May
News & Events
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Jennifer
Article-
Embracing Spring, Embracing Change
“Everything that
we perceive is subject to modification, moreover, everything can be modified
in a chosen way.” Patanjali
Change is inevitable; it’s the direction and intention of
change that we have some control. Our thought processes and conditioning have
some influence over that control and over how we perceive.
Perception is a
particularly individual experience, influenced by many factors of mind, body
and spirit. As suggested previously
(see March 2011 Newsletter) the spirit is what helps us balance and integrate
the body and mind. The spirit is both yielding and steadfast. Bending and
conforming to the will of the body and mind without sacrificing the strength
and stability of the balance maintained therein.
If only our body
and mind were as adaptable and accepting of change as our spirit. Just
imagine change without fear or reservation, without resistance or
apprehension. Just going with the flow.
We often perceive
change as a loss of something once appreciated or enjoyed for something else
that seems less desirable. Smooth skin begins to wrinkle, food we enjoy
begins to show on our hips, memories begin to fade, and ones we love begin
anew, moving on either in this life or the next.
The perception of
change as stated above is an individual experience. One that we may dread or
resist, but in the end without change we would never grow or develop into our
fullest potentials as human beings- as mothers, fathers, daughters, sons,
friends, lovers and yogis. From the moment we are born until the moment we
are laid to rest, change, based on environment, conditioning, and experiences
are a part of our existence. Resistance to change can make the transition
difficult and unsettling, acceptance of change can make the transformation
effortless and comforting.
Pose
of the Month
Salamba Sirsasana or Head Stand
– This pose strengthens and tones the abdominal
muscles, shoulders and neck. Strengthens and tones the thyroid gland and aids
in development of flexibility and strength of the abdominals and shoulders.
Circulation of oxygen and blood is increased. Therapeutic for constipation,
indigestion, asthma, headaches, congestion and sore throat. Also decreases
swelling and relieves pressure of the legs and feet. Avoid this pose
if you have any neck injuries unless under careful supervision. Avoid this
pose entirely if you have thyroid disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma or
detached retina. If a beginner please wait and try this with an instructor
before attempting on your own.
Bring your mat to
a wall (an inside corner is the best location) Begin on all fours (head
toward wall or corner), wrists directly underneath the shoulders, rest the
forearms down on the mat with the elbows in the same location as the palms of
the hands (no wider than the shoulders).
Adjust the distance from the wall as needed. A blanket may
be used under the forearms if needed. Clasp the fingers tightly and open up
palms to form a cup shape. The crown of the head is placed on the mat or
blanket resting inside the cup of the hands (keep the weight to the front of
the crown or slightly to middle, never on the forehead or toward the back of
the head). Ground through the forearms and wrists try not to place too much
weight into the hands or fingers. Raise the knees and walk the feet up as
close as possible toward the head. Exhale as you push off with the feet
keeping knees bent. Feet can rest on the wall until feel secure then let the
feet move toward the hips with knees still bent and reaching up toward the
ceiling (there are several leg variations and ways to raise the legs). Stay
up as long as you feel comfortable, softening and breathing into the pose.
When ready ease your legs back down to the floor resting the hips back onto
the heels into a child’s pose or balasana.
Variations of the legs will be added to the pose directory
on our website at afterthemasters.org
AfterTheMasters.org
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