12-12-10 Change the Channel.
In yogic philosophy, there is a term called Pratipaksha bhavana which is a useful tool for preventing or correcting negative thoughts. "When disturbed by negative thoughts, opposite (positive) ones should be thought of. This is pratipaksha bhavana." (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.33) An invaluable technique - a remedy to take when in the midst of the negative episode and a preventative that immuinzes the mind from their recurrence. Turn hate into love, anger into peace, greed into contentment, and fear into an open heart. When you are in the car listening to the radio and a song comes on that you don't like, what do you do? Change the channel. Think of the mind the same way, just change the channel and do something else.
Life As We Know It - The Status Quo
"Are you more attached to preserving the status quo than to honoring the universal givens of growth and change? When our lives are going well and sometimes even when they aren't, we may find ourselves feeling very attached to the status quo of our existence -- life as we know it. It is a very human tendency to resist change as though it were possible to simply decide not to do it, or have it in our lives. But change will come and the status quo will go, sooner or later, with our consent or without it. We may find at the end of the day that we feel considerably more empowered when we find the courage to ally ourselves with the universal force of change, rather than working against it." -DailyOm.com
Class began in Savasana (corpse pose) with breath awareness. Topic announced, change form and sit up in Sukhasana (easy seat), 3 Om's and Hari Om call and response for opening chant. Table, cat/cow, table balance - curl knee into nose on exhale 3x each side, Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog), Uttanasana (standing forward bend), Ardha Uttanasana at wall 2x adding a Vira III leg lift the second time - emphasis on keeping the hips level as you raise one leg, lift the leg from the inside thigh bone. Navel to spine for balance and flex the foot. Tadasana (mountain pose), Urdhva Hastasana (upward facing palms pose), harness with belt at throatic spine under armpit and over shoulder - teaches to have chest skin go up and shoulder skin to go down. Surya Namaskara (sun salutations) 3x flowing into Virabhadrasana (warrior) I and II. Vira I > II >I > III. Trikonasana (triangle pose), Vrksasana (tree pose). Lie down on the mat for twisted root curl up to work on the core. Inhale head and chest up, exhale pelvis and thighs up. Setubhandha Sarvangasana, Supta Eka Padangusthasana (reclined one leg stretch), Savasana (corpse pose). Played the root-red crystal chakra singing bowl coming out of Savasana, reading from sunshine inspirations in fetal pose.
Our bodies are constantly changing - rebuilding each cell all the time. Our hair and nails grow and our bodies change as we age. Look to nature for change also. The sun rises and sets. Leaves change color and fall of trees, to recycle themselves back into the earth completing the life cycle of nature. Everything happens for a reason. We are always learning, growing, transforming our life as well as touching the lives of others. Trust that you are in the right place at the right time, always. Open your eyes to your surroundings and rejoice in the wonder of nature. Accept what the universe brings your way and share a smile with a stranger today.
Ending peace chant: Lokaah Samataah Sukhino Bhavantu - May all beings everywhere be free and happy. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light.
Namaste.
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