Sutra 1:14
sa tu dirghakala nairantarya satkarasevito drdhabhumih: Practice that is done for a long time, without break and with sincere devotion becomes a firmly rooted, stable, and solid foundation. This is an important aspect of yoga practice—discipline. Showing up to practice on a regular basis without break. The real benefits of the practice are revealed when we dedicate ourselves to the practice long-term. https://www.theyogasanctuary.biz/exploring-the-yoga-sutras-1-14/ …….the hills are alive, with the sound of music…..lalalalala….., I feel like Maria in the Sound Of Music twirling on a mountain top. I just taught my very first yoga class in 7 weeks. Outside, with a mask on and at least 6 ft apart with a beautiful oak tree and the water on my left and if I turned my head just a little I could see the fish jumping, which always makes me smile. Ahhhh…..”real” people in front of me. What a treat, what a feeling! This …..this is what I enjoy. The energy of everyone and the flow and energy of the practice. Thanks to one of my long time students that texted me saying that she missed me and yoga and could I maybe come over to do a little something?! I listened within and if I am being honest, felt the same way. Being in week seven after surgery I am starting to feel better and it is time to do….well ….. All the things I was doing before (ok maybe not ALL, but definitely a lot of them). So I told my students that I was not going to demo anything because I was still recovering. They agreed and we started our practice, after about 15 minutes I felt so free and good that I got out of my chair and started to move with my students. Very timid and gentle, but I moved. And my body remembered. And for the most part was happy. Of course there were so many things I couldn’t do but there was one movement I could do that brought me to tears. Y’all….. I claimed my space….. 3 times. Under the Oak tree with the fish jumping. And it felt GOOD!!! My arms were still as heavy as lead, but still. As I am going into Warrior 1 &2 with them I am wondering how my body will react. Stiff but willing to try. I am lovingly encouraging my body to move through the asanas that I have practiced for the last 17 years. The Body remembers!! And because I was teaching, there was no fear. When I teach I want to be of service, so it’s not about me at that time and I can leave whatever is going on with me at the door. But this was different, my longtime student now friend created this beautiful space for us and me to come and practice. This wasn’t just business. This was about getting herself and me back onto the mat, because we love the practice so much. Because we have felt the benefits from it over years and know how important a steady yoga practice is. And at one point she tells me what I told my students over and over: the hardest part is showing up. It is 99% of the practice…..keep showing up !!!! I cried a little because A. OMG she listened to what I said in class over and over again B. She threw it back at me when I needed it the most (thank you) C. I realized once again that my students are the best teachers All that created a spark within me again, an inspiration, a hope that I can come back--fully-- whatever that means. So you know what, I’ll keep showing up, I showed up on the meditation cushion this morning. I showed up for my walk at the park, even though my legs feel like jello. And every day I gently do a little bit more. Hoping and trusting that if I just keep on showing up and practicing all is coming, right?! My asana practice might not look like yours, but as I am always telling you--that’s ok as long as I keep showing up and my intention is to practice. And if I am lucky, feel this beautiful, positive energy that we create with our practice. So today as the Tropical storm is passing (thank you Universe, not sure if I could deal with a Hurricane right now) I am practicing. I roll my mat out, put on some music that inspires me and listen within. How do I want to move today? How am I breathing? What’s going on in my mind? And my emergency Gummi Bears are safe! No cheesecake needed! No mindless reality TV on the agenda. And it feels GOOD ! I am feeling good…..right now :) Soooo, if you got out of the rhythm of practicing,come back. Start small. Don’t set a huge expectation that you won’t be able to meet. Set a goal to do chair yoga or a few sun salutations every day. Or sit for a five-minute meditation each morning. Some days you will have more time, and your practice will naturally last longer. Other days, a short practice will be enough. More than anything, your commitment to come back to your mat regularly is what will make the most difference. As inspiration click on this link for music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=difr2XlayIo Love & Light to all of you, until we meet again ……. Ursel Sarala
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