The Most Challenging Asana

Savasana
Also known as Corpse Pose is one of the most important as well as difficult poses. How hard can it be to lie on the floor? Even though you do not need to develop strong ankles or upper body strength total relaxation can be a true challenge for many. The body needs relaxation time in order to assimilate the internal changes that have occurred through asana. Here we experience the power of stillness. While the body lets go the mind must stay alert. Deep conscious relaxation. This process is not just a physical rest. It has roots that extend into the astral and the causal body. Savasana harmonizes the prana at the end of practice. When the breath move freely the mind settles. As the mind relaxes the tongue releases and your palette becomes spacious. The roof of the mouth hollows and the the central core of the body opens. This is where we get to feel the circulation of prana throughout the system attuning us to cosmic energies. The human frame is merely a vessel while the soul is directly connected to the universe. Allow your spirit to soar beyond the limits of its container. Om Shanti

Divine Grace

The Cup of Your Life
The wine of divine grace is limitless:
All limits come only from the faults of the cup.
Moonlight floods the whole sky from horizon to horizon;
How much it can fill your room depends on its windows.
Grant a great dignity, my friend, to the cup of your life;
Love has designed it to hold His eternal wine.

- Jalal-ud-Din Rumi
(Translated by Andrew Harvey)

Advice From A Tree

Advice from a Tree

By Ilan Shamir

Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth

Reflect the light of a greater source

Think long term

Go out on a limb

Remember your place among all living beings

Embrace with joy the changing seasons

For each yields its own abundance

The Energy and Birth of Spring

The Growth and Contentment of Summer

The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall

The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun And delight in their presence

Look up at the moon that shines down upon you And the mystery of the stars at night.

Seek nourishment from the good things in life Simple pleasures Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty

Drink plenty of water

Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes

Be flexible

Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!

The Cobra

Bhujangasana

The Gerunda Samhita states that Bhujangasana, which resembles a cobra with its hood raised, "increases the bodily heat, destroys disease, and by the practice of this posture the Serpent-Goddess (Kundalini) awakens." This asana strengthens the spine, increases flexibility in the chest, shoulders and abdomen. Cobra opens the heart and the lungs while it massages all organs through gentle pressure on the midsection. Practicing Bhujangasana increases your inner fire and awakens the Kundalini, supporting the realization of one's full potential.

Your start out in a prone position with your legs extended and the tops of your feet , thighs and pubis firmly rooted into the earth. Hands are placed beneath the shoulders with the elbows reaching back. As you inhale you lift your chest up and allow your shoulders loop back firming your shoulder blades against the back. Your elbows are slightly bent and they draw in towards your waist as you rise to a place where there is no compression in your lower back. Your breath should be deep and free. If your breath is labored or you find you are holding your breath you have probably gone too far. Keeping your abdomen on the floor will give you the maximum stretch of the spine.

Twist And Flow

We welcome the Aries full moon this weekend. The key phrase associated with Aries is "I am". Lets reinforce our practice with thoughts like, I am stable, I am graceful, I am powerful, I am loving, I am truthful, I am wise, and I am open to my highest potential. Mars is Aries ruling planet. Mars is the warrior of the zodiac. Mars also rules the third chakra. Manipura, "the jewel of the navel". We will light the inner flame bringing balance to our solar plexus.

Kapalbhati is on the menu. Be ready to twist and flow. As we uncoil we will expand a surge of individualistic energy. You will draw in stability, depth and a feeling of your own power. Calling all yogic warriors to follow the flow.

Namaste.