:: March/April 2005 Volume 4/Number 2

SPECIAL SECTION:
Stay Connected

By Christine Burke

When the earth erupts, contorts, splits, burns, folds, shakes, spits and devours itself and anyone in its path it is as disturbing as a mother turning on her young. The obvious damage lies in the lives taken, and in the destruction of the lives of those left directly behind in the landscape that remains like a twisted battlefield of epic proportions. The less obvious trauma though, pervasive and poignant, reaches to all corners of the earth and touches all of humanity: the struggle for balance in the midst of chaos.
There are many subconscious techniques that the computer of the brain applies to cope with stress and chief among them is to shut off the pain receptors, to desensitize. On the other side of this the volume is turned too high and we are unable to stop visualizing or reliving the experience vicariously while feeding on the media for images to sustain the experience.

To inch our way back to a sattvic state of being in a time of disaster is to find the simple connection again. To connect with the physical body and from there, step within to find loving appropriate action rather than the rajasic imbalance of reaction.

The following practice is especially suited for the morning though may be practiced at any time.

Opening Meditation: Sit comfortably upright, eyes closed, palms up and focus on the breath. On the inhale, slowly curl the hands into fists and pause at the end of inhalation. Hold in your hands any pain, conflict or anxiety that you feel. Draw it in and acknowledge it for a few seconds and then spreading the palms wide exhale through the mouth with the intention of resolution and surrender. 8 Rounds.

Each pose should be held for 5 breaths

Come to all fours, on an inhale push up to Adho Mukha Savasana (Downward Dog), exhale as you straighten arms, legs and spine. Inhale to all fours, exhale to Child's pose. 8 rounds.

From Down Dog step into Virabhadrasana I (Warrior One) with the right leg. Step back to Down Dog. Step the left leg forward to Warrior One. Step back to Downward Dog.

Repeat this sequence for Warrior Two pose, each side.

Vrksasana (Tree) each leg.

Virasana or Supta Virasana (Hero).

Baddha Konasana (Cobbler)

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge)

An easy supine twist, your choice.

Closing pranayama: come to a comfortable seat for Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing). 8 rounds

Closing Meditation: lying in Savasana (corpse pose) visualize yourself surrounded by streams of light connecting like rays of the sun to the entire perimeter of your body. This is the energy that you share with the universe and all forms of life. As you inhale feel your connection to the world and as you exhale send your healing energies streaming into the atmosphere. Let this vision soothe, nourish and inspire you.

 

All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2002-2005 LA Yoga Magazine