I haven’t spoken about my yoga experience for quite some time now. There was just the need to keep on practicing and watch things change and evolve over time. Just last week I noticed a new development in my practice. My practice used to be very studio centered, even though I would take what I learned, out into to the world with me. Lately, the opposite has occurred. Some of the outside world has found its way into the studio during my practice.
The first thing that happened was when a very dear friend of my daughter’s left for LA to Bikram yoga teacher training for nine weeks. I knew this was going to be long and grueling for her. Since the day after she left, I find myself praying for her daily when I’m in eagle pose. I stare into my eyes and repeat, “Stillness for Marissa. God let Marissa have a good day in training today.” So, for these nine weeks that she is there, eagle pose will be dedicated to praying for her.
The second thing that happened was concerning a relationship that is in need of some repair. During part three of awkward pose, the teacher says squeeze you knees tightly together. Pretend your holding something very precious between them. Do not drop it. Over the past two weeks instead of imagining a winning lottery ticket like we’re told to, I began imagining someone’s heart that I never want to drop and break again. The heart means way more to me than a winning lottery ticket, so my pose has improved considerably.
The third thing happened in standing head-to-knee pose. You interlace all ten fingers and make a “basket” with which you bend over and place one foot in it. This grip is very important. It’s used in many other poses, also. The fingers have to stay interlocked and you have to hold them so tight that your knuckles turn white. You can’t let them slip due to the sweat. The grip embraces and drives the poses. As I’m holding each foot in this “basket grip” I found myself liking it to how God holds everything I fear, and when the teacher gives the clap to extend the leg out straight, I can just hear God saying, “I got it covered. Extend your leg.” A few days later, a friend just happened to share the photo below of a cloud formation taken in Texas. When I saw it, it looked like God was making “the basket grip”. (I’m sure His is a lot stronger than mine – I still slip.)
I guess you could say these little sentiments brought in from my world outside the studio, personalize my practice. Instead of just outgoing lessons from the poses, now it’s a two way street. Maybe this is a sign of a connection being made between my body and the universe, I don’t know. I do know I like remembering God and people as I practice, hoping to send out positive energy, prayers, and love each day.
If you have a heartache or a worry today, look at the picture below and remember God has a “basket grip”. He’s got it covered.
And so, as another day goes by, yet again my yoga practice touches and enriches my life, and …I have written.
Wow, looks just like fingers coming together. Great post