrists grounded shoulder width apart and pressing down into the inner wrists .]  
• Now change the gaze to "Third Eye" or naitrayoh ma dyai. With each inhalation stretch the neck to lift the head up as high as possible, and stretch the chest up vertically as the shoulder blades separate and rotate upward.  After 3-5 smooth and rhythmic breaths throughout the body, draw the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles  (the bandhas)  upward for core support, and then slowly exhale as the right knee bends and the left leg stretches upward to extend above the head into  "Peacock Pose Variation" or Pincha Mayurasana.   Use the gymnastic "stag leap" split of the legs to find balance over the forearms as the toes of the extended leg stretch up and away from the hips.  With each exhalation firmly ground the wrists down into the floor as the upper arms roll away from center and the chest extends upward.    To come out of this position safely, lower both knees gently to the floor on a long exhalation and drop the hips back toward the heels into "Extended Child's Pose" (described in the January 10, 2009 blog.)  Rest here for 8-10 smooth breaths before attempting this variation of a very challenging pose with the opposite leg extended straight.  Always rest in "Corpse Pose" for at least five minutes at the conclusion of every yoga practice.
• Mentally---At first, this advanced forearm balance may seem a bit scary with the breathing becoming erratic, so only stay in the position for 2-3 breaths on each side.  The quality of each breath serves as a barometer to provide the mind with valuable information as to whether we should continue to remain in a position, or slowly release to the floor in "Child's Pose" for a longer, slower and deeper-than-usual "centering breath" that will calm the nerves and improve the quality of each breath.  Pay close attention to the quality of each breath and only proceed when the breathing tells you that you're ready.
• Spiritually---As I practice challenging yoga postures I've found that I gain confidence by repeating the scripture verses quoted above, along with my favorite verses:

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth our fear; because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  We love Him because He first loved us."           

(I John 4:18-19, KJV)

"Enjoy the Ride!"

Think of the sheer joy that some children experience while on a ride in an amusement park. We  (and by that I mean "they") don't want it to end.  When the ride slows to a halt and we're asked to exit, we usually hear cries of "Again! Again!"  Only when fear is the controlling factor do we look forward to end of the ride (the destination) rather than delighting in the exhilaration of the actual experience (the journey) during the ride.    

The "ride" doesn't have to be scary, but clearly depends on the level of excitement and/or challenge that one is seeking.  The same is true for a yoga class or even private practice experience.  Always set your intention before beginning your yoga practice.  If the intent is to build greater physical strength and/or flexibility, then focus on a specific area of weakness and/or tension, and decide to practice a sequence of physical postures that build and benefit that specific area.  If you desire greater mental clarity and awareness, set the intent to stay fully present with each and every breath for the entire duration of the practice.  

If you're like me and choose to use yoga as a tool to build a stronger and closer connection to your Creator, then it's imperative to spend an extended amount of quality time alone and undisturbed by outward distractions.  Set your intent to enjoy the complete ride---the whole experience---during each breath that will prayerfully lead to restoration of your body, mind and spirit.  Don't allow your mind to wander to any type of conclusion or destination.  Be in the moment!  This will be especially important as you practice this week's "King Pigeon Pose" Variation II or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana II in Sanskrit.  Because these postures create too much tension across the chest and abdomen they are not safe for prenatal students.

• Physically---After beginning your practice in "Child's Pose" for prayer, build some body heat and increase the circulation with the breath-synchronized flow (vinyasa) called "Salutations to the Son" or Surya Namaskara A as described in the series of three blogs from April 27 through May 11, 2009.  Then sit in "Hero Pose" or Virasana (May 27, 2009 blog) for at least five deep and smooth victorious (ujjayi) breaths in order to allow the quadricep muscles across the top of the thighs to relax and expand.  Some students may be able to move into the more challenging positions, "Lying Down Hero" or Supta Virasana (June 1, 2009) and then "Couch Pose" Paryankasana (June 8, 2009).
• From "Hero Pose" inhale slowly and lean onto the left shin as the internal root locks are drawn in and up toward the spine to support the core (See the May 11, 2010 blog).  During the long and thorough exhalation, press the hands into the floor to help support the torso as the right leg is lifted forward to place the right foot flat on the floor at the base of the right sit bone (ischium).  Take 3-5 smooth and rhythmic breaths in this transitional phase to release the right foot firmly into the floor and extend the right knee forward beyond the toes before exhaling the left leg straight back and resting it passively on the floor.  With the hands pressing into blocks or the floor on each side of the hips inhale to actively extend the left toes back away from the hips and remain rooted and grounded here for 3-5 smooth breaths as the front thigh lowers forward eventually becoming parallel to the floor.  
• Inhale to bend the back left knee, bringing the shin perpendicular to the floor, and then exhale as the right arm reaches back toward the left foot.  If the hand is unable to hold the back foot firmly, attach a canvas belt or strap to the foot and slowly draw the right hand toward the foot.  Respect the limitations of the physical body and do not move beyond your personal "edge" into pain or injury, but be satisfied with your best version of this challenging back-bending position called  "King Pigeon Pose" Variation II or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana II.  After reversing sides to open the right hip and quads, be sure to release into five or more minutes of a heart-opening version of "Corpse Pose" Savanasana as described in the February 14, 2011 blog.
• Mentally---Because both the abdomen and chest are fully extended in this one-sided (unilateral) backbend the breathing will be challenging.  Practice maintaining a slow and steady pace for at least a minute or more (6-10 breaths depending upon the rate).  Focus the attention on "chest breathing" rather than "belly breathing as you allow the rib cage to expand three-dimensionally with each ujjayi breath.  
• Spiritually--- Pay close attention to "the ride" (the experience) as you bow your knee and enjoy the opening and releasing in the thghs, hips, chest and shoulders.  Be present and grateful in each phase as the physical body builds toward this physically challenging backbend.  If possible, look upward and then inward for a "Third-Eye" drishti as your roots grow deep, grounded in the love of Christ.

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God."       (Ephesians 3:14-19, KJV) 

"Building On the Past"

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)

"Channeling Joy"

After twelve grueling hours in surgery and eight days of recovery in the hospital, my cherished husband of 43 years is finally home again!  Joy comes a bit easier now than it did about two weeks ago.  During that emotional journey my mind was consumed with his traumatic circumstances, and the significance of this blog seemed to pale by comparison.   I stopped writing.   Yet I didn't stop experiencing the power of yoking with God every morning in prayer and  the healing that is encouraged by restorative yoga postures.  As I drew strength and healing from  God I discovered a deeper connection to the most joyful being in the universe!   I practiced the discipline of celebration by focusing on what a true gift our life is when we decide to be grateful for all of His good and beautiful creations---and they are everywhere!

Our human joy is almost always experienced "in spite of" something. If we wait to celebrate life  only when it's perfect we may die waiting.  Therefore, we learn to discipline ourselves by putting bitterness and resentment aside and with a defiant nevertheless, we choose to channel His joy!  Make a "joy appointment" with God every morning before you head out the door and don't allow those other destructive emotions to shape your day.  Decide not to be a victim of circumstance. This week's position, "Half Moon Pose" or Ardha Chandrasana Variation, is a fun way to practice the joy of joining with a happy God who created "every good and perfect gift."

• Physically---A joyful way to start the day is to slide slowly out of bed and plant your feet together firmly on the floor, remaining bedside to use it as a prop or support for this week's posture.  Then take a deep, three-dimensional breath as your arms sweep out to the sides and continue in an "Upward Salute" to acknowledge and thank God for the new day.  As the long and slow exhalation begins with a sigh, thank Jesus for redeeming you as your arms lower into a cross, and finally bring your hands to heart center in the prayer gesture (called anjali  mudra) to acknowledge the gift of the Holy Spirit that you carry with you throughout the day. On the second inhalation the breath-synchronized movements can continue into "Salutations to the Son" to warm the muscles and joints, or any other sequence of postures (asanas) familiar enough to practice.
• Finish in the open hip and heart "Warrior II Pose" described in the January 25, 2010 blog with the back of the body close to the bed (or along a wall or sturdy chair) for support.  With the right leg forward exhale the left hand so that the thumb points downward and then lower the hand to reach for the top of the front right thigh by rotating the left shoulder externally (away from center).  Remain in this "Warrior II Pose" variation for 3-5 slow and smooth, victorious breaths (ujjayi) before inhaling to engage the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (the bandhas) that will support the next transition into  "Half Moon Pose" or Ardha Chandrasana Variation.    With a long and slow exhalation, push slowly off of the back left foot as the right hand lowers to a block or the floor about 18 inches in front of the right foot.  Inhale to straighten the front right leg as the gaze rolls heavenward, up and over the left shoulder in urdhva drishti. Remain in this week's joyful posture for 3-5 smooth and rhythmic breaths, using the inhalations to actively hug muscles to bones with straight and extended legs. Lift and extend through the ball of the back foot with the toes spreading wide, and ground down into all four corners of the standing foot, especially along the outer ankle, to create an open and extended spine.   On an exhalation release the back leg into a standing straddle split called Pasarita Padottanasana (April 18, 2011 blog), and then reverse to face the left leg in "Warrior II" on the left side in order to experience this week's pose on the left side.  Always finish your physical practice with at least five minutes in the stillness of restorative "Corpse Pose" (January 24, 2009 blog).
• Mentally---With each deep and expansive breath focus the attention on opening the shoulders, heart and hips while grounding down in a firm foundation on the front foot.  Remain mentally present in each breath as you gaze upward in the direction of the source of all life.  Rest the tip of the tongue lightly on the upper palate and note the small smile that creeps into the corners of your mouth.  Channel the joy.
• Spiritually---Experience the joy and a sense of spiritual exhilaration as your heart opens physically and spiritually to appreciate each deep breath.  Channel your Creator's joy in you!  Rejoice while repeating the mantra, "This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it."

"For all the gods of the people are idols; but the Lord made the heavens.  Glory and honor are in His presence; strength and gladness are in His place."     

(I Chronicles 16: 26-27, KJV)