Yoga As a Metaphor for Gospel Living - Mountain Pose & Standing Forward Bend
You will notice in reading my profile that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout the history of Yoga, the practice has included spiritual teachings as part of the uniting of body, mind and spirit. The spiritual beliefs and practices of the guru or "teacher" are often reflected in the physical and other practices of yoga.
As I incorporate my spiritual beliefs into my yoga teachings, I invite you to incorporate your own personal beliefs as metaphors, to help you meet the challenges of your life as well as to enrich your personal practice on the mat. You can use my ideas as a guide.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (for the sake of brevity, from here on referred to as "the LDS Church) we have a lay ministry. This requires that all members of a certain age hold "callings" or responsibilities, for which we are set apart through priesthood authority, giving us the support of the Holy Ghost in our specific individual calling. After a time, we are released from one calling and given another. As a result, our responsibilities and obligations change, we acquire skills in a variety of areas, from teaching a class, to leading an organization, serving as a member of a bishopric, doing clerical work, camp director, Scoutmaster, nursery leader, etc. While this is a wonderful way to develop our talents and to learn new skills, of course there are attendant challenges, stresses, and fears that arise, simply because we are just ordinary people being asked to do some extraordinary things!

In my experience, yoga has helped me in many ways to adapt to this way of life. I was a convert to the LDS Church at the age of 19, and so, it was a huge challenge for me to take on responsibilities with which I had no previous experience, sacrifice my personal time (often with young children to care for) to fulfill my church obligations, and especially, learn to exercise faith that the Lord would help me succeed in all I was required to do. When Yoga entered my life, I learned about balancing my time and activities, setting priorities, and recognizing my own limits so I wasn't pushing myself to the breaking point, and even how to be a "disciple" with Jesus Christ as my Leader and Teacher. I learned to look inward to identify what my fears and self-limiting beliefs were, where they came from, and what to do about them. Through my years as a yoga teacher, I also learned that latter-day saints are not the only ones with challenges to face, and that everyone, regardless of their religion or other differences, has pretty much the same stresses to deal with. So, I hope as I use my own experience and speak to my LDS followers, anyone will be able to relate to what I have to say, with experiences of their own.

With that in mind, come into Mountain Pose, standing with feet parallel, a few inches apart, toes pointing forward; bring up The Squeeze, roll the shoulders back and down, and with an inhalation allow the arms to slowly rise out to the sides, upward, turning the palms up at shoulder level, and on overhead. Keep the shoulders relaxed, away from your ears as the arms lengthen upward. Hold here and breathe steadily, as you relax any unnecessary tension in the shoulders. Feel your feet pressing into your mat, how the Squeeze holds your torso steady, and looking inward, watch energy flow upward from the earth beneath your feet through your entire body and out through the fingertips. Allow yourself to take on the qualities of a mountain: firm; steady; enduring; immovable; strong.

From the top of your mountain, see your life in true perspective. See who you are in all the many roles you play; see where your strengths lie; see what it is that holds you "in place"; see what it is you "stand for"; see where you are "immovable"; gaze into the past and acknowledge the "seasons of storms" that you have endured; know that your future holds many challenges and "seasons" yet for you to endure. Where are the weaknesses that, with the Lord's help, you can turn into strengths? Where are you being required to be a strength to others? Who, in your immediate family or circle of friends do you look to for strength? What else comes to mind as you hold Mountain Pose?

Hold to your edge, then slowly release the pose and relax. You might want to journal something that came up for you as you experienced Mountain Pose.

To complete today's practice, come into a version of Standing Forward Bend that works for your body. You may want to rest your hands on blocks, or on the seat of a chair. Keeping your knees soft, allow the spine and neck to relax as you fold forward. This is a posture of submission, and counter-poses Mountain Pose, a posture of power. Breathe as you just hang out here; relax the spine, and let go of striving; feel a sense of submissive acceptance of things as they are, of yourself as you are; watch how your mind begins to calm down; allow yourself to be soft, reverent, and teachable, knowing that your loving Heavenly Father is with you, ready to guide you and help you through all of life's challenges. Know that as you remain prayerful, keep his commandments and do your honest best, the Savior's grace will carry you along. You will find the answers you need, the strength you need, the help you need, as you humbly submit your will to the Father's.

Roll slowly up out of the pose. Do a few Swinging Twists accompanied by deep breaths, and go on with your day!

Safe Inversions

Safe Inversions
The benefits of inverted postures are many: increased blood flow to the brain and face leads to clarity of mind and a healthy complexion; lowering of blood pressure as blood returns from feet to heart with less exertion by the heart gives the heart a rest; draining stagnant blood from the legs to help prevent varicose veins; stimulation of digestive system for healthier digestion and elimination. Mentally, the inversions have a calming, meditative effect, restoring order to our lives.

Headstand is the most commonly thought of inversion posture, but balancing on the head, with the weight of the body being carried by the neck, can be very dangerous for many people, especially those starting yoga practice later in life. Headstands are definitely contra-indicated for people with osteoporosis or any neck or spinal problems.
You can safely get the benefits of Headstand by choosing from the following alternative postures. Bear in mind that an "inverted posture" is any in which the head is below the heart. So we'll begin with Standing Forward Bend.

This posture is easily modified by resting the arms on the seat of a chair. Keep the knees a little soft, to protect your lower back. Allow the head to hang from the relaxed neck, like a piece of fruit hanging from a vine. Breathe, relax, feel, watch and allow. Sigh out the breath.  You may sense a feeling of submission, of letting go of striving, of allowing things to be as they are. If your hands don't reach the floor, clasp elbows and let the weight of the torso provide a comfortable stretch. Come up very slowly as if stacking your spine one vertebra at a time, like little building blocks. Experience that "yog-ahhhhhh" feeling!

Moving on now to Downward Dog, we rise into the pose from Table Pose, pressing the tailbone upward as we press the heels downward. Extend the arms as if telescoping them open, and allow the chest to float toward the knees. Relax the neck and allow the head to hang freely as you take long, full breaths in and out. This posture stretches and opens the entire back of the body, reminding you that throughout the day, yoga "has your back"! The deep breaths oxygenate the blood flowing to the brain to help you wake up and think clearly, so this is a good inversion to do in the morning. It is a major part of the Sun Salutation for this very purpose! Following Downward Dog you may choose to rest in Child Pose, or walk the hands toward the feet and roll slowly up to standing to continue your practice.



This next inversion is called Dolphin Pose. It is the first pose in the "headless headstand" series.It is important to notice that the head is not resting on the mat or on the hands. There is space between the crown of the head and the floor. Remember that we are protecting the neck from injury in the next few postures by not putting any weight whatsoever on the head.



This is the Dolphin Pose with Leg Extended. The leg extension moves us closer to Headstand by getting the foot and leg up there where the blood can drain to the heart. An added benefit from Dolphin Pose with Leg Extended is strengthening the shoulders. Breathe fully in the posture, and don't be concerned if you can't hold it very long. The arms and shoulders strengthen quickly with regular practice.

This is Headless Headstand done against a wall. Just as in Dolphin Pose, the head is free from carrying any weight. It may be easier for you at first to have another person catch your leg as you kick it up toward the wall. Once the first leg is in place, the second leg follows fairly easily. Again, this posture can be difficult at first, but gets easier with practice.

Finally, my very favorite inversion, Headless Headstand on Chairs. This posture is so comfortable, you will want to stay here for a long time, enjoying the peace and calm, while your body absorbs the many benefits with very little effort. I am using two folding chairs placed on a non-skid surface, and I have padded the seats with folded blankets. Face the wall and bend forward, placing your head between the chairs, feeling your shoulders rest on the chair seats. Clasp the rungs of the chairs with your hands and kick the feet up against the wall. The head hangs free, the blankets absorb the weight of the body, and you can relax in this position as long as you choose. To exit the pose, slowly bring the feet down, and rest in Child Pose for a minute or so before returning to an upright position.

I hope this helps you find an inverted posture that works for you!

Symbolically, inverted postures are about remaining calm and focused when our world "turns upside-down".   So next time you find your life spiralling out of control, find a quiet spot to do some inversions, and you may realize that out of chaos a new, better order is evolving!

 

Yoga Notes

When preparing to do the Headless Headstand, either on the floor or on chairs, prepare by first doing one of the milder inversions. This gets the blood flowing gently toward your head. When you subsequently enter the more extreme posture, you won't feel the pressure of the sudden flow of blood to the head, which can sometimes cause a headache.

Once you come out of the headstand, rest briefly in Child Pose to equalize the flow of blood throughout your body once again, then return slowly to an upright position.

 





The Inner Work of Yoga: Postures as Metaphors for Life

 As you begin to hold the postures a little longer, stay with the posture and its sensations as you examine the impressions that arise during the holding. How does whatever you are experiencing on the mat correlate with what is happening in your life off the mat? Here are some examples of how to do this:

Come into Warrior One or Front Warrior

Hold the pose as you B, R, F, W, & A.

What feelings does this posture bring up for you? Do you feel confident, like a warrior? Strong and capable? Where or how are you feeling confident in your life right now? Are there positive results coming out of that?

Or maybe you feel fearful, or weak, as if you might fall out of the pose. In what area of your life are you feeling weak or fearful now? How is that affecting you? Can holding this pose a bit longer, breathing more deeply, help you to feel more courageous and confident? Is there a way you can modify a challenge in your life so that you can feel more confident and strong? Anything you could be doing differently? Do you need to use a "prop" in the way of someone to help you? Hang in there just a little longer; you may be surprised by your hidden strength!

 

Let's see what we can learn from Triangle Pose.





In this posture you are looking upward, from a different perspective than you are use to. How might "looking at things from another perspective" help to resolve an issue in your life? In a relationship? In a career change? We can get set in our ways of being and thinking and seeing. Extend the arms outward and feel your heart open to change, to new ways of seeing and being. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth, expansion and progression. Maybe you just need to open to another's way of seeing things. Ponder these things as you hold and breathe. Let the impressions arise without forcing them.

 

Bridge Pose is full of possibilities for introspection!

 

 

                                         

What is a bridge? It's something that connects two poinnts separated by something impassable. Where are you experiencing separation in your life? In a relationship? Between your dreams and aspirations for your life and where you are today? Your natural self, held back by weaknesses and poor habits, and the person you want to be? What might you  do to "bridge the gap"?

Another consideration is the posture itself, with the head below the heart. Picture the love and kindness in your heart flowing gently downward into the practicality and sensibility of the mind. Is there a situation in your life that might benefit from being less "in your head" and more "in your heart"? Consider judgments toward yourself or others. How might you benefit from less logic and fewer "shoulds", and more love and forgiveness? B, R, F, W & A as heart energy melds into the mind!

 

I love the metaphorical aspects of Cobra!

 

Think of a snake, periodically shedding its old skin to reveal a bright, new skin. What old habits might you choose to shed so that you can stand anew? Try entering Cobra with no hands, just the strength of your back. Are you strong enough to let go of old, self-limiting beliefs and glide into a new way of being in your skin? As you rise like a Cobra out of the comfort and safety of your basket, let the music of life entice you into new adventures, new experiences, new opportunities for happiness!

 

After meeting all those new challenges in your life, here is Child Pose, ready to comfort and nurture you as you crawl back into the safety of your own loving self.

This posture counterposes the back-arching poses that put our heart out there, taking chances and exploring our strengths and weaknesses. It feels good to come home to Child Pose whenever you reach the point where a little self-nurturing is needed. Just curl up in your crib, close your eyes, and even suck your thumb if you want to! Child Pose honors all the emotional parts of us and tells us "Take it easy, you are fine, just as you are!"

 

And now, Corpse Pose.

Metaphorically, Corpse Pose is about opening up into a place of complete trust, with our soft underbelly exposed. Can we completely relax into the vulnerability of this pose? Do we truly trust that life is evolving for us just as it should, and that we can handle whatever life hands us? Do we really believe that God will never ask more of us than we can deliver, with His help?

 

I hope you enjoyed this session, as you learn about the inner work of yoga. Whatever postures you choose for your home yoga session, take the time to examine what comes up, as you hold and breathe fully. Don't be surprised if you experience tears and sadness at some times, joy and elation at other times. Those feelings and emotions are all there within you, and sometimes a yoga posture provides just the right opening to finally release them. Keep a box of tissues handy, and KEEP BREATHING!



Creating A Home Yoga Session

Choose a time when you will not be disturbed. Early morning is a good time for most people. If you have children, you will have to consider their schedule. Give yourself a minimum of 30 minutes; 45 minutes to an hour is really nice!

Find a space that is roomy enough for you to lay on your back and spread your arms and legs in both directions. Feel that you have enough room to extend as far as you can in all directions. Be sure the temperature in the room is comfortable, not too warm, not too hot.

Wear stretchy or baggy clothing that allows full movement, with no tightness in crotch or around the waist.

Assemble all your props.

Centering: Sit comfortably on your cushion(s); press tailbone downward, crown of head upward, roll shoulders back and down, feel heart center open. Take long, slow, deep breaths in and out through the nostrils. Bring your awareness into the body; notice any tightness, soreness, even emotional issues you are currently dealing with. Acknowledge whatever is going on with you, and see if you can set it aside to deal with later, with an intention to honor any physical limitations. You can inhale a full breath and exhale "OM" or "YUM" or "MOM" or any sound that grounds you in your body--or just sigh out the breath. The first Yoga Sutra of Patanjali is "And now, Yoga!" You are ready!

Warm-ups: Move slowly, remembering to breathe, to gently warm up the spine, the neck and shoulders, the torso, the hips, and the legs. Warm-ups can be done on the back, seated, or standing. Do as many as your body is asking for, or, if you are not yet in tune with your body, follow the warm-ups on this blog or in a book of gentle yoga. Be compassionate toward your body in regard to stiffness, soreness, or other issues.

Standing postures: Come to a standing position through Downward Dog, rolling slowly up. Choose 3 or 4 standing postures, holding each pose for 5 - 8 breaths, performing them slowly and meditatively: breathe, relax, feel, watch and allow. Consider the metaphorical or symbolic aspects of the poses. Relate them to yourself, as you are today.

Balancing postures:  Do one or two balancing postures, keeping the gaze on one point, the mind calm. Hold for the same number of breaths on each side. Notice how some days your balance is off, sometimes you are more steady. This is how our lives are! Accept where you are today. If you fall out of the pose, simply repeat it, even using the wall for support if you need to. Try not to ever leave a balance pose having fallen out of it. Find a way to transition gracefully out of the pose before you go on. This has an important effect on your mental attitude.

Rest: Come down onto your mat, on your back, keeping the eyes open, as you relax briefly and notice the effects you feel as a result of your standing practice. There are many internal sensations, full breathing, etc. happening. Be aware. Breathe, relax, feel, watch & allow. After about a minute, draw one knee up to the chest, and as you exhale, press the leg into the ribcage. Hold it there and breathe about 5 breaths. Then repeat on the other side. This releases tension in the lower back that may have come up during the standing postures. Add any other gentle movements, such as rocking from side to side. Then roll over onto your belly.

Belly-down postures: The combination of Cobra, Locust (modified as "Downward Facing Boat"), and Bow, with Child Pose in between, is a good practice for the spine and for building core strength. Hold each pose to your personal edge, then release gently into Child Pose. Take your time. From here, come into a seated position.

Seated postures:  The seated postures include forward bends, twists, arm balances such as Half Circle Pose, Side Lift, Plank, and Inclined Plane. Remember to use your cushion under your tailbone and your strap as necessary.

Inversions: You have probably already done Downward Dog Pose, which is an inversion, as is Dolphin Pose. Consider now a supported Half Shoulderstand: on your back, cushion(s) under the hips, legs extended vertically. Or, rest the legs on a couch or chair. Relax in this pose for several minutes if you have the time, but for at least 3 minutes. Then slowly release onto your back.

Deep Relaxation: Do not skip this! Up to now, you have been "mixing the cake" and now it is time to "put the cake in the oven"!  During Deep Relaxation, your body integrates the effects of the yoga practice, for the most benefit to body, mind and spirit. So come into Corpse Pose, using any props shown in an earlier post (if it is chilly, cover yourself with a light blanket), even play some meditative music (no tune or beat for the mind to get caught up in, please), and progressively relax each leg and foot, arm and hand, belly, spine, and so on, up through your body. Even imagine your brain softening! Take a minimum of 5 minutes, more if you have time.
Gently, roll to one side and return to a seated position.

Closing: Take a moment to notice how you feel. Maybe you'll decide to form an intention for your day, something that may have come up in your practice. You may want to just sit a few minutes and follow your breath in and out, enjoying the state of calm you are in a little longer. You might want to chant "OM" or simply take a deep breath in and sigh it out with a nice long "Ahhhhhhhhh!"
                                                      Have a great day!

What are the benefits of yoga, and can it help with weight loss?

Most people associate yoga with the postures, and many people think they can't do yoga, because they aren't flexible. Yoga is about becoming more flexible, just as practicing tennis helps you learn to eventually hit the ball.
We call it "yoga practice" because it is progressive; there is always more to learn, and the body continues to transform as the practice continues. A yoga practice doesn't become boring or tiresome, if we are practicing awareness along with alignment. In fact, it is this awareness that carries over into our life off the mat. Yogi Desai would say "The physical benefits of yoga are simply side effects of your yoga practice" because it is the inner work of yoga that brings unity to body, mind and spirit. But, because you are working in new ways with your body, I will begin with the physical benefits, which will encourage you to continue your practice on the mat!
While yoga is never considered a cure for ailments, many people have astounding results with regular practice. I believe it is safe to say that any gentle, regular yoga asana practice will improve your physical health to some degree.

The internal massage of all organs, glands, and systems of the body results in the following benefits:
Digestion and elimination improve; organs and glands do their work more efficiently, resulting in release of toxins and de-stressed muscles; increased blood circulation, and more oxygen in the blood increase energy.
Pressing into the floor stimulates bone growth and can decrease risk of osteoporosis.
Muscular strength and flexibility increase, helping prevent injuries.
Balance improves.
Deep breathing releases stress, increases lung capacity, and energizes the body while calming the mind. Breathing exercises can relieve asthma if done daily.
Yoga asana practice can relieve low back pain, sometimes immediately. Inverted postures such as Shoulder Stand, even the modified versions, can lower blood pressure. Gentle twists can realign the spine. Postures that squeeze the upper back and stretch the neck can relieve headaches.
Many people find that their sleep improves with yoga practice.

The inner benefits of a regular yoga practice usually appear first in regard to temperment. As the student learns to slow the breath down and to be more aware of feelings, it becomes more natural to breathe, relax, feel, watch and allow off the mat. So, instead of reacting habitually in certain situations, you begin to respond consciously because you are training yourself to control the mind rather than "flying off the handle" as you used to do. You may notice that as you are stopped by a red light you choose consciously to breathe slowly until the light changes, instead of choosing unconsciously to become anxious or angry. If someone pulls out in front of you, you switch from fear or anger almost immediately into calmly focusing on your driving, and realize we all make mistakes.
Moms become more patient with their children; spouses become more patient with each other; and we become more patient and forgiving with ourselves.

It is at this point that you can begin to realize how yoga practice can affect weight loss. As we become more conscious of what we are doing and how we are being off the mat, we become more conscious of how and what we are eating. (Sorry if you were expecting a magic posture or two to cause you to lose weight!)
Sitting down to a meal, we can gaze at a plate of food, smell the fragrances, and become conscious of what we are about to do: put life-sustaining food into our body! Then we proceed to eat consciously, chewing each mouthful thoroughly before swallowing. Chewing thoroughly has the added benefit of causing us to be satisfied with less food! Try chewing each mouthful 40 chews before swallowing, and see what happens!
A "yogic" diet consists of as many natural, unprocessed foods as possible; eating only until the stomach is 3/4 full and then stopping for at least 2 hours; eating only when hungry (not "craving"); and drinking water and/or taking long, deep breaths to ward off cravings.

As your asana practice improves your well-being and increases your flexibility, you will feel more like getting out for a daily walk or jog, taking part in a sport, or putting on some music and dancing. In other words, you'll feel more like moving. Acknowledging that the best method of losing weight is eating healthier and moving more, voila! yoga helps with weight loss!

HELP FOR WEAK WRISTS AND ROUND BODIES

Notice in the photo below that I am demonstrating Seated Forward Extension, or Posterior Stretch with the use of several props: cushions under the tailbone, and a rolled blanket under the knees. If you have "belly issues" or what we call a "round body" notice that you can use your hands to press the belly toward the spine as you come into the forward position. Once you are extended forward, the belly stays pressed toward the spine as you extend forward, giving you more range of motion, and allowing you to breathe more easily. Follow previous instructions for Seated Forward Extension.

 

 

When the wrists are weak, or the body is heavy, putting a strain on the wrists, use blocks, firm cushions, or even thick books under the hands. This sends more weight onto the legs and feet, relieving the wrists.

 

 

 

Traditional Child Pose which is often used as a counter-pose for back-arching postures, can be difficult for a round body. An effective alternative is to do Upward Facing Child Pose as demonstrated below. The rounding of the back in this posture provides a successful counterpose, and in addition, you can rock gently back and forth to massage tension out of the back!

 

 

 

Here are two more postures, Half-Circle Pose and Inclined Plane in which we can use a block to relieve stress on the wrists.

 

 

 



Whenever you feel strain or discomfort in a pose, experiment with props to help you come into

"a still easy place" which is what the word asana means. If the body is tense, the muscles can't stretch, and your breathing will be restricted. You want to be able to hold a posture for 5 - 8 breaths.

 

Remember the watch-words: BREATHE - RELAX - FEEL - WATCH & ALLOW in each posture. As my teacher, Yogi Amrit Desai would say, "We are not practicing conflict; we are practicing yoga!"