In yoga, so many poses involve forward and backward bends requiring us to place our head below our heart. One of the physical benefits of doing this for me has been the disappearance of sinus and allergy problems. Every time my head is inverted I actually feel the breaking up and draining of my sinuses. This spring I am not using a nettie pot or going to the doctor to get an inhaler like I was last spring.
The breaking and draining of awful things out of the head not only occurs physically, but spiritually as well. When we place our head below our heart for just a few seconds a day, the ego, that resides in our mind, slowly drains away along with the sinus problems. Our heart is elevated toward the sun, open to all God and the universe has to offer us without the ego getting in the way. After 6 months of consistent yoga practice, I can honestly say I have been blessed with new things in my life that call for more heart and less ego. Things that call for stepping back, being quiet, letting others who know more go ahead, listening, thinking, and slowly changing who I am in the face of humility. This was said beautifully in my morning meditation:
“This holds a powerful lesson – time and time again the head must be brought below the heart or the ego swells. If you do not bend, life will bend you. In this way, humility is accepting your head belongs below your heart, with your thinking subordinate to your feeling, with your will subordinate to the higher order. This acceptance is key to receiving grace.”
Each day:
1. Sit quietly on your knees and as you breathe, incline forward.
2. Breathe deeply and as you exhale, bring your head below your heart while extending your arms behind you or in front of you.
3. After a time, if you can, bring your head to touch the floor and offer thanks for being humbled.
I think, as a teacher of young children, deeper learning takes place when all the senses are involved, including incorporating body movements along with thought. Hence, yoga, it appears, is kindergarten for adults. When the mind and body are engaged, the spirit is touched and words of prayer and thought are knitted within us, rather than falling around us. Each day, lay your head down and watch your world open to joys you never imagine existed when there is room in the heart for spiritual growth.
And so, as another day goes by, I touch my forehead to the floor yet another time, and ….I have written.
Hi Linda…I just wanted to say i won’t be commenting on your blog everyday, but I will definately be reading….I have embarked on a new journey of my own, involving, reading, yoga & meditation, I would appreciate any advice you might be able to give me.
Thank You
Meemy!