DAY 36: SAVASANA

Ahhhhh…….Savasana……you know what I’m talking about…..that amazing pose at the end of a rigorous Yoga practice where you get to lay back and do nothing.  Savasana is so necessary at the end of the practice because it gives you the opportunity to let the body and mind drink in all the wonderful benefits of all the poses you’ve just done.  Savasana is known as Corpse Pose – it signifies the end, or the death, of your practice.  But it can also be a place where you can “die” to the things in life that no longer serve you – old thoughts, old feelings, old habits.

Have you ever gotten on your mat and just rested in Savasana?  Today I got on my mat and rested in Savasana for nearly 30 minutes.  Relax – let the body sink down.  Breathe – deeply for a few minutes, then softly.  Relax – the jaw, shoulders, hips.  Think – about as little as possible.  Relax – let all worries, responsibilities and troubles go.

Relax.

May 6, 2010   Posted in: Yoga  No Comments

DAY 35: CONTINUING THE CHALLENGE

Yesterday’s practice was REALLY challenging.  And my body is very aware of that today.  But there is a saying I’ve heard many times, “In order to heal, you have to feel.”  That’s what I’m doing.

I got back on my mat this morning, worked through Sun Salutations, and A LOT of hip openers. Shoulderstand was a major part of the practice, too.  And I spent some time reading and meditating, too.

Good, solid, much-needed practice.

May 5, 2010   Posted in: Yoga  One Comment

DAY 34: A CHALLENGING PRACTICE

A few days ago, I downloaded a Yoga video from an instructor whose style I am completely drawn to.  Today I finally got on my mat, and moved through an amazing 90-minute “body prayer.”  I reconnected to something in me, and in my practice, that I think might have been missing for a little while.  I got back to a true feeling of interconnectedness between the body, mind, heart and spirit.  I got back to the result of holding on to the past – it manifests itself physically.  I got back to result of attachment to negativity – it manifests itself physically.  I got back to how you start letting those things go:  you get into your body, into a physically uncomfortable pose that shows where you hang onto to emotional baggage, and you stay there.  You breathe in it, you resist the urge to get out of it.  Because when your mind is telling you get out, your body can usually stay there.  So you stay there.  You send the breath to those tight areas, think about what you’re holding onto, and you stay there until you feel some surrender.

Physically challenging?  Yes.  Worth it?  Without a doubt…

May 4, 2010   Posted in: Yoga  No Comments

DAY 32 & 33: PRACTICING PATIENCE

I’ve been writing about my 40-day practice for over a month now, and I like to remind myself, and everyone else who’s reading, that your practice reaches FAR beyond the mat.  And your practice is going to be challenged, again and again and again.

One of the most challenging aspects can be practicing patience.  Allowing someone else to speak their mind, while you’re chomping at the bit wanting to respond.  Being patient and listening at times when you want nothing more than for someone else to hear YOU.  This is all part of the journey.

May 4, 2010   Posted in: Yoga  No Comments

DAY 31: MEDITATION BY THE BAY

This afternoon I took a walk through a beautiful park near my neighborhood.  The trails lead you around the woods where you can watch wildlife, see fish swimming in the ponds, then walk on the beach at the Chesapeake Bay.  I took advantage of the bay – sat down and watched the water, felt the sun setting behind me.  Listening to my breath, opening my palms up to the sky, I took in all the outdoors had to offer.

If you are ever able to practice Yoga outside, or meditate by the water, I say GO FOR IT!  It’s a beautiful experience.

May 4, 2010   Posted in: Yoga  No Comments