"Force is Not an Option"

There's an old saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink."  Anyone who owns horses---and we do---will verify that they can be very stubborn creatures, but they have nothing on a man!  For example, our young black gelding, appropriately named "Storm," will not walk up a short four-foot ramp to the upper corral where his feed awaits, and has even been know to wait stubbornly for four days without eating until someone finally takes him out of the lower barn area to walk him up and around to his flake of hay.  

Similarly, my husband learned of the miraculous healing power of Resveratrol ten full days before he actually was willing to try it!  (Please read last week's blog entitled, "Miraculous Fruit of the Earth.")  It took an act of God---a fly or bee buzzing near his right ear---to break the stubborn refusal to "drink."  As this man that I dearly love brushed whatever was buzzing near his ear (Who knows?  We could have been near a vortex!) his hand bumped the cancer-damaged cartilage of that ear and he bent over in pain for several minutes.  When the time was just right, I asked calmly, "Now are you ready to try the Resveratrol treatment?"  By then, my wise husband finally saw the reason in trying this.  Within two days of making a paste made with the contents of one Reseveratrol capsule dissolved in a drop or two of red wine and then applied to the cartilage of his right ear, even he had to admit that the healing had begun.  And yet, this stubborn man was not to be embarrassed, cajoled and certainly not forced into "drinking the water" until he was ready.

Trying new poses can be similar to "drinking the water" for anyone who is unwilling to attempt something new and even slightly uncomfortable.   Of course, it is never advisable to move into a physical position that involves a muscle or joint with previous injury.  Also, we must never force our body into a pose by moving beyond the "edge" of discomfort into pain.  This week's "Horse Pose " or Vatayana Variation is best practiced with an open mind, heart and ultimately hips, and is beneficial for prenatal students hoping to experience a natural childbirth. 

• Physically---As with most challenging positions, it's best to prepare for this intense, external hip and knee rotation by warming the muscles and joints with several (3-5) rounds of "Salutations to the Son" and perhaps seated hip-openers such as "Head-to-Knee Pose" (Janu Sirsasana described in the June 29, 2009 blog).  
• Begin the  "Horse Pose " or Vatayana Variation by sitting very tall and erect on the edge of a sturdy chair.  Inhale and draw the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles upward and back toward the spine as you reach for the shin of the right leg.  Holding the flexed right foot with the left hand gradually release that foot high onto the right thigh as close to the right hip as possible without experiencing pain or extreme discomfort.  Remain here for 3-5 long, deep and smooth victorious (ujjayi) breaths, extending up through the crown of the head on the inhalations and relaxing the right hip joint at the end of each exhalation.  With both hands now on the chair beside each hip for support and the left thigh remaining parallel to the floor, on a long and slow exhalation gently lower the right bended knee  (with a flexed foot to protect the knee) toward the inside of the left foot.  Keep the back erect with a slight forward tilt of the pelvic basin, but avoid bending forward as you gradually release the tension in the right hip flexors externally rotating the right knee down  the left and toward the left foot.  Only go as deep into this modification of "Horse Pose" as your body will allow without moving into pain.  After 5-10 rhythmic breaths in in this pose carefully lift the right knee and exhale the right foot onto the floor, now keeping the right thigh parallel to the floor as the left flexed foot is placed high on the right thigh to reverse the position and open the left hip.  After relaxing in your best version of this challenging hip opener for 5-10 smooth breaths, be sure to rest on your back in "Corpse Pose" (Savanasana) for at least five minutes.
• Mentally---Pay very close attention to the sensation in the hip and knee of the leg that is released toward the floor and do not push beyond your personal "edge" into pain.  Use the slow and deep rhythm of each breath to keep your mind fully present in your body.
• Spiritually---As the physical resistance of the body is released in the hips and knees, allow any spiritual resistance to faith and trust to be subdued and to melt into the earth with each exhalation.  Trust and willingly "drink the water."

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself."

(Philippians 3: 20-21, KJV)

  

"Miraculous Fruit of the Earth"

Lemons and grapes have always been among two of my favorite fruits.  Recently, in my battle with cancer they've become even more significant in my life, and hopefully will become so in the lives of everyone who reads this blog.  In other words, print this out and pass it along to family and friends because they too can reap the benefits of my personal experience and research. 
Over a month ago a well-meaning friend sent me an email on the health benefits of drinking lemon-water to kill cancer cells.  Although the email was a complete hyperbole, extolling that lemon-water was 10,000 times more effective at killing cancer cells than a common chemotherapy drug such as Adriamyacin (which happens to be one of the three drugs being using to combat my fast-growing sarcoma cells), what did I have to lose? So I walked into the kitchen, squeezed and zested a half lemon into a 16-ounce glass water bottle and began what is now my daily drink routine.  After all, what harm could come of drinking a very old, tried-and-true remedy for constipation?   
Later, in a Snopes check, I learned that the limonene and pectin found in the pulp and outer skin (zest) of both lemons and limes did, in fact, kill cancer cells when tested in rats, according to several scientific studies, and without the negative side effects of hair loss, liver, kidney and bladder damage.   Two other natural substances that have been and are being tested by medical communities to fight cancer are asparagus and Resveratrol, which is made up of the healthful components found in red wine, minus the alcohol, of course,---the skins, seeds and stems of red grapes.  My oncologist commented that we'd have to drink about 40 bottles of red wine daily to absorb the benefits of taking 2 grams of Resveratrol capsules.  Clearly, this is impossible without serious damage to the liver, kidneys and bladder! 
The more information gathered on this amazing and "miraculous fruit of the earth" the more impressed I was with God's natural, unprocessed creations.  In an appointment with my UCI oncologist, I also learned that he not only takes 2 grams of  micronized (for better absorption) "Pure and Healthy" brand Resveratrol himself each day as a preventative for cancer, but also has used it externally on the cartilage of his ear to heal skin cancer.  If this product is safe and effective enough for a highly educated, teaching medical oncologist, I figured it just might help my fair-skinned husband, who has extensive sun damage on the cartilage of his right ear from golfing under the intense southern California sun.  
While awaiting my own chemotherapy treatments to begin I was also experiencing some stinging sensations (typical description of the nerve sensations when cancer cells are reaching out for a source of nutrition) on my bladder where a tumor had previously been excised, so I immediately sought out a bottle of Resveratrol the very next day.  Since I had had great difficulty falling asleep the previous night due to the stinging, I decided that I didn't have time to order the micronized Resveratrol online with Amazon.com, so I found a brand of organic French capsules called Resveratage at about $80 for sixty 500mg capsules, found in several health food stores.  I took three capsules throughout the day, and the stinging in my lower abdomen not only stopped, but I was able to get a good night of sleep without the distraction of pain.  I'm sold on Resveratrol, both as part of a natural cancer regimen and a preventative for future battles.
And wait until you read the story of my husband's miracle with Resveratrol in next week's blog!

"My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver."  
(The Book of Proverbs 8:19, KJV)  

"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