How was the body scanning from the previous day? I have heard some interesting feedback-- most of you are having mixed experiences. Sometimes the heart feels open and alive while other times the chest is contracted or there is discomfort in your body. We are a pulsation of life and awakening to our hearts is a wild ride. That is why we have a Sangha of support here! Thank you to those who have taken the time to write on the Blog and to share with me about your experience. You inspire me!
We all know that when we feel hurt or pain that sometimes our hearts become closed, hardened, blocked and protected. Over time we may even create thick, stone-like walls around the heart and say “Ok, now I am safe-- my heart is protected!”. Yes that is true, but no one can get in-- not even you. We become locked out of our own hearts and cut off from the joy inside for decades or even an entire lifetime.
“The things that darken the heart” heads a chapter TKV Desikachar’s book called The Heart of Yoga. He is the son of Shri Krishnamacharya, the late modern day Yoga master, and a highly revered healer and scholar. Why does the heart dim? We cover our hearts when we feel hurt or wronged by someone else; and we defend or harden our hearts when we notice our actions or words may have hurt someone else. But, somewhere deep inside we know that life would be better and more fulfilling if we could release the clamps on our heart and express the Love that we know is inside.
The truth is, we do not always see a situation clearly and thus may act in ways that create pain. Imagine driving your car on a clear sunny day-- you stay in your lane easily because you can see clearly. Now imagine driving in a snow storm-- the lanes disappear and it is difficult to stay on track. Simplistically, that is what happens when we lack clarity-- we can no longer see where we are going and veer off our path.
The Yoga Surtras, an ancient Yogic text by Patanjali, states that this lack of clarity is due to avidya or incorrect knowledge. We think we are perceiving something correct in the moment only to realize later that we did not see the situation correctly. In the meantime, may have done something we regretted later. The Sutras say avidya leads to dukha or suffering and this is why we protect and close our hearts.
To decrease avidya (misapprehension) and therefore decrease dukha (suffering) we need to see clearly. To perceive correctly in the moment we need to be mindful, present and in touch with our hearts. We will use the practice today to bring more awareness to the present moment and notice what is happening in our body, hearts and minds. To do that we will use one of our most powerful tools in our Yoga toolbox-- the BREATH! Truly, it is the most potent tool to deliver us into the moment and connect us directly to the truth. Over time this practice helps develop sensitivity to witnessing the body, mind and heart without judging.
Day 8 & 9: Bhakti Challenge
* Lay on your back and hug your knees into your chest. Curl into a ball and breath here for 10 breaths.
* Lay on your back with knees bent and twist both knees to the Right. Stay here for 10 breaths. Watch the breath fan your ribcage in all directions. Soften your skin and become receptive. Repeat on the other side.
* Hug your knees into your chest again. If you have time feel free to do other Yoga postures that support opening the body.
* Clarity Meditation~
Lay on your back with your legs up the wall, palms face up. If this is not comfortable you can lay on your back with your legs resting on the seat of the chair. You want your legs above your heart.
Feel the wonderful waterfall of energy from your legs moving down to nourish your heart. Stay focused on the rise and fall of your chest, and feel your heart soften with each exhale. Mindfully watch thoughts arise and simply name them as they arise. Thinking, thinking... and come back to the breath. Bathe in the healing waters of the breath. I suggest taking about 6-8 minutes total for this meditation- that includes both Parts 1 and 2.
Part 1: Now, recall a time when you felt hurt or when you may have said something that hurt someone else. Notice the energy arising. Move the energy into your heart and keep breathing-- long slow exhale. Notice the energy (even emotions) rise and fall just like your breath does. Energy comes and goes,, and so does your breath. Cultivate the witness-- a powerful inner seer that has no judgment, to watch with support and Love. Surround this memory with the warmth from your own heart and see if it changes. Take time and be gentle with yourself.
Part 2. Now spend some time reflecting on a time when you supported someone with your thoughts, words and actions. Remember the smile or soft look they gave you when they could feel feeling your sincere caring and Love. Bathe in the beauty of that moment and appreciate how your generosity allowed for a deeper connection to their heart and to your own. Resting in the Loving energy that you created. You are a powerful, healing force in the world.
After your complete this meditation bend your knees, roll to your Right side and rest a few breaths. Sit up slowly. Well done! Write in your journal and Blog.
Namaste,
Sienna
First off, I just want to acknowledge what a challenge it’s been to “find” 15 minutes each day to do this practice. It seems part of the practice is simply doing the practice. As Rumi said, “Submit to a daily practice. Your loyalty to that is a ring on the door. Keep knocking, and the joy inside will eventually open a window and look out to see who's there.” I am knocking, and peaking in the windows.
ReplyDeleteI have kept the heart meditation as part of my daily routine . . . like a friend who is always there when needed. The body scans were revealing to me, and I am working on opening some of the stuck places.
These clarity meditations were extremely relaxing for me. I like having my legs up on the wall – I have tried it before, but it seemed to click this time. My feet throb a bit, as the blood needs to be pumped in a direction it’s not used to, but that settles, and I also enjoy sitting cross-legged with my legs up the wall. I figure the more I do it, the less throbbing there will be. During the meditation, it was beautiful to feel the same compassion for myself as I have shown to others. Feeling lighter for it.
Blessings, sweet Sangha.