"Work or Play?"

In honor of our nation's celebration of Labor Day, today's blog will discuss the subject of work or labor.  This American holiday actually began with a Central Labor Union Parade in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 to honor "the strength and spirit of trade in labor organizations," and the parade was repeated again on September 5th of the following year.  The idea of celebrating the contribution of industrial workers then gained more emphasis through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886, but didn't become a law in most states until Oregon in 1887, with 23 states following suit through 1894.  Finally, on June 28, 1894 Congress passed an act making the first Monday in the month of September a United States Federal holiday to pay tribute to the American worker.  The vacation day for workers evolved into a day of play marking the end of summer activities---family picnics in the park, tennis and golf tournaments, etc. because, as the old adage goes, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."  Or as the French author, Voltaire, said in Candide, "Work keeps at bay three great evils:  boredom, vice and need."

The law of physics defines "work" as the movement of anything from one place to another, so any movement of our physical body can technically be defined as work, as in, "Work that body!"  When we become lazy or unwilling to work for what we desire, we realize that wishing does not make it happen.  For example, if you're an avid golfer who had to take several months off from playing to recover from a serious surgery, and when you get back on the links you suddenly notice that you're not able to hit the drives off the tee as far as you had prior to surgery,  what do you do about this new development?  Clearly the torso and arm muscles have atrophied, so you must decide if you're committed enough to the game to "workout" at the gym or in a vigorous yoga practice to regain the lost strength.  Otherwise, be satisfied with your handicap going up and up.
This same work principle is true of a balanced yoga practice that incorporates three segments called "mountains" into the mix: breath control and spiritual focus during warm up postures, physical  movement or work to build body heat lead by the regular rhythm of the breath, and finally, cool down stretches to relax the muscles and release any accumulated tension.  This week's "Spinal Balance to Dog Lift" can be added as a physical transition from "Mountain I " warm up to the "Mountain II" work portion of a well-balanced yoga practice.  This breath-synchronized movement---therefore, "work" by definition---is safe for prenatal students.

• Physically---After prayer and a few slow breath-synchronized spinal warm ups called "Cat and Cow" or Chakravakasana, (described in the December 20, 2010 blog), take a slow and deep inhalation through the nose only while extending the right arm and left leg straight out in opposite directions with the gaze following the right thumb (called angusta ma dyai drishti).  Remain grounded on the left hand and right knee with the hips level or squared to the ground, and the fingers and toes spread wide as you notice the flow of energy or prana flowout through the tips of the fingers of the right hand and down to the toes of the left foot.  
• The  "Spinal Balance to Dog Lift" continues as the right hand returns to the floor and the left knee bends and circles out to the left, around doggy-style as high as is comfortable, in the "Dog Lift," and then squeeze the knee in toward the left elbow before returning to the floor.  Be sure to make this movement long and slow during the entire exhalation as the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (called the mula bandha and the uddiyana bandhas) are drawn up and in toward the spine in order to support the torso and develop a strong core. 
• To switch sides on the next inhalation extend the left arm and right leg straight out in a "Spinal Balance" and then exhale the right bended knee out and around to the right (doggy-style) in the "Dog Lift"  before squeezing it toward the right elbow in the heat-building "Kriya Crunch," as described in last week's blog. This week's  "Spinal Balance to Dog Lift" may be repeated 3-5 times on one side before switching, OR it may be alternated, one side at a time.  
• Mentally---Set your intention before transitioning to the work portion ("Mountain II") of your practice.  Keep in mind that repeating the work on one side at a time tends to work the muscles harder on that side by burning fat and developing endurance  on that side  before switching sides.
• Spiritually---Experience the great satisfaction and joy found in movement, otherwise known as "work."  As tennis enthusiast, Andrew S. Rooney said in the 1987 San Francisco Sunday Examiner & Chronicle, "Working is so satisfying that if we didn't have to work to eat, we'd have to invent some other reason for doing it."  In the words of John Clarke, "Sweet is the fruit of labor."  (1596-1658)

Or as The Book of Proverbs advises, "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."   (Proverbs 16:3, KJV)   

"Inner Strength"

Strength is an admirable quality.  We applaud not only physical strength, but we especially value the type of inner strength that enables us to leap the highest hurdles that life tosses our way, undeterred by any barrier.  This inner strength just may result from someone else who consistently prayed for us, and that's why I miss my recently deceased mother's prayers.  It's also the reason that I pray daily for my own children, as well as friends who need strength to face surgeries, incurable diseases, injuries, emotional upheavals, etc. I also request prayers  for myself when I feel weak---like now.  I believe definitively in the power of intercessory prayer! 

A second opinion pathology report determined that my recently removed tumor and surrounding tissue "favors leiomyosarcoma."  Therefore, I'll begin my chemotherapy treatments next week after Labor Day and may be too nauseated to return to this blog for a few weeks.  As readers or "followers," I'm suggesting that you develop your own physical core strength with this week's "Spinal Balance to Kriya Crunch", but I'm also requesting that you develop your inner core spiritual muscles by sending up prayers that I am able to remember the encouraging words in the Book of Joshua from The New Testament, "Have I not commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed; for the Lord Thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."  (Joshua 1:9, KJV)  Give prayer a chance in your personal life too, and don't quit asking, seeking and knocking until the prayer is answered!

• Physically---After prayer, warm the spinal muscles with several rounds of the "Cat and Cow Flow" (Chakravakasana, as described in the December 20, 2010 blog) with the hands aligned directly under the shoulders, knees under hips, and toes under heels. Breathe slowly enough to take time to develop the inner core muscles by engaging the locks or bandhas with each breath.( Read the May 11, 2010 blog called "Timing is Everything.")  
• Then add the strengthening and stretching flow of "Spinal Balance"  by inhaling the right arm and left leg straight out in opposite directions and parallel to the floor.  At the top of each inhalation spread the fingers and toes while lifting and engaging the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (called the mula bandha and uddiyana bandha).  Maintain the root locks (bandhas) during each exhalation as the left hand and right knee return to the floor.    Then alternate by extending the right arm and left leg straight out with fingers and toes spread wide. 
• Add the "Kriya Crunch" first on the right side as the right knee bends, instead of releasing it to the floor, draw the knee in toward the right elbow and squeeze the bandhas in a cat-like, rounded spinal flexion with the navel lifting up toward the spine.  Then inhale back into spinal extension in the "Spinal Balance." This may be repeated 3-5 times OR alternate to switch sides by releasing the right knee from the elbow and lowering it to the floor along with the left hand.  Inhale to a "Spinal  Balance" on the opposite side with the right arm and left leg extending in opposite directions, and repeat the bended knee toward the elbow in "Kriya Crunch" to strengthen the core.  Always make time to rest and restore the body in "Corpse Pose" (Savasana) before leaving the yoga mat.
• Mentally---At first, this breath-synchronized flow (vinyasa) will be more challenging until the movements become familiar.  Remain focused on the smooth and deep rhythm of each breath, using the nose only and engaging the chin/throat lock (jalandhara bandha) or glottis at the base of the throat like a valve to control the air flow.  During each exhalation listen as you become more aware of the slow sighing sound of the apana as it leaves the body along with negative thoughts like fear or worry.
• Spiritually---While reaching out in "Spinal Balance" stretch your faith muscles and let God know that you trust His great love, mercy and compassion to be with you wherever you go. During the "Kriya Crunch" squeeze out all doubt, fears and worries.  Repeat daily to let God know that you will continue to reach, ask, seek, and knock until He answers.  Don't quit!  Remember the words of Jesus Christ Himself as recorded by Matthew:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every one that asketh receiveth;and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."       (Matthew 7:7-8, KJV)  Also read verses 9-12.

         

"Summer Cool Down"

While I was hospitalized and recovering from my recent surgery, a registered nurse explained to me that our normal core body temperature can vary throughout the day.  Influential variables include the age of the person, the type of measuring device used and where it is placed on the body, time of day, geographical location, type of clothing worn, as well as recent foods ingested or physical activities like a hot bath or strenuous exercise.  Even strong emotions, such as anger, can cause variations in body temperatures within one to 1.5 degrees of normal. 
Physical and emotional heat can build over time and develop complications. We've all observed, or at least heard about the results of a heated discussion or tempers rising beyond control.  However, constant variations in body temperature greater than one degree should be considered as a sign of more serious conditions such as: infection, cancer, blood clots, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, intestinal diseases like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis among others. 

If no serious problems are suspected, and you simply want to cool down---first physically and then emotionally---on those "dog days of summer," try relaxing in a cool spot with a specific type of yogic breath control (pranayama) called "Cooling Breath" or Sitali Pranayama.  This breathing technique may also be practiced after building internal heat to burn toxins in any rigorous breath-synchronized (vinyasa) flow of yoga postures.  All breath control comes with the warning that students with heart trouble or high blood pressure should not attempt these breathing techniques unless guided by an experienced pranayama yoga instructor.

• Physically---Traditionally, yogic breath control exercises (called pranayama) are practiced in a comfortable seated posture (asana) so that the mind and spirit will not be distracted by the body's physical discomfort. Therefore, begin this week's practice of  "Cooling Breath" or Sitali Pranayama seated erectly but comfortably on a chair OR on the floor in any of the following classic seated postures that are appropriate for meditation, checking to align the head balanced directly over the spine with the knees and hips flexed, and the weight of the torso sinking into the "sitting bones" at the base of the hips.  These yogic postures are as follows:  "Easy Pose" (also called Sukhasana) described in the May 4, 2011 blog, "Adept's Pose" (also called Siddhasana) explained in the October 26, 2009 blog, "Auspicious Pose" (Svastikasana) described in the May 2, 2011 blog, or the challenging "Lotus Pose" (Padmasana) described in the February 13, 2012 blog. 
• Once the comfortable seated position is established with the back of the wrists resting on the inner knees, begin to slow down the rate of breathing by lengthening the duration of each inhalation and exhalation through the nose only. Attempt to keep both segments of the breath as equal and rhythmic as possible.  To begin the cooling effects of Sitali Pranayama, open the mouth in a slight O-shape with the sides of the tongue curled up like a leaf and protruding slightly through the lips. On the next long and thorough inhalation draw the air (prana) over the curled tongue making a slight hissing sound as if drinking through a straw.  Then close the lips with a slight smile at the corners of the mouth, lower the chin toward the lifted chest and begin to exhale through the nose only with a long, sighing sound by engaging the chin/throat lock (jalandhara bandha), which is the glottis located in the back of the throat that we close off when gargling with mouthwash.  This completes one cycle of the "Cooling Breath".  Lift the head to begin the next cycle of Sitali Pranayama, drawing the air through the mouth and across the tongue for the cooling effect---assuming that the surrounding air temperature is not above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit---and exhaling through the nose with the chin lowered. After regular practice, advanced students may add breath retention at the top of each inhalation (antara kumbhaka) while the chin is lowering toward the chest.  Repeat for 3-10 full cycles of  Sitali Pranayama, before changing positions, and then end your practice with a minimum of five minutes in the restorative "Corpse Pose" or Savasana as described in the January 24, 2009 blog. 
• Mentally---As with all breathing control exercises, this requires a great deal of singular focus and attention. Since breath is our connection to life and our source of energy provided by our Creator, IF the breathing rhythm becomes uncomfortable, choppy or irregular, return immediately to the normal pattern of breathing through both nostrils.
• Spiritually---A hot tongue or temper that needs to be cooled down has obvious spiritual implications involving the control of emotions such as rage or anger.  Take time to cool down and refresh in the peaceful presence of the One who loves you and wants a personal relationship with you by sitting down, in a cool or shady spot if possible, and just breathe the "Cooling Breath" of Sitali Pranayama.  Consider the wisdom of the apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Ephesus warning them not to allow anger to build overnight.  Yoke with your Creator and let Him manage your rage.

"Be ye angry and sin not.; let not the sun go down upon your wrath."   

(Ephsians 4:26, KJV)

"The Human Spirit"

The 2012 Summer Olympiad Games in London have left us all inspired and contemplating the amazing human spirit.  In addition to God-given talent, dedication and determination, most of the athletes that my eyes were drawn to watch possessed what the French refer to as "Je ne sais quoi."  This "I-don't-know-what" quality is an unteachable and indescribable joy!  A certain joie de vivre (French for joy of life) seemed to surge through the physical body of certain athletes and then bubbled naturally through their performance and expression into a wide, effervescent smile.  For example, the Jamaican sprinter and now, new world record holder, Usain Bolt, could not supress his joy.  Nor could American gymnast, Gabby Douglas, contain her joy. Her energetic, "flying-squirrel" spirit gave her incomparable leaps on the floor and extra height in her releases over the uneven parallel bars.   

A joyful human spirit performs like a magnet to draw attention and positive energy.  It enables super-human performance because of the Presence of the Lord within the human body.  We were able to observe this phenomenon in many of the Olympic athletes who dropped onto their knees, looked up and praised the Spirit of the Living God after their gold-medal-winning performance.  We can have a similar experience each day if we're able to awaken with delight and savor every blessing we've been given. This joyful attitude proclaims a childlike trust in the  ever-present Creator to provide all the energy and whatever we need to accomplish our goals.  We have a daily opportunity to demonstrate childlike faith to the world that the joy of the Lord is ever-present within us, providing for all of our needs.  I challenge all readers to practice the extraordinary power of the human spirit when it is yoked to the Creator of All as a spiritual element is added to your daily yoga practice of "Salutation to the Son" or Surya Namaskara A, ending in the traditional Backbending Surya Namaskar. 

• Physically---After quiet time immersed in the reading of God's Word in The Holy Bible,  begin to praise the God who is always present with you because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross of Calvary almost two thousand years ago.  Begin in the humble "Child's Pose" (Balasana)  and then inhale forward onto the hands and knees, exhaling into "Downward-Facing Dog." After 3-5 smooth and rhythmic breaths, inhale and lunge to the top of the mat, exhaling into a "Standing Forward Fold" and begin several rounds of the twelve-position, vinyasa flow sequence called  "Salutation to the Son" or Surya Namaskara A, as described in the three blogs beginning on April 27, 2009.   During these twelve breath-synchronized changes of postures, be sure to add a slight smile to the corners of the mouth as the tongue rests softly on the upper palate behind the teeth.  
• On the final long exhalation, lift the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (called the mula and uddiyana bandhas) to support the spinal extension as the torso  extends into a deep backbend with the arms stretched straight alongside of the ears and the palms facing upward.  Press the tailbone down the back of the legs as the hips move slightly forward to counterbalance the backward lean of the Backbending Surya Namaskar.  Remain in this position of acknowledgement for 3-5 breaths before releasing onto the back in "Corpse Pose" to relax and restore the physical body.
• Mentally---Consciously lift  the gaze straight up above the head (urdhva drishti) toward the source of all energy and positive life force called prana.  Focus attention on bringing long and smooth, three-dimensional breaths into all four corners of the lungs as the positive energy flows upward through the body, pausing at the top of each breath to allow time for the body to absorb that energy. Pay careful attention to long and thorough exhalations of carbon dioxide (called apana) in order to release the stress of holding any negative energy in the body or mind.
• Spiritually---Yoke or unite the human spirit with the Holy Spirit of God during your yoga practice and watch joy fill your body, mind, heart and soul!  Experience the power of  an intimate, personal relationship with the Living God, who will anoint you with the "oil of joy."

"Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."              (Hebrews 1:9, KJV)   

"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.)