Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Child's Pose ...


Once I step onto my yoga matt, I leave everything else behind but the moment. There are no racing thoughts, no worries about what task to complete next, for I must concentrate on breath, on maintaining internal silence, Antar mouna. I am careful not to overextend, such as in forward and backwards bends, or to take my body too far into the pose in those areas where I am not as flexible; I must respect my body’s abilities and its limitations. My eyes look inward as I concentrate on a spot or object, Bahiranga tratakanot, to prepare. I stand in Mountain Pose, Tadasana,—feet together, hands at my sides. I bring my hands to prayer position, then raise my arms up to the sky, feeling a gentle stretch, my balance, my focus, and from there, I fold and move into the sun salutation, Surya-namaskar:

If my back is bad, I will let yoga take me only to where I feel safe, as in a gentle cat and dog stretch, or perhaps hold downward facing dog, Adho Mukha Svanasana, a bit longer. It is just me and my matt and my heart; there is no one to tell me how much or how little I must do. I like that. I feel the freedom of making the yoga my own. Perhaps that is what is intended, but if not, I can only ask forgiveness for my ignorance.

No matter which yoga poses I do, I always include child’s pose at the end. It is hard to feel anything but peace and serenity when folded into a facing-down fetal position. My face hidden from the world, my body tucked tight to embrace my soft organs, yet my spine is vulnerable to the sky and anyone who may come near me. It at once both a trusting pose, while a very private and protective one. I breathe in and out, slowly and evenly. I stay that way until I can face the world again. Then I curl up and sit into half-lotus pose, ardha padma-asana, bring my hands to prayer position, then lower my head, close my eyes, and whisper, Namaste, which is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another, or when alone, my own acknowledgement of my heart. How can I feel anything but contentment, peace, and gratitude when in this beautiful pose? I cannot. Namaste.



(I hope you do not mind the re-posting of an old YOG post again - The Rose & Thorn goes live on the 15th, so I must keep my head down and working; as well, I am going through image after image to send my faves to Bellebooks as my thoughts for ideas for the new book cover . . . and maybe trailer images. I should be back soon with something new!)



13 comments:

Susan R. Mills said...

I've never done Yoga. I've been thinking about trying it. You've gave me a little nudge here.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

So glad you gave it another post - I did not read it the first time round and especially appreciated it today. Loved the words: "It is just me and my matt and my heart"....

Deb said...

Sounds wonderful. I have a new yoga book for beginners, I must get it down off the shelf soon.

Stephanie Faris said...

I've always said I don't have the patience for yoga. Maybe that's my problem!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Child's pose is my favorite!

So glad you're back, Kat.

Jessica Nelson said...

Sounds peaceful. :-)

Analisa said...

Wow you sound busy and peaceful. Good combo...images, bookcover art...??? YEAH! Tells me I can expect the book soon. I look forward to the ongoing story of VK. :)

Unknown said...

Child pose is also my favorite though I don't know many yoga poses. I used to stretch a lot to calming music. I always felt awesome after. I need to start doing that again.

Great post!

-Alisa Hope

Sandra Leigh said...

Your yoga experience sounds like my Tai Chi experience -- when my body finally remembers how to move smoothly from Point A to Point B, and the journey, which takes only a moment, feels like a meditation. One of these days, I'll try yoga. Stillness is addictive, isn't it?

Marguerite said...

Love yoga! Have been doing yoga, off and on, for over 20 years! It keeps me sane! Good luck with all of your projects, cher!

Rick said...

I applaud your devotion to yoga. You seem to understand your quest so well. I'm a little new to it, but love it in spite of the occasional pains. Loved this posting, Kathyrn.

Debbie said...

Since I read this, does that count as my exercise for today? Not that I'm lazy or anything.

Deb Shucka said...

It was great reading about your yoga experience and comparing it to mine. The intersection is the inner peace connected to physical healing. A lovely piece.

I'm so excited for Rose & Thorn on Friday and to know Secret Graces is getting closer and closer to my bookshelf. Take care.