I have three vision boards on my wall, one of which focuses on lifestyle desires I have. There are images of aqua-blue lap pools, vineyards and women in varying degrees of joy. There are also a few pictures of women assuming yoga postures, like the one above.
Yoga has always been on my list of things I should do. I like the way yoginis carry themselves. They have beautiful posture and long, slim torsos. There’s an assuredness that seems to emanate from people who have formed the union of body and soul that I want to have. So I cut out this image that called to me and have been staring at it for a number of years now. I’ve dabbled in classes at Symmetry Yoga and The Edge, but didn’t really commit. More recently, I’ve been doing a 15-minute A.M. practice to a Rodney Yee DVD. I’m feeling the benefits and noticing that my body wants to do it, even though unrolling a cold yoga mat at 6A.M. isn’t always the most inviting activity on my list.
A funny thing happened, as it does with vision boards. I’ve been seeing a new shiatsu practitioner since my beloved Pauline Sasaki became ill and passed away. He has become my healer. He noticed a particular tightness in my back and suggested I do a specific yoga posture, the plow. “What’s that?” I asked.
“Here, I’ll show you.” See photo below. I’ve now added this posture to my morning practice. Have you noticed me standing any taller yet?*
*Per request, I have removed the image and name of this shiatsu practitioner.
Jane-
Love it! I am a huge yoga fan. It is such an amazing “practice” and improves physical and mental health. My favorite pose is The Warrior. It is so grounding and powerful, and makes me feel connected to the Earth. When I hiked the Grand Canyon in 2005 to raise money for the Leukemia Society, I did The Warrior pose on the top of a rock under the sun. It is my “happy place” that I go to now when I want to close my eyes and decompress. Ahhhh…
I am sure you are standing taller. Enjoy!!
@Lisa
I have fond memories of The Warrior–a pose used in a personal development program I took at Kripalu many years. What a great victory pose for your fund-raising drive. Congratulations!
Jane –
I have always wanted to go to Kripalu. I remember reading a post you wrote about it. I am going to make it a reality in 2011. Thanks for the reminder!
Happy New Year – Lisa
@Lisa
I hope you will go there. I find my experiences there keep getting better. Be sure to have some body treatment while you’re at Kripalu. Their services are fantastic. I like your New Year’s resolution.