It's not about the back, really. Heart, don't break.
Captured by Dexter Tan. :)
Showing posts with label Urdvha Danurasana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Urdvha Danurasana. Show all posts
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Monday, May 31, 2010
Open Arms
Beautiful practice with Clayton Horton at Pulse today.
I came in fifteen minutes late and straight from another 12 hours of work but came out of the workshop refreshed and rejuvenated. During Savasana, someone outside was playing Open Arms full blast. After trying to ignore it in the midst of deep breaths, Clayton says, I hope you like Journey...
We all had a good laugh.
Urdvha Danurasana was generous and heartfelt today. Open heart, straight arms. I suppose that makes the song apt. Not to be outdone by the lyrical 80s love song, Clayton ended with his familiar strumming of the timeless blessing, Lokaah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu...
As we all should be. Happy and Free.
And hoping you'll see what your love means to me...Open Arms...
I came in fifteen minutes late and straight from another 12 hours of work but came out of the workshop refreshed and rejuvenated. During Savasana, someone outside was playing Open Arms full blast. After trying to ignore it in the midst of deep breaths, Clayton says, I hope you like Journey...
We all had a good laugh.
Urdvha Danurasana was generous and heartfelt today. Open heart, straight arms. I suppose that makes the song apt. Not to be outdone by the lyrical 80s love song, Clayton ended with his familiar strumming of the timeless blessing, Lokaah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu...
As we all should be. Happy and Free.
And hoping you'll see what your love means to me...Open Arms...
Friday, March 12, 2010
Tweedle Numb (from my) Tweedle D...
I loved my practice this morning at Yoga Manila. I was running late for mysore though, and I had to cut my Savasana short because it was time for the next class so I did a few Sitali breaths in Padmasana.
A first this week was my hands touching down in Prasarita Padottanasana C. I was able to make it again today (thanks to Avril, last Tuesday and to Jon, today).
Another first is the numbness that enveloped my entire left arm as we were working on my Urdvha D. I still don't have the normal feeling in my entire left arm, down to the fingertips. I may have pinched a nerve somewhere. There's a layer of numbness in my arm and little pins and needles on the pads of my fingers. At least the floaty feeling is gone (my forearm kept floating up...)
We're working on the spaces (the final spaces?) to allow me to open myself up completely in my favorite pose.
It's the middle of a hot Saturday afternoon. Grocery shopping is done and I made my mushroom cream penne pasta for late lunch. Next time, I will add a drizzle of truffle oil.
Now, to go back to The Palace of Illusions...
P.S. Oh, GK's boracay retreat got cancelled. Was this my sweet Ganesha's answer?
P.P.S. (a few minutes later) but he'll be here this month!! It is Ganesha's answer!!
A first this week was my hands touching down in Prasarita Padottanasana C. I was able to make it again today (thanks to Avril, last Tuesday and to Jon, today).
Another first is the numbness that enveloped my entire left arm as we were working on my Urdvha D. I still don't have the normal feeling in my entire left arm, down to the fingertips. I may have pinched a nerve somewhere. There's a layer of numbness in my arm and little pins and needles on the pads of my fingers. At least the floaty feeling is gone (my forearm kept floating up...)
We're working on the spaces (the final spaces?) to allow me to open myself up completely in my favorite pose.
It's the middle of a hot Saturday afternoon. Grocery shopping is done and I made my mushroom cream penne pasta for late lunch. Next time, I will add a drizzle of truffle oil.
Now, to go back to The Palace of Illusions...
P.S. Oh, GK's boracay retreat got cancelled. Was this my sweet Ganesha's answer?
P.P.S. (a few minutes later) but he'll be here this month!! It is Ganesha's answer!!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Breathe Completely
One of the most wonderful gifts to receive in this life is to find beautiful souls to call teachers. In this age, we are fortunate not to have to stay for a decade beside rivers or in caves but to spend hours in the midst of our days to learn and to receive light.
I am fortunate to have met that fascinating teacher that is Govinda Kai, from the deep bellowing chants to his guiding hands to that energy. The connection is tangible, closer. The energy he radiates is within reach. And in the transcendent hours spent I feel at awe with the people he has brought together, finally, that even the space we occupied has become transcendent.
I am grateful for the premonitions, the predetermined path that led me to these days.
Today, in asana practice, I dropped back into Urdvha Danurasana and stood from it for the first time in my life. Two sets of three. And in between, hands crossed and halfway then back up. The first time it happened and I went back to standing, I was overwhelmed with Joyfulness. I hugged Govinda. (When he approached me and told me to put my hands on the ground, I looked absolutely puzzled and said - you mean my toes? He said - no, behind...)
Always Urdvha Danurasana. That asana is trying to teach me something deeper. We've gone past the first phase with Paul coming up to me more than three months ago, seeing I was ready to be pushed against the wall. And now, with another "Paul", we are deepening. I had so much trust as I exhaled and waited to see the floor and touched my hands on the ground. So much trust as I inhaled myself up back. Trust over and over with heart open. It's the way I should be. Trusting with an open heart. I can do it, gently held. I will do it again, still held and then someday by myself. My Urdvha Danurasana, I must be one of your favorite students.
Yesterday, I posted Govinda's photo on Giving Light. Today, he literally spoke about giving light. How we are here to find the light within us and then in others. The uncanny premonitions and synchronicity again at work. I know I will see him again. I am at awe and ever so grateful.
Breathe completely. Live Completely -- ready to die when you exhale; taking everything completely before you and into yourself, while you inhale. Let the breath be the bridge to the deeper parts of your heart.
Jai Jai Ma...Jai Jai Ma...Jai Jai Ma...Jai Jai Ma...Jai Jai Ma...Jai Jai Ma... Bolo Jaya Jagadambe
JAI JAI MA!
I am fortunate to have met that fascinating teacher that is Govinda Kai, from the deep bellowing chants to his guiding hands to that energy. The connection is tangible, closer. The energy he radiates is within reach. And in the transcendent hours spent I feel at awe with the people he has brought together, finally, that even the space we occupied has become transcendent.
I am grateful for the premonitions, the predetermined path that led me to these days.
Today, in asana practice, I dropped back into Urdvha Danurasana and stood from it for the first time in my life. Two sets of three. And in between, hands crossed and halfway then back up. The first time it happened and I went back to standing, I was overwhelmed with Joyfulness. I hugged Govinda. (When he approached me and told me to put my hands on the ground, I looked absolutely puzzled and said - you mean my toes? He said - no, behind...)
Always Urdvha Danurasana. That asana is trying to teach me something deeper. We've gone past the first phase with Paul coming up to me more than three months ago, seeing I was ready to be pushed against the wall. And now, with another "Paul", we are deepening. I had so much trust as I exhaled and waited to see the floor and touched my hands on the ground. So much trust as I inhaled myself up back. Trust over and over with heart open. It's the way I should be. Trusting with an open heart. I can do it, gently held. I will do it again, still held and then someday by myself. My Urdvha Danurasana, I must be one of your favorite students.
Yesterday, I posted Govinda's photo on Giving Light. Today, he literally spoke about giving light. How we are here to find the light within us and then in others. The uncanny premonitions and synchronicity again at work. I know I will see him again. I am at awe and ever so grateful.
Breathe completely. Live Completely -- ready to die when you exhale; taking everything completely before you and into yourself, while you inhale. Let the breath be the bridge to the deeper parts of your heart.
Jai Jai Ma...Jai Jai Ma...Jai Jai Ma...Jai Jai Ma...Jai Jai Ma...Jai Jai Ma... Bolo Jaya Jagadambe
JAI JAI MA!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Learning Yoga from the Son of the Aikido Sensei
The other day, I bumped into Cherry. She found out I went for my Teacher Training which was why I was not in some of the meetings. I, on the other hand, found out (just then) that aside from being our SAP partner, she also teaches at Yoga Manila. And she studied in YT. We exchanged numbers (again). Personal lines this time. I was so happy to see a kindred along the hallways of the office, and even happier with the pleasant surprise which I take as a sign to mean good things are on their way.
Yesterday, Tobey, my teacher in Pulse, called. She was worried I had not been attending her sessions. I've been a home practitioner for over two months now. Work sched. She called because the Lunatic Monk was in town. I should go. Another pleasant surprise to have my teacher call me.
I am being called. Maybe to finally close in on my dream, but for now, I take it to mean I should see the Son of the Aikido Sensei. I missed him for the two sessions I could have gone. This time I must go. So I did.
* * *
No longer long-haired, I thought for a split second, when I opened my eyes to his Om midway through my pranayama, just before I brought myself to the then and there...
There is a certain way about those who continue to be transformed by yoga. That certain demeanor. that understanding. So even as he shouted Chatvari! Chatvari! to get the attention of those already in Panca, there was that tinge of humor in his eyes. He had that glint as we lost our pitch in the opening chants, once too many.
I sensed him moving around. I was trying not to be starstruck as I easily am at awe with people AND I was practicing with my teachers. I was so very happy to have his guidance in Urdvha Paschimottanasana and Sirsasana. Never mind if I fogot we were doing Marichyasana D and not B on the left side. I caught myself (and so did he) right before the non-twist.
And his talk. He talked about the Gita, his preference over the Yoga Sutras. It's liberating to sometimes hear that we generally do not have a choice or that we only have a choice 5% of the time. I would have struggled to believe this a decade ago. No more. If we stopped struggling, if we stopped thinking we can control how things happen, we would make our lives so much easier. We have no real control.
I liked his discussion on absolute and relative importance, the talk on choosing action ("a good rule of thumb is choosing the more difficult thing to do"), the talk of highest good...
Still...
Learning Yoga is so experiential. It is hard to just lecture (or truly listen), especially when the mind wants to control the subtleties with its own limited understanding. Best to drink in the words and let them nourish what they will. When we are receptive, these interactions with teachers become the beautiful moments they are meant to be.
I personally love studying Yoga because I recognize the meaning. I do not know everything but there is that recognition. I could not be happier to begin this way.
Someday, I hope this girl named Prakriti will be merged with Purusha.
More info on Govinda Kai on http://www.lunaticmonk.com/
Yesterday, Tobey, my teacher in Pulse, called. She was worried I had not been attending her sessions. I've been a home practitioner for over two months now. Work sched. She called because the Lunatic Monk was in town. I should go. Another pleasant surprise to have my teacher call me.
I am being called. Maybe to finally close in on my dream, but for now, I take it to mean I should see the Son of the Aikido Sensei. I missed him for the two sessions I could have gone. This time I must go. So I did.
* * *
No longer long-haired, I thought for a split second, when I opened my eyes to his Om midway through my pranayama, just before I brought myself to the then and there...
There is a certain way about those who continue to be transformed by yoga. That certain demeanor. that understanding. So even as he shouted Chatvari! Chatvari! to get the attention of those already in Panca, there was that tinge of humor in his eyes. He had that glint as we lost our pitch in the opening chants, once too many.
I sensed him moving around. I was trying not to be starstruck as I easily am at awe with people AND I was practicing with my teachers. I was so very happy to have his guidance in Urdvha Paschimottanasana and Sirsasana. Never mind if I fogot we were doing Marichyasana D and not B on the left side. I caught myself (and so did he) right before the non-twist.
And his talk. He talked about the Gita, his preference over the Yoga Sutras. It's liberating to sometimes hear that we generally do not have a choice or that we only have a choice 5% of the time. I would have struggled to believe this a decade ago. No more. If we stopped struggling, if we stopped thinking we can control how things happen, we would make our lives so much easier. We have no real control.
I liked his discussion on absolute and relative importance, the talk on choosing action ("a good rule of thumb is choosing the more difficult thing to do"), the talk of highest good...
Still...
Learning Yoga is so experiential. It is hard to just lecture (or truly listen), especially when the mind wants to control the subtleties with its own limited understanding. Best to drink in the words and let them nourish what they will. When we are receptive, these interactions with teachers become the beautiful moments they are meant to be.
I personally love studying Yoga because I recognize the meaning. I do not know everything but there is that recognition. I could not be happier to begin this way.
Someday, I hope this girl named Prakriti will be merged with Purusha.
More info on Govinda Kai on http://www.lunaticmonk.com/
Friday, November 27, 2009
Day 22 (Nov 27)
As I walked towards the shala, I wondered what it was that brought me here, now. I know my reasons but what of the reasons i do not know yet. There is that peaceful curiosity.
It's so peaceful here in the morning. That's why I wake up so early even here. So I can have some space for quiet. It is difficult to silence people, even in quiet time. I love the silence and aloneness as much I love words, talk and laughter. I cannot live without both and I need them both in my Samasthithi. More often, though, over the years I feel the need for longer moments of silence. I watched Paul having his dinner by the pool a couple of times. I imagine he must want to be quiet too.
I'm starting to feel the sadness of leaving.
***
The Urdvha Danurasana. I used to do this pose relatively well. After a series of heartbreaks, I folded the drama neatly and put them away where I will not have to see them ever again. There will be no venue and I will never place myself in a situation to go deeper than the words in my storybook. The words will be deep enough and no one will guess the true depth of emotions for those heartbreaks. For some reason, I threw in some heart opening poses along with the pain. I learned this from Neil. Our issues are stored somewhere in the body. Hips are mommy and daddy issues, ankles for direction in life, knees for the will....
My pose for the day Urdvha Danurasana. It opens up the heart, the entire front of the body, exposing all vulnerability.
So today, while I was hiding under the bridge in decent below average backbends (waist bending!), Paul asked me to do this against the wall. I was given the honor of practicing against the wall despite my rather mediocre bending. (Paul says there's a certain readiness he intuitively sees). No ego here. I just like being instructed. :)
As we were setting me up, Paul asked me how I was, asked if I was married, with children, how old they are. Normal, Caesarean. Told me his wife went through the same thing. Then intuitively, strangely, he said I'm a good mom. That I'm good and I had the flow and was connected to my practice. I forget the other words... But i did feel so strongly connected. Then he continued to help me with my bridge, got me blocks. I did a few more repetitions on my own. And felt something. Somethings. Like five different giant sleeping citta vrittis and a few enormous ones I've been ignoring all trying to pummel out of my heart all the while, keeping arms and legs strong, wrists against the wall, chest against the wall.
I had my meltdown by Padmasana and stayed there a while. Paul was about to begin his practice and I lay slightly trembling in Savasana.
What was it? It was the neatly folded heart stuff, the energy and a myriad of other feelings that came when my chest hit the wall. I should coin that as an alternative to shit hitting the fan.
After practice, I sat with Neil. He sensed the emotions. He is a wonderful teacher too. Beautiful and sometimes jaded. Often, funny but there is a quietness about him that comes from darker places. I'm glad to have shared some meals with him. He has stories to share.
With Paul, there is this energy. Like I've known him for a while from somewhere. Or that he knows me? His manner, humor, words are just so very familiar to me. It's very strange.
I feel so strongly a connection to these two beautiful teachers.
We finished our Philosophy of Yoga today. I had to ask Paul what he meant by his definition of Pratyahara. Energy isn't coming out of your senses anymore. He answered my question. What you pay attention to grows.
During the asana study, we talked about Shirhsasana and the rest of the closing mudras. Build capacity for Shirhsasana one breath at a time. This makes sense to me and applies to almost anything that turns my world upside down.
Our last session today was a sample class of what we will teach in our assessment. It was a fun class and we were served to the mosquitoes by the time we were "resting"
It's so peaceful here in the morning. That's why I wake up so early even here. So I can have some space for quiet. It is difficult to silence people, even in quiet time. I love the silence and aloneness as much I love words, talk and laughter. I cannot live without both and I need them both in my Samasthithi. More often, though, over the years I feel the need for longer moments of silence. I watched Paul having his dinner by the pool a couple of times. I imagine he must want to be quiet too.
I'm starting to feel the sadness of leaving.
***
The Urdvha Danurasana. I used to do this pose relatively well. After a series of heartbreaks, I folded the drama neatly and put them away where I will not have to see them ever again. There will be no venue and I will never place myself in a situation to go deeper than the words in my storybook. The words will be deep enough and no one will guess the true depth of emotions for those heartbreaks. For some reason, I threw in some heart opening poses along with the pain. I learned this from Neil. Our issues are stored somewhere in the body. Hips are mommy and daddy issues, ankles for direction in life, knees for the will....
My pose for the day Urdvha Danurasana. It opens up the heart, the entire front of the body, exposing all vulnerability.
So today, while I was hiding under the bridge in decent below average backbends (waist bending!), Paul asked me to do this against the wall. I was given the honor of practicing against the wall despite my rather mediocre bending. (Paul says there's a certain readiness he intuitively sees). No ego here. I just like being instructed. :)
As we were setting me up, Paul asked me how I was, asked if I was married, with children, how old they are. Normal, Caesarean. Told me his wife went through the same thing. Then intuitively, strangely, he said I'm a good mom. That I'm good and I had the flow and was connected to my practice. I forget the other words... But i did feel so strongly connected. Then he continued to help me with my bridge, got me blocks. I did a few more repetitions on my own. And felt something. Somethings. Like five different giant sleeping citta vrittis and a few enormous ones I've been ignoring all trying to pummel out of my heart all the while, keeping arms and legs strong, wrists against the wall, chest against the wall.
I had my meltdown by Padmasana and stayed there a while. Paul was about to begin his practice and I lay slightly trembling in Savasana.
What was it? It was the neatly folded heart stuff, the energy and a myriad of other feelings that came when my chest hit the wall. I should coin that as an alternative to shit hitting the fan.
After practice, I sat with Neil. He sensed the emotions. He is a wonderful teacher too. Beautiful and sometimes jaded. Often, funny but there is a quietness about him that comes from darker places. I'm glad to have shared some meals with him. He has stories to share.
With Paul, there is this energy. Like I've known him for a while from somewhere. Or that he knows me? His manner, humor, words are just so very familiar to me. It's very strange.
I feel so strongly a connection to these two beautiful teachers.
We finished our Philosophy of Yoga today. I had to ask Paul what he meant by his definition of Pratyahara. Energy isn't coming out of your senses anymore. He answered my question. What you pay attention to grows.
During the asana study, we talked about Shirhsasana and the rest of the closing mudras. Build capacity for Shirhsasana one breath at a time. This makes sense to me and applies to almost anything that turns my world upside down.
Our last session today was a sample class of what we will teach in our assessment. It was a fun class and we were served to the mosquitoes by the time we were "resting"
I capped the day by swimming (alone), going to the steam room and spending some percussion time in the shala.
Tomorrow, I will study.