There's always a danger in asking, "Do ya miss me?" You might be met with a bit of a blank stare, a slight head tilt, a furrowed brow and the unspoken question: "Um, have you been gone?" So, I won't ask…But I am missing you, dear Yoga Circle Studio! I had that darned car accident on September 2nd that put me out of commission physically, then I was away for a week of "working" vacation, then home again this week, but with no vehicle to get to the studio until my new car arrives (hopefully next week!) I think I've only been in the studio a couple of times this whole month. Sadness!
I just want to report in that I've been doing some stretches and simple, restorative yoga at home, but it's not the same. It's not the same as driving the 20 minute route I love so much along the river to get there; not the same as seeing familiar cars in the lot, familiar faces in the studio; not the same as soaking in the beauty of the studio's lovingly created decor; not the same as rolling out my mat in one of my usual spots, gathering my props, and sitting for a few moments of silence before class starts; not the same as hearing the soft, soothing music over the speakers and being led through asana practice by any of the wise, funny, encouraging Yoga Circle teachers; not the same as the getting a gentle massaging touch during shavasana that feels so healing; not the same as gathering up my gear, rewarding myself with a handful of the fruit and nut mix on the countertop and heading back out on the road, for the drive home and back into the rest of my day. I miss you so!
At home there are distractions and interruptions. It's hard to find that "sacred space" feeling, both internally and externally, that seems so much a part of Yoga Circle. I find myself feeling impatient and frustrated and isolated. I want to get back to my go and do life!
Today as I sat in modified Hero's Pose, I wondered again why my knees hurt so in this pose. I felt mad at my body! Others seem to be able to sit back on their legs with no effort at all and find rest in this pose. For me it is one pose I simply cannot do. My body won't let me. Then I started to ponder the ways in which bodies move, or don't; how to train for certain poses and how the benefits of making slow progress can eventually allow us to live better, more flexible and balanced lives -- not just in body, but in spirit.
My rumminations brought to mind that during the Denali National Park portion of our recent Alaska trip, we went on a nature hike with two young women who talked about the geology of the area as well as the cultural heritage of the Native peoples of Alaska. The young Athabaskan woman spoke of something I'd never heard of: Arctic Winter Games. This is a specialized "Olympic"-style competition where athletes compete in traditional culture games which mimic or enhance the real-world skills needed to survive in harsh Northern climates. She showed us photos of some of the competitors and also demonstrated one skill at which she excelled and had won medals - the "One-Handed Reach".
Right on the gravel path she dropped to her knees, tucked one arm snugly at the base of her ribcage, and lifted her entire body off the ground, balancing on one hand as she reached with the other as far in the air as she could - which in competition would be to reach a ball suspended on a string and her reach would be measured length. She was amazingly strong (look at her!) and proud of her accomplishments. She demonstrated a couple of other "games" as well and I was so intrigued that I came home and Googled to learn more. Here is a video demonstration of several more games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT8kY_YsOCA
Now, what does any of this have to do with yoga? I believe that our asana practice has much in common with the games of a people far from India, but who have developed within their own culture a way to hone their physical skills in service to spirit and survival. Both borrow from the natural world, imitating the postures of animals. Both ask us to move in ways not immediately natural to our own way of life, but with applications to any way of life, and certainly to strength and vitality.
In this time of quiet for me, this time of staying home and staying in a calmer state of mind, I find I am learning that restorative yoga is just what I need right now to pause, reflect, and feel a connection to lands and customs on opposite sides of our globe, but with much to teach if only we slow down and listen. ©
Namaste...donnajurene
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