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While we practice our yoga we are constantly working to understand the intricacies of the postures. We fumble and try again.  We work on building a connection between the outer-worldly life and a relationship with our inner-life.  Especially lately, we need to work on spanning the gaps.  During this crisis, the outer world is even more uncertain, and distracting with worries and concern. While the inner world is even more elusive.

This practice works on Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, the bridge pose.  Let’s dedicate this practice to finding a better way to connect the gap between our outer and inner lives, and between ourselves and others.

Setu means bridge and Bandha is to build or construct something.  So it’s not just posing as a bridge but to be the civil engineer – the one that designs it and the construction crew that creates it. And finally, the traveler who enjoys the path connecting the two sides.  When practicing we should often try on different roles like the designer, the maker, and the one that appreciates the end product.  As we change the roles we enact we reveal all kinds of new information about the poses we do.

Continue reading “Build Bridges, not Walls”

The Surya Namaskara cycle (sun salutation) is an ancient prayer to Lord Surya, the Sun God. As we move from winter to spring, we praise the warmth of the sun when it meets our face and skin. We enjoy the warmth, light, and energy it brings. Life on Earth would cease without the Sun and its gift of solar energy. As Michiganders, we welcome the sunshine with open arms after a long winter! However, we all sometimes forget to be thankful for the gifts of nature or we take certain things for granted. The daily prayer of Surya Namaskara helps us give thanks to the Sun every day and stay connected to Mother Nature.  In fact, we just celebrated Earth Day as a reminder for us to give back to nature and take care of her.

In the mantra for Surya Namaskara, Lord Surya has 12 names. Before each cycle of the sun salutation, we sing or chant one name of Lord Surya, in the sequence of the mantra, then repeat the next name of Lord Surya before the next sun salutation cycle… and so on until the 12^th salutation is complete. The mantra reminds me that I’m doing this continuous cycle of poses to show gratitude to the Sun and internalize its miraculous energy. If you’re not able to do all 12 sun salutations, that’s ok! Build up to it and go at your own pace. You can still recite the full mantra before you get started to help you learn it.

Continue reading “Becca’s Here Come’s the Sun!”

When we practice yoga we sometimes operate as our own therapist; trying to heal ourselves or maintain and support our health.  We sometimes practice as fitness enthusiasts trying to develop our strength, stamina, and flexibility.  And we also recognize that our practice works on our emotions, and our intellect, and our inner spirit.

As the Stay Home, Stay Safe order continues for at least another 3 weeks we all are cheering on the scientists.  We need them to figure out what would be our best next safe moves.  I propose you dedicate a practice to those scientists that are working so hard right now to understand the virus,  looking for treatment and vaccine, and also the epidemiology ramifications on our society.  Good scientists are clear thinking, objective, and creative.  These qualities are developed in us when we practice.

Continue reading “Practice like a Scientist: Observe Events, Report Findings”