DAILY Simply crossing out ‘winter’ to write SPRING YOGA SCHEDULE is joyous. I will spill less blood on this page knowing we are at the crossroads. I can feel spring asking that we open to a more Zen state, the ‘Big Mind’ instead of the personal, small mind. The Zen of spring displays a more capacious heart, funding hope, giving courage to make needed change.
How do I work my way into Universal, or ‘Big Mind’ so that I can be that exquisite Zen Master/Mistress, alive to spring requirements? We would all prefer to be connected to Universal mind; big hearted, generously open, fully present, without judgment or guilt, but the question is….how do we get there? As usual, I have no idea. The only thing I have is the willingness to sit here, waiting until I walk into answers. I am counting on that willingness for it is the only thing I own, all else is borrowed, appearing and disappearing as it wishes, not necessarily when I want it.
When connected to Universal mind we are in a somewhat euphoric state of profound power, peace, and balance. When we make decisions from that place, inevitably they are the right ones. I’m grateful I am able to visit, ie become Zen, in the odd moment, but as usual I want more. Why can’t I remain within the Big Mind? Why is that connection so fragile? Would it be this difficult if I were a monk, or a nun? After learning that Mother Teresa fought with God most of her adult life, I don’t have a lot of expectation that any particular state of nun-hood, or monk-dom is going to serve better than what I gots.
What I gots is what you gots–our Practice; a mat asking we stand on it; Asanas insisting we open to the joy of being flexible; breathe connecting us to spirit; Sangha, which says I do not have to do this alone; and now, spring-green hope growing out of the earth, asking the heart to bloom with the Crocus. Once again we are more soul-filled…If that ain’t Zen….
Asana: Salamba Sarvangasana: Shoulder stand, with the extension of one leg up while the other extends toward the floor in Halasana. Feel like the spring plant reaching for light with that extended leg. Keep torso strong and lifted while the other leg reaches down toward your head. The abdominal strength grows as you extend up. You can support the back with your hands placed on the back of the ribs, or you can extend the arms down on the floor, forcing the abdominals to hold you lifted. Keep your weight off the neck. Remain for 5 minutes if possible.
If this is difficult, prop your torso against a couch, and keeping the knees bent stay for a minute if you can.
If your neck is bothered or in pain, place a thick blanket or towel under the shoulders and upper back, then go into the pose, allowing the neck to ‘fall’ free.
Health Notes: This important Asana brings harmony, even happiness into our system. It has a beneficial effect on the endocrine system, hormones, and glands, especially thyroid and parathyroid. It helps those suffering from asthma and bronchial disorders, nervousness, low vitality, urinary or menstrual issues. It is a wonderful sleep aid for those suffering from insomnia. Indeed a ‘Queen of Asanas,’perfect for the arrival of spring.
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