Setbackstep

Ustrasana - Camel Pose 🐪 

SETBACK: BACKSTEP, reset. Jack has to be pushed back into the box - every time - in order to pop out again.🤡

The so-called setback is a consummate teacher. I spaced on setting my alarm last night and missed my wake-up for the first time since my early AM rising custom was conceived two seasons heretofore. Lesson: My evening regime is what sets me up for the morning program; the systems are inseparable, and the former nightfall must not be underestimated. 🌚🌝

Contrarian

 

Virabhadrasana I - Warrior I

Abandon your renegade approach and be a joiner? We are sensitive beings - take comfort in your ability to blend when it benefits you. 🐸 You’re still a counter-culture nonconformist at heart. 🐺 

Leap

Sasangasana - Rabbit Pose

The snowshoe hare changes her color from white to brown according to the season. This transformation takes 10-12 weeks. Shedding your Winter self to reveal your Summer persona takes time, an entire Season to be exact - it’s called Spring. 

Horizon

 

Prasarita Virasana — Wide Hero Pose

Keeping my eyes on the distant horizon of order and tidiness. Pink skies far ahead.

Off you go

 

Supta Virasana - Reclining Hero Pose

Clothing bags awaiting donation. My go-to attire during decades of making babies and making moves is now off to go. Fare well. What’s next?

not by faith alone

 

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana - One Legged King Pigeon Pose

 

Some days (poses!) don’t go as planned. Have unconditional trust in the divine — have FAITH. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1). Faith must be demonstrated and will be tested. 

The deeper the better

Ubhaya Padangusthasana - Double Big Toe Hold

Balancing Stick

Breathe-in as deeply as possible for optimum support. Breathe-out as deeply as doable for ultimate release. The deeper the better. Then notice the many phrases your yoga teacher utters that are sexual innuendos and giggle. 🤭 

Naam

 Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana - Standing Hand to Big Toe Pose

Memorize Sanskrit names for a better yogic appreciation, understanding and practice. Commit to memory peoples’ names and enjoy better relationships, connections and, therefore, quality of life. 👯‍♀️

Family Last

Upavistha Konasana - Seated Wide Legged Forward Fold - Straddle

Hang out at home with your people pose. 

Evenings are sacred. Pick a time. Completely shut off all work (and electronics). Focus on family. Repeat daily. 

Samana Vayu

Antantasana- Side Reclining Leg Lift Pose - ‘Infinite’ Pose

SAMANA: Balance INTAKE - prana - and RELEASE - apana - with EQUAL parts IN breath and OUT breath. CALIBRATE your and your family’s days by pairing activities that require energy EXPENDITURE with those that provide and REPLENISH your energy. One and then the other, if possible. In and out. EG - a calm, silent car ride to a busy, boisterous restaurant; dinner together at the table after free and wild outdoor playtime; reading in bed post karaoke dance party. Unscheduled, luxuriant weekends to sandwich frenetic, packed weekdays. 

Three

Inhale reach high. Pause. Exhale arms by your sides. Pause.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat…

Zero in on these THREE pillars : Bhanda ~ Drishti ~ Pranayama

Bhanda - Energy lock (root, diaphragm, throat…)

Drishti - Gaze 

Pranayama - Breath regulation 

Easy-like

 

Sukhasana - Easy Pose (anything but!!)

Sukh - Happy

Approach your yoga postures easy-like. And then solve your worldly “problems” equally EASY-LIKE.