"Warming Up to Change"

Most people get uncomfortable with change.  Revolutions are sudden, and often violent, with deep commitment involved.  Evolutions, although more gradual, require the same serious commitment and discipline in order to succeed.  Physically speaking, for example, a person cannot wake up one morning and suddenly decide to become a marathon runner, slalom ski racer, astronaut, or brain surgeon without some gradual changes.  Each of these endeavors require education, training and experience.  Trying really hard is not enough without endangering the physical body.  Because of its limitations we must be educated, strengthened and stretched gradually.  Even after the formal education has been completed there's a transitional period that requires practice and discipline before any level of success can be realized.  Here's where patience, perseverance and dedication factor into the formula for change.  We have to ask ourselves if we're willing to warm up to change slowly.  Revolution is too scary!

In the physical arena of yoga, change requires a dedicated willingness to practice the postures (asanas) regularly (abhyasa) and slowly with patience---that is if we don't want to experience the set back of physical injury.  In the mental arena, awareness and concentration (dharana) do not just happen because we try really hard to stay focused in the present moment.    Trying is not enough; we must learn the discipline of conscious breathing (pranayama) and then practice every single day.  One of the most significant challenges involved in the yoga disciplines is change in the spiritual arena, so a large majority of practitioners sadly choose to eliminate this area.  I may be repeating myself, but that is like trying to bake a cake without the key ingredient of flour!  Yes, it exists, but it's just not a cake; it's a "flourless cake"---i.e. an empty practice because the soul is not being nourished.  I cannot comprehend why anyone would choose to feed the body but ignore the soul---starving the only part of who they are that will go on...and on!    

In order to open the gates to spiritual change we must commit to be slowly and patiently transformed into a faithful follower of Christ (a Christian).  No, Christians aren't perfect---yet!  This evolution demands the same level of commitment and discipline as a marathon runner or astronaut in training.  We can't just suddenly wake up and be like Christ.  We must yoke to Him every day, spending focused time alone in prayer and meditation.  The mind must be trained to focus only on the object of our affection, which is developed by reading about Him in The Holy Bible.   The Bible becomes a gateway to the slow transformation as we are gradually changed from within by God's Holy Spirit.  Remember this evolutionary formula while practicing this week's "Gate Pose" Flow Variation of Parighasana.   [Safe for prenatal students.]

• Physically---After praying in a comfortable kneeling position (maybe on a pillow or blanket to protect the knees) in your best version of "Child's Pose" or Balasana (described in my first blog on January 10, 2009 blog) inhale to rise up onto both knees using padding for comfort.  At the top of that first inhalation lift the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles up and back toward the spine to engage the locks  (mula bandha and uddiyana bandha) for core support.   Then during a long and slow, sighing exhalation (through the nose only)  release the left hand to the left hip and the right hand just inside the right thigh to aid in opening it externally (away from center) as the right flexed foot moves out to the right, aligning just under the right knee.  Attempt to keep the right leg in the same plane with the hips and torso for the most beneficial results. 
• To warm the hips slowly in  this week's "Gate Pose" Flow Variation of Parighasana, use the principles of Thai yoga massage---at least two breaths back and forth in the forward and backward lean, then two full breaths side to side, and finally rotating or whirlpooling for at least two breaths in  a clockwise and then counterclockwise circles.  This slow and patient practice will unilaterally (one side at a time) increase the development of synovial fluids in the hip sockets.   Begin by inhaling as the torso leans slightly forward with the chin lifting and then exhaling in a backward lean as the chin lowers toward the lifted chest, and repeat for a minimum of two breaths.  Then progress  to at least two full breaths in the side-to-side torso lean, keeping the head aligned directly over the spine.  Always use the inhalations to come back to center and lengthen through the spine by pressing the tail bone down as the crown of the head lifts and extends up and away from the shoulders and ears.  Finish warming up the right side to change by inhaling in slow clockwise circles from 9 o'clock to 12, and then exhaling to 3 and 6 o'clock for at least two full cycles of ujjayi (victorious) before reversing to counterclockwise circles synchronized with the breath.   Repeat these Thai yoga massage disciplines slowly and patiently on the left side before resting again in "Child's Pose."  Now those tight hips might be a bit more prepared to move into the full "Gate Pose" as described in the May 19, 2009 blog.  At the end of yoga practice always rest and restore for a bare minimum of five minutes in "Corpse Pose."
• Mentally---Since Thai yoga massage movements are done slowly in sync with the breathing, the mind must be trained to remain present with each breath.  Pay close attention to the quality of each slow breath and allow it to lead the back and forth movements like a conductor leads an orchestra. 
• Spiritually---Never begin training the body, mind and spirit to be in union and fully connected together in Christ  with unrealistic expectations.  Because we are still flesh with human desires we will not be immediately transformed into a brand new person with new desires after one or two---or even a month or year or two--of regular, daily practice.  Prepare to be transformed (changed slowly) by the renewing of your mind in prayer and Scripture reading every single day.   The suffix -ing indicates a process of change. 

"And be not conformed to this world;but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."    

(Romans 12:2, KJV)

I pray that you will decide to get educated and start training as a faithful follower of Christ.    Namaste, plf

"Body Language"

The third Monday in the month of February of every year has been set aside to honor the office of President of the United States of America.  In 1971, then President Richard M. Nixon proclaimed that the birthdays of all three presidents---George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, and all others---be celebrated on one national holiday called "Presidents' Day" during which we now honor our past Presidents.   However, this U.S. observance actually has its roots in 1880 when only the federal offices for the District of Columbia commemorated George Washington's birthday on February 22nd by an Act of Congress, and then expanded in 1885 to include all federal offices. In 1951 many state governors chose to also celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12th and a few states like Indiana still commemorate this date.  With the addition of Thomas Jefferson's birthday the celebration of "Presidents' Day" briefly moved to March 4th, when the Senate Judiciary Committee, which controlled national holidays, combined the commemoration to one date.  Although President Nixon's proclamation intended to end the holiday overload, some states still choose to honor the life and works of separate presidents, while others hold to the historical name that honors only the "Father of Our Country," the only name actually designated in the law of 1885.

Exactly how do we honor our leaders?  Many Americans use their day off from work by going to shopping malls, taking advantage of great sales to honor and boost our economy.  (Never mind that they purchase items made in other countries!)  If we were to actually meet the President in person how should we honor the highest office of our nation, that is if we can't hum or whistle "Hail to the Chief"?  A firm handshake is generally accepted as the appropriate greeting or body language, even among world leaders.  Protocol calls that we reserve a curtsey or bow---or even a slight forward fold---as an extreme gesture of respect, even acquiescence to acknowledge royalty.   Who is worthy of being honored with a bow or forward fold?  As for me, I regret bowing in jest to clever quips or great entertainers and now reserve this sign of deep respect for my God.  I believe there is only one God, maker of heaven and earth, and only One worthy of acknowledging with a bow or a bend forward and toward.  However, I demonstrate respect and honor for all leaders with my prayers because they're in a position of authority with God's permission.
 So this week as we practice a variation of the yoga posture called "Standing Forward Fold" or Uttanasana, let's decide who is worthy of the deep respect of a bow.  Warning: Those with back injury, osteoporosis, or late term pregnancy should approach deep forward bending very gradually and cautiously.

• Physically---Because the spine, hip and leg structures are all involved in this week's variation of  "Standing Forward Fold" or Uttanasana  it's vital to gently stretch the hamstrings where they connect at the iliotibial or IT band---a thick, fibrous sheet of fascia that runs from the top of the outer hip to a point below the outer knee.  If the hip muscles (gluteus maximus, minimus and piriformis) that attach to the top of the IT band are tight, they create tension and friction along the band, preventing it from smoothly gliding over the underlying muscles, and can even create a thickening of this band.  (Oh no! Thick thighs women do not want!) All this to say, before moving into this week's variation of "Standing Forward Fold"  warm the hip joints and IT bands slowly by practicing any unilateral, hip-opening stretches such "Head-to-Knee Pose" (Janu Sirsasana) or "Lying-Down Eagle Pose" (Supta Garudasana described in the February 23, 2009 blog).
• The return to "Mountain Pose" or Tadasana (April 20, 2009 blog) and on a slow and deep inhalation, extend the arms straight up in an "Upward Salute" (Urdhva Hastasana described on April 27, 2009) while drawing the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (called the bandhas) upward and back toward the spine for support.  During a long exhalation sweep the arms out to the sides as the right leg crosses over and in front of the left leg with the knees slightly bent, so that the right ankle crosses in front of the left in order to ground the right foot just in front and outside the left foot in  "Standing Forward Fold" Variation or Uttanasana.    Students with tight hamstrings may need to place their hands on a chair or block if the fingertips don't reach the floor.  With each inhalation, hinging only at the groin and not the waist, lift the tail bone up as the big toes of each foot ground into the floor in an internal (toward the center) rotation of the thighs.  If the back rounds be sure to lift the lower ribs away from the hips to actively engage the uddiyana bandha for support. Soften the knees a bit more to create space in the hip joints and lower abdomen until the breathing becomes comfortable.  Remain here for 5-6 slow, smooth and rhythmic breaths before sl-o-w-ly inhaling  to sweep the arms out to the sides in a reverse swan dive to return to "Mountain Pose."  Reverse sides before lowering into "Corpse Pose" for 5-10 minutes of restoration.
• Mentally---In the transition between sides, remain standing tall and erect in "Mountain Pose" for several relaxed, three-dimensional (ujjayi or victorious) breaths before switching sides to place the left foot in front and outside of the right one.  Pay very close attention to the gentle work of gravity as the spine slowly releases and the hamstrings soften and expand gradually.  During the "Forward Fold" concentrate on the slow release and the quality of each breath, especially students with high or low blood pressure, who may experience strained breathing or dizziness.  Even if these symptoms are not experienced, inhale very slowly back to "Mountain Pose" and rest in "Corpse Pose" with normal breathing for a minimum of five minutes.
• Spiritually---The significance of a "Forward Fold" is undeniably yielding, folding, bending toward, capitulating, bowing down to, and even worshipping.  Be careful of who or what your body worships.  Rather pray for our leaders as the apostle Paul strongly suggests (exhorts) in his first letter to Timothy :

"I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving thanks, be made for all men:  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."                 (I Timothy 2:1-2, KJV)

"Open to All"

Love is an action verb, not a subjective emotion or feeling.  We fall into the trap of basing our relationships on fleeting feelings rather than a choice to live in love. God loves us all with no exclusions or conditions, and He demonstrated this unconditional love (while we were not perfect or loving) by suffering in our place---even unto death on the cross---so that we could spend eternity with Him.  "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation [the appeasement] for our sins."   (I John 4:10, KJV)
Oh, if we could only love one another as purely and unselfishly!   It seems as though we try to protect our hearts from pain or disappointment by not loving purely and unselfishly.   Many of  our relationships are based on subjective emotional criteria such as how well we're treated or how much we're loved in return.  This is not living love all the time because these self-centered conditions can never be consistently maintained 24-7.  We are flawed, fallen creatures who live in the darkness of selfish love and must be reborn in order to change this dark state. 

The problem is that we can only give ourselves to love unselfishly without restrictive walls of protection if, like the lovely lotus flower, we leave the muck of the pond and journey up toward the light of pure love.  In Egyptian and Eastern cultures, this exquisitely beautiful flower with its open petals represents rebirth because it rises up out of dark and murky waters and opens to the morning and afternoon sunlight.  Similarly, if we leave our dark doubts and selfish motives to embark on the journey of faith, we can grow more and open toward the light of understanding and selfless love.  

"Lotus Pose" or Padmasana is an advanced seated posture (asana) that requires very open and flexible ankles, knees and hips.  When practicing this position our instincts of self preservation can be surrendered temporarily in order to relax the muscles and connective tissue in these joints.  With regular practice and study (abhyasa) of additional hip-opening positions, we just may become more comfortable as our range of motion in the ankles, knees and hips gradually increases in our attempt to journey toward the openness of childhood.   Be very slow and gentle when attempting this advanced seated posture, which is safe for prenatal students, but probably not for the elderly unless yoga practice began long ago.

• Physically---It is vital to warm the muscles and joints fully with several repetitions of "Salutations to the Son" (described in the April 27-May 11, 2009 blogs) and hip-opening  movements such as last week's vinyasa flow, "Lying Down Hand-to-Foot" with "full circle" range of motion.  From the lying down position, inhale to draw the pelvic and abdominal muscles up and inward to protect the spine as the torso lifts up into the seated posture called "Staff Pose" or Dandasana  (described in the June 22, 2009 blog).
• Students with very tight joints have several options---sit on a chair or a block , or tuck the corner of a blanket under the tail bone in order to position the knees slightly lower than the hips.  Bend the right knee externally (away from center) and hold the right shin with both hands in order to place the heel of the right flexed foot onto the groin of the left hip or as high on the upper thigh as possible without moving beyond your personal "edge" into pain or possible injury.  Inhale deeply and slowly through the nose only while grounding down into both sit bones and lifting up through the crown of the head to extend the spine for 3-5 three-dimensional ujjayi breaths.  Stiff or elderly students may choose to practice "Half Lotus Pose" or Ardha Padmasana over an extended period of time to gradually ease the body toward the full "Lotus Pose" or Padmasana.  
• During an extended exhalation draw the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles up and back toward the spine (the bandhas) while bending the left knee and opening the left hip externally away from center.   Then use both hands on the left shin to s-l-o-w-l-y draw the left flexed heel onto the right groin or as high on the upper right thigh as possible without experiencing pain.  Only remain in this advanced seated posture for as long as is comfortable before switching to place the left flexed foot on the right groin and then the right flexed foot onto the left groin so that both sides of the body are opened as equally as possible without the distraction of pain. 
• Mentally---At first it may only be comfortable to sit tall and erect in full  "Lotus Pose" or Padmasana (or "Half Lotus" modifications for those with tight joints) for 2-3 smooth breaths, so be sure to bring awareness into your body while focusing attention on the quality of each breath. Remember the source of each healing breath.  It may be helpful to lightly close the eyelids for pratyahara (full concentration) and bring awareness into the center of the forehead for a "Third-Eye" gaze point or drishti called naitrayoh ma dyai.
• Spiritually---While meditating in your best version of  "Lotus Pose" or Padmasana, focus on the gift of love that was openly given to you by your Creator in the ultimate sacrifice of a painful death for your sins.  Open your heart---along with the ankles, knees and hips---to returning that love with a commitment to serve others unselfishly without concern for payment in return.  Ask God to help your rebirth into a loving servant and follower of Him.  In the words of Jesus Himself:

"...Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven."           (Matthew 18:3, KJV)        ...and then in a letter from John:

"Beloved, let us love another; for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."       (I John 4:7,KJV) 

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God; and everyone that loveth Him that begat loveth Him that is also begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments."      (I John 5:1-2, KJV)

Be open to demonstrating Happy Love Day to ALL!   Namaste, plf

"Full Circle"

Many things in life come full circle---the hands of a clock, a cycle of breath, the "Salutations to the Son."  Like any round-trip there is a starting point and a returning point---ashes to ashes, dust to dust.   We humans require constant care as newborn infants, and then eventually we age to a point when round-the-clock skilled nursing care is needed.  Even the law of Karma  (meaning action) says, "What goes around, comes around."  Another example is found in the perfect golf swing that is part of a full circle made possible by the amazing mobility of our ball-and-socket hip and shoulder joints.   
Last week I mentioned an advanced seated posture called "Lotus Pose" or Padmasana.  Before the body is ready for this very open-hip position, those students who have tight hips may need to practice this week's "Lying Down Hand-to-Foot Variation" or Supta Hasta Padangusthasana to gently encourage greater mobility in the hip joints.   
According to the anatomy text that I was required to purchase for yoga teacher certification, the articular surfaces of a joint never fit together perfectly.  The better the bones fit together the more stable the joint becomes.  Looser joints, such as the shoulder, are more mobile but less stable. So apparently---to put a positive spin on it---my hips are quite stable.  Our hip joints must be stable in order to support the weight of the upper body, so the cup-shaped acetabulum or socket was created to be deep and fit snugly on the head of the femur or thigh bone.   The head of the thigh bone is covered with cartilage and the whole joint is enclosed in a fibrous capsule lined with a membrane that secretes synovial fluid  for lubrication.   Yoga practitioners of middle age may experience the limitations of a degenerative disorder called osteoarthritis, which involves the abrasion and loss of cartilage at the surfaces of joints, often with outgrowths of bony ridges at these eroded spots.   This may be experienced as a catching sensation in one or both hip joints while practicing this week's full circle rotation with mindful awareness.  Always pay close attention to what the body is experiencing during any physical position!

• Physically---After several rounds of "Salutations to the Son" or even "Cat and Cow Poses"  to warm the physical body, lie down on the back on a flat and level surface, making sure that the flat, triangular-shaped bone just above the tail bone (the sacrum) is flat on the floor to safely support and stabilize the hip joints.  Take a deep, three-dimensional ujjayi breath while opening the arms straight out to the sides, palms facing upward, and then exhale the arms to wrap around the right knee as it bends and draws close to the right shoulder with the left leg extending straight out of the hip into the flexed left foot.  Remain in this bound position for 3-5 deep and smooth breaths, using the exhalations to pull the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles and the right knee up and in toward the spine.  
• Using a belt or canvas strap on the ball of the right foot, or using the yoga toe-hold on the right big toe, on an exhalation straighten the right leg up toward the sky, and then hold for 3-5 relaxed breaths.  The left hand may be placed on the left groin as a reminder to engage the muscles of the left leg to extend out through the heel as the right straight leg is extending up and toward the right shoulder during the exhalations.  Then exhale the straight right leg to the right with the toes pointing to the right in an external hip rotation for 3-5 smooth and deep breaths.  Next, exhale the straight and extended right leg across the body to the left, pushing through the inner ball and big toe of the right foot with an internal hip rotation for 3-5 breaths in a counter-pose of  "Lying Down Hand-to-Foot Variation" or Supta Hasta Padangusthasana.
• Finally, still holding the right foot with the yoga toe-hold or a strap, begin to circle the straight right leg up to 12 o'clock on an inhalation and exhale the straight leg down to three and six o'clock in a clockwise direction, moving with the breath for 3-5 full cycles of breath.   For balance and mobility, reverse the direction of the full circle to move counterclockwise, inhaling to three and 12 o'clock and exhaling on the down-swing to nine and six o'clock for the same number of breaths.   
• Before resting in "Corpse Pose" for a minimum of five minutes, repeat  "Lying Down Hand-to-Foot Variation" or Supta Hasta Padangusthasana  with the left leg, rotating for 3-5 full circles in both directions with the breath orchestrating the rhythm of the swing.
• Mentally---As always, remain very focused on the rhythm and quality of each breath as the clockwise and then counterclockwise movement of the leg progresses, but pay very close attention to any sensations in the hip joints as each leg is revolving inside the cup-shaped socket.  Keep the eyes watching the foot of the revolving straight leg (padhayoragrai drishti) as it slowly circumscribes a full circle in the air.  Notice a difference in mobility between the left and right hip,  perhaps increasing the number of circles for the tighter hip joint.
• Spiritually---During all yoga practice it's vital to remain quiet and calm within each conscious breath in order to open the channels of communication to connect/yoke with the Lord.  "Be still, and know that I am God...."   While circumscribing your physical circles be reminded of your mortality and the "circle of life."

"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."     (Genesis 3:19, KJV) 

"Back and Forth"

Back and forth. To and fro.  Left and right.  In and Out.  Feasting and fasting.  Yin and yang.  Ida and pinghala.  There is a rhythm to our steps, our breath, our life! After the plenty experienced during the holidays and family gatherings, the physical body may need to cleanse and purify.  And after an emotional overload (such as the loss of a loved one) the entire nervous system may need a thorough "housecleaning." 

One method of cleansing the nervous system performed by ancient yogis was to practice a breathing technique called "Alternate Nostril Breathing" or Nadi Sodhana in Sanskrit.  The  tubular organs called nerves allow energy or prana to pass to and from the brain, hopefully without obstruction which can cause great discomfort or even paralyze a limb or organ.  The object of this week's yoga practice is to prevent the ensuing disease caused by partial nerve blockage.  If we choose to practice this ancient wisdom, we can improve the quality of our lives so that we are able to be useful servants of God, caring for one another with our unobstructed energy flow from God.  Hold onto the good that enters and don't dance with the devil of doubt. 

• Physically---In order to concentrate on the technique of  "Alternate Nostril Breathing" or Nadi Sodhana, it's imperative to sit comfortably without distractions, in a chair or on the floor in any of the following yoga postures (asanas):

1. "Easy Pose" or Sukhasana described in the May 4, 2010 blog, 
2. "Hero Pose" or Virasana described in the May 27, 2009 blog,
3. "Staff Pose" or Dandasana described in the June 22, 2009 blog, 
4. "Adept's Pose" or Siddhasana described in the October 19, 2009 blog,
5. Or, for those with very open hips, "Lotus Pose" or Padmasana, to be addressed in next week's blog!  (Honest!)

• Once seated comfortably in any of the above postures, begin to observe the quality of each breath, and establish a natural, easy rhythm of breathing through the nose only.  After a deep, three-dimensional (ujjayi) inhalation, using the right hand only, softly curl the index and middle finger into a gentle fist and place the soft outside edge of the ring finger against the left nostril to gently close that opening.  Exhale completely through the right nostril only, and then steadily draw breath through the right nostril before closing it off with the soft outside edge of the right thumb (not using the hard edge of the fingernail.)  During this exhalation and inhalation, the left nostril is completely blocked by gentle pressure of the right ring finger.
• After a full inhalation through the right nostril, gently block it with the thumb and exhale slowly and steadily through the left nostril in order to empty the lungs completely.  Next inhale slowly, steadily and deeply through the left nostril until all four corners of both lungs are completely filled (puraka).  Then adjust the pressure to block the left nostril while opening the right nostril to exhale thoroughly (rechaka).  Inhalations and exhalations should take the same number of seconds/amount of time (sama vritti) for "equal breathing" before adding the advanced techniques with breath retention (kumbhaka) and the internal locks (mula bandha).  
• At first, be satisfied to practice just 6 or 8 rounds of  "Alternate Nostril Breathing" or Nadi Sodhana, which may take five minutes or more.  Never rush this practice!
• Mentally---Be patient with yourself, focusing your undivided attention on the quality and duration of each inhalation and exhalation in order to even out the rhythm of each cycle of breath.  One cycle begins with an inhalation through the right nostril only and ends after the second breath is exhaled through the right nostril.  Counting the rounds of "Alternate Nostril Breathing" requires great concentration, purifying the mind from all other thoughts.
• Spiritually---The spiritual symbolism of each cycle of breath becomes clear as we breathe in the life-giving energy (prana) found in the oxygen molecules, and then we exhale and release the toxic carbon dioxide (apana).  We cannot hold on to both!  We accept life with gratitude; willingly and consciously releasing and surrendering the toxic elements that are life-threatening!  We bring the Spirit of God in, exhale the enemy out!   Breathe faith in, fear out!  Wisdom in, foolishness out!  Our intent when we practice this breathing technique is to remain connected/yoked to the source of "every good and perfect gift from above" and to let all the other junk go!  

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.  A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways."   (James 1:5-8, KJV)

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."   (I John 1:9, KJV)

 So confess all your sins, and then practice "Alternate Nostril Breathing" to be thoroughly cleansed by the only One who is capable of a top-to-bottom, in-and-out cleansing.  

Namaste, plf  

"Loss Isn't the End"

There are many types of losses, but none more seemingly final than the death of a loved one. Losing a game or a contest only feels final, until the next game or contest.  But death is final---the end of a relationship.   Or is it?  Is that really "all there is?"   Will I ever see my dear mother again?   Is heaven for real?

I believe that heaven is real! (Read the book of the same title and, of course, The Bible to feed your faith.) I don't have to "degrief" or "go into my pain,"  or even "integrate [my] grief into who [I am] and into [my] body," as grief counselor, Ken Druck from San Diego suggests. Although my loss hurts physically at times, I  am comforted with the knowledge that my mother has completed her time here on this earth and has followed Jesus into the next life with a new and better body.  It's new and better because it experiences no pain or suffering, and it is not bound by time or space.  (Read Chapter 7 in the New Testament Book of  Revelations.) I rejoice for my mother's new freedom!  Yet I'll never stop missing her presence until I join her in heaven with own my new body.  Until then, I choose to take care of this earthly body by practicing healthy breathing techniques, such as "Alternate Nostril Breathing," also called Nadi Sodhana Pranayama, in order to clear and cleanse my mind and my nerves.

Followers of Jesus Christ---otherwise known as Christians---believe that we will "follow" Christ in every sense of that word. Jesus lead the way in His death and resurrection to reveal our future with Him. That means that although we suffer and die, we also will rise again. This promise is made by Jesus himself found in the Book of John in The Holy Bible: "I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou this?"  

(John 11:25-26, KJV)

For those who step out in faith and choose to believe the words of Jesus, death is NOT the end, but rather the beginning of an eternity of joy with the Lord and other believers! If this perspective sounds like a "happily ever after" fairytale, you underestimate your value to the Creator of all. We were created in His image and for the purpose of choosing to have an eternal relationship with Him. We are also promised a new body like Christ's that is not bound by time or space, just as when He walked through the wall of the upper room where the disciples were mourning His death because they did not yet understand the concepts of a new body with eternal life. Later the apostle Paul began to get it when he wrote this rather lengthy explanation in I Corinthians 15: 35-54, KJV:

"But some will say, How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat or some other grain; But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body....There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial...so also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised inpower;  It is sown in a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body...And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly,...In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."

Please read and ruminate these biblical passages until next week when my blog will return to the format of describing how to yoke the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of "Alternate Nostril Breathing" in order to clear and purify this body's nervous system.  Until then.... 

Namaste, plf

"Happily Ever After"

"And they lived happily ever after" concludes many of our favorite childhood storybooks.  Unfortunately, this  euphoric outcome sends children an unrealistic message about the end of life and the ever after.  Recently I read an email from Franklin Graham that commented on the plethora of available advice on how to live, but no one ever discusses how we're to die.   

For the past few weeks I've been forced to face this very real and present issue with my 89 year-old mother.  If you've read my "Life Interrupted" blog from May 25, 2010, you may remember that my mother had a massive stroke three days after Mother's Day and couldn't speak or swallow.  At the time, my other three siblings agreed that in order to give her a fighting chance to recover we would have a gastric feeding tube inserted for a period of time.  She pulled that G-tube out three times!   We got the message.  Soon she was swallowing applesauce and other soft foods, and eventually her healthy appetite returned.  All four of us feel very fortunate to have had this very loving and Christ-like woman in our presence for an extra year-and-a-half as we prepared for the inevitable end of her life. This past summer we moved Mom into a "Board and Care" residence very near my home and I try to visit her every day to agree in prayer, but usually after completing my blog on Mondays.  

Last Monday when I would normally have been writing my weekly blog, Mom seemed very close to taking her final breath.  Because of her continual atrial fibrillation, she was experiencing chest pain and couldn't swallow the medications that are intended to slow her heart rate.  My dear mother's weakened heart has been running a marathon, sometimes beating over 130 beats per minute since Thanksgiving when she became excited about sharing this day with most of the family present.   Her physical body was dehydrated and growing weaker by the minute, so I spent most of last Monday at her bedside, and eventually called hospice.   We prayed together and I read to her from her Bible, sang hymns and prayed some more.  She kept reaching for me so I knew that she didn't want me to leave.    

Kenny Chesney's country western lyrics ring true, "Everybody wants to go to heaven...but nobody wanna go now."   Although my very spiritually grounded mother, who mentored many women in the Christian faith and even worked as a Christian counselor for a popular television evangelist, knows where she will go when she takes her last "breath of life,"  she still has a strong will to live.   Mother is trying her best to swallow jello and other soft foods, but certainly not enough to sustain life.  Her breathing has become a bit labored so hospice has her on oxygen to make her more comfortable in her final days and hours.  We're told that our  time is in God's hands, so only He knows the day and hour when my mother will take her last "breath of life."  (Read Psalm 31:14-15a, KJV)  Until that time arrives, I pray that I will be able to be by her side, holding her hand until she breathes her last breath and finally yokes completely with Jesus....