Have you ever needed a change of scenery? Try turning around and looking in another direction. Did you ever notice when traveling how your surroundings (maybe even your circumstances) look different when you're coming back than when you were going? If you ever feel like you don't know if you're coming or going, this might be because you haven't been paying attention to details.
One reason that I enjoy movies so intensely is that the camera angles are always changing. These changes in perspective are usually faster, and sometimes closer or even "bigger picture" than we could possibly experience in real life. They create just a hint of what our all-knowing Creator sees---our life from every possible angle and perspective. He sees us "up close and personal." During conflicts or disagreements we don't always know what our neighbor is going through in the privacy of their own homes or lives. It helps to remember the philosophy of attempting to "walk a mile in the other person's shoes." When circumstances become unbearably uncomfortable, if you can't change your point of view, at least change direction or some small detail. When yoga poses (asanas) become rote, stale or even uncomfortable, it's time to change the angle of the pose. This week we'll be "changing the angle" by flowing into a new angle called "Side Angle Pose" or Parsva Konasana.
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:23-24, KJV)
""Lie not to one another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." (Colossians 3:10, KJV)
One reason that I enjoy movies so intensely is that the camera angles are always changing. These changes in perspective are usually faster, and sometimes closer or even "bigger picture" than we could possibly experience in real life. They create just a hint of what our all-knowing Creator sees---our life from every possible angle and perspective. He sees us "up close and personal." During conflicts or disagreements we don't always know what our neighbor is going through in the privacy of their own homes or lives. It helps to remember the philosophy of attempting to "walk a mile in the other person's shoes." When circumstances become unbearably uncomfortable, if you can't change your point of view, at least change direction or some small detail. When yoga poses (asanas) become rote, stale or even uncomfortable, it's time to change the angle of the pose. This week we'll be "changing the angle" by flowing into a new angle called "Side Angle Pose" or Parsva Konasana.
- Physically---When last week's "Triangle Pose" becomes boring, or you simply need to change something, extend the upper arm out over the ear into the "Extended Triangle Pose" called "Utthita Trikonasana." Another option is to slowly change the angle of the pose. In "Triangle Pose" the legs form an isosceles triangle with the earth, assuming both of your legs are the same length. To change "Triangle Pose" into a right triangle position called "Side Angle Pose," (Parsva Konasana) simply exhale while bending the knee of the front leg to align it directly over the ankle of that leg. The elbow of the lower arm may also be lowered briefly (for one or two breaths) onto the thigh of the front leg, just above the knee. The increased hip flexion (bending) in the forward hip may make it difficult to keep the front thigh from rolling inward and the hips from swinging out behind you, so you may want to encourage external rotation of that front hip by gently pressing the elbow into the inner knee to open the front hip away from center. Or you may choose to rest the front hand on a block (or even a thick book) on the inside of the front foot. The lower arm that is pointing downward may also be used to exert slight pressure on the inner front leg to prevent the front thigh from rolling inward. Another option, especially helpful for prenatal students in the third trimester of the pregnancy (weeks 29-40) is to lower the front thigh onto a chair when exhaling into "Side Angle Pose," thereby providing support for all that extra weight in the upper body. After 5-10 long and smooth breaths, release both hands to the floor and lower the knees into "Child's Pose" described in my very first blog on January 10, 2009. Rest and restore here for 5-10 breaths before switching to the other side. Always end your practice by releasing onto your back in "Corpse Pose" (January 24, 2009 blog) for 5-10 minutes of meditation.
- Mentally---Whatever modifications of "Side Angle Pose" are being utilized, it's important to be very aware of the effects of the pose. Since this is a unilateral (one side at a time) side stretch, the spine is extending upward at an angle but in a neutral position, with neither a forward or backward tilt of the pelvic basin. This translates into a grounding action of the back foot and tail bone during each inhalation as the upper arm extends straight above the top shoulder to create the opposing forces called a stretch. During the exhalations the front hip can be consciously, but gently, encouraged to release by rotating away from center. If this front hip is too tight it can cause the spine to bend or flex laterally, rather than extending the spine in a straight and neutral position. Pay close attention to the spiraling and opening action of the front body, especially in the top side of the ribs, with extending and lengthening action on the lower side. As always, feel your body and find your breath, counting breaths to keep your mind focused on what you're doing in each present moment. Be Here Now.
- Spiritually---Maybe a change of angle and attitude are called for in your life and your yoga practice. If you are practicing true yoga daily---yoking body, mind and breath with your Creator---you are nurturing all three dimensions of your life. You're living in 3D! Your physical body is being challenged to become stronger, and more open and relaxed while your mind is becoming more alert and aware of each present moment as you practice. If you don't add the all-important spiritual element to your practice, according to B.K.S. Iyengar, you're simply performing aerobics. Exercising with a focused mind is only two-dimensional because it ignores the part of you that will never end---your spirit energy. So while you're changing your angle physically and focusing your mind on the new demands, try exhaling some of those old attitudes of doubt, disbelief, and discouragement! Change your angle to become your "new and improved" self with the help of your God, who, by the way, loved you enough to die in your place. Get rid of your old angle and be renewed in your yoking experience by putting on your "new man." I'm trusting and praying that it's never too late to change. Namaste, plf
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:23-24, KJV)
""Lie not to one another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." (Colossians 3:10, KJV)
