"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) 

"Control Freaks"

It's not always easy to let go and trust completely.  We all like to feel as though we're in control of our lives to some degree.  And unfortunately for our family or friends, it's not only ourselves that we try to dominate.  We rationalize the "control freak" within by thinking that we're protecting someone from harm, when often it's our own interests and intentions that we're safeguarding.  We fail to recognize the tremendous stress that this kind of responsibility brings to us physically, mentally and spiritually.
Generally speaking, very young children (out of need and inexperience) allow adults to train, guide and control them until they're ready for the responsibility of making their own decisions.  The parents must then relinquish the reigns gradually as they gain confidence in the child's abilities to make wise and safe choices.  However, occasionally the strong-willed child decides he's ready to make his own decisions before the responsible parent is ready to trust and relinquish control.   Enter conflict and more stress.   Only when mutual love and respect have been established between the domineering controller and the submissive can the two compromise and merge their goals by directing the reigns of power in the same direction. 
Yogic philosophy explains life in an extended metaphor.  We are all on a journey in a chariot (the  outer shell or body) which the Lord God created.  For Christians this is our Father, God, who created heaven and earth and everything in it.   The charioteer is reason (our God-installed conscience and voice of intelligence) and the mind serves as the reigns to control the horses.   The horses are driven by the senses that seek temporal pleasures, such as green pastures that represent the objects of desire.  Out of control horses are like undisciplined horses that can lead to destruction of the chariot and charioteer.  This same principle is true of anyone who is attempting to dominate his body, mind and spirit by utilizing the tools of yoga to connect, yoke, merge, unite or join with our heavenly Father.  The first step is for the charioteer of reason  to relinquish control of the reigns (the mind) to the Creator who knows us and our needs more intimately than we do ourselves.  This complete surrender and submission requires trust in the power of a loving Creator to take charge of the reigns in order to control our desires.  Here's how it works with a true Christian yoga practice.

• Physically---Through the regular practice of our best version of yoga postures (asanas ) we demonstrate care and maintenance of the physical chariot (our body) that carries us  (along with the Holy Spirit) on the journey of life.  Through the obedient practice to keep The Ten Commandments---similar to the yamas and niyamas---we can learn to discipline, control, and finally surrender the outer part of ourselves to keep the body healthy and serviceable to God.
• Mentally---By utilizing our charioteer (reason) to still our mind (the reigns) in the present moment with the control of our breath (Pranayama) we discipline our horses (the senses) to seek union with God and His purposes for our life, rather than satisfying temporal desires or destructive pleasures.   Our minds can experience a state of peace and bliss in His Holy presence.
• Spiritually---In the hierarchy of power and dominion, the senses (horses) are more powerful than the objects of desire (pastures such as drugs, alcohol, sex) and the mind  (the reigns attached to the right bit) can be disciplined to be stronger than the horses.   Our  reason and God-installed intelligence is more influential than the reigns of our flawed human mind; but the most supreme power is found in our Living God, Creator of All.  It is this power that we can trust to submit and surrender to---to yoke with the omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent God of the Universe.   Yield your "control freak" and let it be free in center of God's unconditional love and care.

"Submit yourselves, therefore, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double-minded....Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up."       (James 4:7-8 and 10, KJV)

"Seeing Is Believing"

Over thirty-five years of constant back pain drove me to my knees in prayer.  Then it lead me to a daily yoga practice to manage the pain.  Finally, it enticed me to see a chiropractor.   My skeptical mind probably would not have believed that the curved spine of scoliosis (Mine was off vertical by 18 degrees!) and the flattened discs that I saw in the x-rays were actually pictures of my spine, had it not been for the two small metal rings on the back of my sports bra!   But as I mentioned in the title of this week's blog, "Seeing is believing!"   

Since my spine is now over 65 years old, I suppose the flattened discs shouldn't have come as a complete surprise either.  (But I practice the learned ability to lengthen my spine by lifting the crown of my head up and away from my tail bone in every physical posture!  How can I be in stage IV of intevertebral disc degeneration?)  Can I deny what I see in my x-rays?  Could it be true that my pain is caused by muscle spasms as my body continually attempts to compensate for a spine that is curved sideways from the right?  

The curves of scoliosis are not the normal front-to-back cervical, thoracic, lumbar and coccyx curves designed to support the head, torso and abdomen. The abnormal curve is usually sideward and produces a drop effect to the shoulders or hips, or may even manifest as an exaggerated curve along the length of the spine, such as a swayback posture (called lordosis). The chiropractor explained that  it appeared to him as though I had experienced some physical trauma to my spine many years ago---a car accident with whiplash and a twist, a serious fall when I was very young, or my mother dropped me as a baby?  Yet I can remember none of these traumatic incidents, but I do remember the gynecologist saying that I had a retro-flexed uterus that pressed into my sacral spine, but that's now gone and the pain persists.  

So I now do believe that I have scoliosis---and that I've had it for all those numerous years of back pain.  Suddenly those "Yoga for Scoliosis and Fibromyalgia" workshops that I took years ago to learn how to modify positions for students now apply to me, and I'm experiencing the difference first-handed.   This week we'll modify the simple spinal warm-up called "Cat and Cow Flow" or Chakravakasana for those of us who have scoliosis.  Please don't make these changes unless you know for a fact which side of your body is shorter or longer! 

• Physically---After praying on your knees in "Child's Pose" (described in my first blog on January 10, 2009) begin to lengthen the shortened side of the spine by "walking" the torso away from it.   In other words, if the spinal curve occurs from the right making a "c-shape" as observed from the back of the body, exhale as the arms walk around to the left side of the bended knees.  Remain here for several slow and deep, three-dimensional (ujjayi) breaths to allow the muscles along the right side of the spine to lengthen and relax.  If the curve makes a backward "c-shape" walk around to the right side of the knees to lengthen the muscles along the left side of the spine (called erector spinae).
• Then slowly inhale the torso forward onto the forearms as they move directly in front of the knees, coming up onto the hands, fingers spread wide like a starfish.  As the body continues to raise up onto all fours (hands and knees) align each hand directly under the shoulders, but---the modification during inhalations---place the knee of the shortened side just a few inches behind that hip rather than directly under it.  This slightly modified alignment of  "Cat and Cow Flow" or Chakravakasana for scoliosis will help to stretch and lengthen the muscles along the shortened side of the spine during the spinal extensions as the head and tail bone are lifted upward.  During the exhalations into a cat-like curve, move the knee of the shorter side forward in front of that hip and notice how the erector spinae muscles are moved into greater spinal flexion of the cat-like arch. 
• Please be sure to change/modify the position of the knee on the shorter side of the spine during each phase of  "Cat and Cow Flow" or Chakravakasana for scoliosis---back for the inhalations of spinal extension and forward for the exhalations of rounded spinal flexions.  After 8-10 repetitions of this breath-synchronized flow release onto the back for at least five minutes of restoration in "Corpse Pose" with the use of folded and rolled towels under the neck and lower back to "set" the spine straight.  (Next week I'll describe this chiropractic method.)
• Mentally---Since the voluntary lengthening of the spine is a learned physical action it requires brain action and focus.  Pay close attention to the slow and deep rhythm of each breath as you direct healing into the muscles along the shortened side of the spine.
• Spiritually---Only faith in a loving God can heal, or at the least, alleviate pain, but faith is the mandatory ingredient in the healing effects.   Don't be like "doubting Thomas" who needed to see and feel the scars in Christ's hands, side and feet to believe it was truly He who had arisen on that first Easter morning.   Believe in your Savior, Jesus the Healer.   Ask in His name, and you will be healed (enough) as you practice yoga modifications for your specific conditions.  

"Then Jesus told him [Thomas], 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"       (John 20:29, KJV)

"Doing and Being"

Both "doing and being" have merit.  The world would be a very different place if everyone was simply being and not doing.  In fact, some so-called experts feel this is precisely the issue that has caused our world financial crisis---not enough doing and too many simply being, thereby creating a drain on the world's economy.  But beyond the financial and political repercussions, when we lack balance between doing and being, we miss out on the benefits of the big picture of life---the balance between doing and being.

In the practice of classical yoga, for example, if we concern ourselves primarily with the doing of poses---called asana---and forget to include the other seven components or ingredients, we are not really practicing yoga.  When we omit the "being" part we're only going to get physical results and some of those results may even be harmful!  We are changing the yoga recipe if we're not using all eight of the ingredients or tools that help us to connect, know and surrender to our God.  All eight threads are necessary to achieve the yoking process, which include the ethical disciplines called yamas, the rules of conduct called niyamas (Christians use the Ten Commandments given to Moses on stone tablets), control of the breath called pranayama, withdrawal of the senses called pratyahara, concentration or complete absorption called dharana, the transformation into the object of devotion called dhyana (Christians refer to this as becoming Christ-like), and finally the complete surrender to God called samadhi.  That's why true yoga is referred to as a journey or a practice that leads to something bigger and broader than a fit physical body and an aware mind.

This week while practicing the challenging physical posture---or your best variation of this pose---called "Revolved Bound Side Angle Pose" or Parivrtta Baddha Parsvakonasana, practice patience as you spend time simply being in each phase of this twisted and bound position.  Since this position requires both axial extension and axial rotation  of the spine with powerful leverage created in the bound position it definitely is not safe for prenatal students!

• Physically---Before attempting any variation of this advanced, asymmetrical standing twist it is crucial to prepare the physical body by first practicing the breath-synchronized flows that were described in last week's blog.  Be slow and patient with the process of being in the preparation poses.  
• From the intense stretch of Parsvartanasana, exhale the right knee directly over the right ankle and place the left bended elbow on the right knee.  Inhale to extend the right arm straight up and over the right shoulder as the spine extends first and then twists to the right.  Since the lower lumbar spine is basically incapable of axial rotation, the actual twisting to the right will occur primarily in the thoracic and cervical spine, much like a spiral staircase that begins at the waist and curves or rotates upward toward the head. Patiently remain in this variation of "Revolved Side Angle Pose" to allow the spine and connecting muscles to relax and expand.  Practice the fifth limb, pratyahara, by closing the eyelids lightly to shut out the visual distractions.  After being in this preparation for at least five slow and rhythmic, three-dimensional (ujjayi) breaths, slowly exhale the right arm down and behind the back, with the palm facing outward to reach toward the inner right thigh.  Gaze over the right shoulder (parsva drishti) for at least five more slow and deep breaths to spend time just being in this second phase of  "Revolved Bound Side Angle Pose" or Parivrtta Baddha Parsvakonasana, but without the strain of the binding action.
• After several months, or even years of patiently practicing the preparation and variations of this advanced standing twist, your physical body may become ready to complete the bound version of the posture.  It's crucial not to rush or force the spine, muscles and/or joints because of the powerful leverage of any binding action.  For this important reason, you may choose to be safe by practicing under the supervision of an experienced and certified yoga instructor who can observe and then guide your body into safe modifications of all bound postures.
• The full version of  "Revolved Bound Side Angle Pose" or Parivrtta Baddha Parsvakonasana,  requires a great deal of axial extension and rotation in the spine, as well as internal rotation of the shoulders and very open pelvic action.  In this powerful standing twist, the hand of the top arm reaches down and toward the front thigh as the bottom left hand reaches under and behind the right knee to connect with the right hand or wrist.  Always prepare both sides of the body equally and notice a difference between the left and right sides of the body as you patiently practice being in your best version of this challenging posture.
•  Mentally---Practice complete and focused absorption (dhyana) of the mind on each deep and rhythmic breath while waiting patiently as the body journeys through various phases of bound poses.  Allow the eyelids to close lightly (pratyahara) in order to shut out visual distractions and prevent possible physical injury from excess concern about how the pose looks.  Simply enjoy being in your best version of this pose.
• Spiritually---Bound poses always remind me of the inherent danger that accompanies being bound to anything or anyone, especially to a destructive force or desire.  Therefore, always exercise caution when being bound in any way. Jesus gave us the secret to handle any bondage to our human desires, and His words and promise were recorded twice in the Book of Matthew:

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:  and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."            (Matthew 16:19 and again in !8:18, KJV)

"Who Do You Trust?"

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.

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.  It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."    (Psalms 118:8-9, KJV)