Water element: Kidneys and Bladder

Winter is all about stilling the mind, nourishing our cooling bodies and maintaining inner warmth, allowing time for deep reflection. It’s now appropriate to journey inwards, pool your resources and allow the natural process of contemplation, release and restoration, to unravel.

This is the season for turning our attention inward – nature herself begins to cool down, quieten and prepare for the hibernating months ahead. Ki FUSION Yoga sequences are designed to help soothe the nervous system and draw warmth into the core/hara/belly, to sustain and ground you. When the Water meridians of Bladder and Kidney are unsettled, any aspect of fluidity within our body, mind, emotions and spirit begins to stagnate. Our ‘flow’ becomes blocked. Headaches, swelling, constipation, loss of libido and memory to name a few, can all manifest. By focusing on postures that govern the movement of fluids around our bodies, primarily the urinary, lymphatic and reproductive systems, we can create healthy elimination through our skin and lungs as well as support production of hormones, tears, saliva and sexual secretions. Literally get your juices flowing again.

Foods that maintain the fluids in our body also help to strengthen nervous system function and nourish mineral balances for lasting hydration and energy.

All types of kelps (seaweeds), sustaining soups made with beans, legumes and lentils, porridges of brown rice, oats, barley and millet are suggested.

Avoiding dairy, breads, sweet fruits and excess sugar and salt will serve to nurture your kidney and bladder energies and help clear your digestive system and build immunity. This is why it is so important to target, cleanse and strengthen the mucosal linings of the lungs and large intestine during Autumn to create clear channels, otherwise attachments and germs can coagulate and lead to weakness, creating the perfect environment for recurring habits
and infections.

As well as the usual colds and flus, fear, anxiety and depression are also common imbalances that tend to rise during winter. Fear stems from the kidneys, anxiety from the bladder, depression from the central nervous system. By clearing and aligning our Kidney and Bladder meridians and making the organs themselves strong and functional, we can quickly and safely restore balance, warmth and a sense of emotional courage. You can feel strong and brave and buoyant. You can have a clear head, be receptive, energized and motivated to clear your inner stories, express your sexuality and follow your creative drive. Winter Ki FUSION Yoga will nourish and free your spine; release the juices that loosen cold, achey joints and muscles; hydrate your skin from the inside out; strengthen bones; banish fatigue and invoke calm, positive thoughts. All good reasons to climb out of bed or get off the couch (even
when it’s raining!) and go to yoga!!

You can even increase your sense of personal strength and integrity by working with the energies that govern how adaptable you are, how supported you feel and how you deal with life’s challenges. Find your FLOW and connect with the deepest sense of WHO YOU ARE. These are Winter’s gifts to you! You will find that working in cohesion with Nature rather than against Her, surrendering into the current of life instead of resisting it, will not only keep your body resilient, your mind sharp and ignite your spirit, but it will inspire your whole being out of illusion and into truth – the truth that we are all a reflection of the earth around us and vice versa.

Practicing yoga with this awareness will make your soul sing in every season…

Namaste

Written by Denby Sheather – May 2010
Yoga therapist, Reiki Master, Writer and Mum

We have a conversation that speaks to our intellect, our heart or even more exceptionally our soul… we connect with someone in a way that seems profound, sacred and even life-changing. Amidst the myriad of feelings that surface as a result of this encounter, we experience relief, inspiration, joy, humility, excitement, reconnection (with our Self and Another), gratitude, and sometimes even awe. We feel someone is on the same wavelength or, even more inspiringly, we realise that we have much to learn from their deeper understanding and knowledge. We feel that someone understands our search for those bigger questions, those questions that formed us even before we became consciously aware of them and now that we are conscious of them, those questions that guide our life’s searching and our soul’s longing. If we then find ourselves in the privileged position of being in the presence of a true Teacher, of one who has dedicated his/ her life to their own quest for this understanding and henceforth, to answering the seeking of others and to sharing their knowledge of Life’s great mysteries, we realise that we are in the totally fortunate position of being in the presence of someone whose life’s work is that we may live more mindfully and more joyously. That is where I found myself this afternoon as I sat in Breathing Space in front of Swami Govindananda as he introduced himself and his ‘yoga philosophy beyond the mat.’

Swami Govindananda is the creator of Ji Living and as such is also known as Swami Ji. His philosophy picks up where the practice of physical yoga naturally leads us to: self inquiry; the desire to meditate; the gateway of yoga’s spiritual origins and the immeasurable benefits that we all seek… increased self awareness, positivity, happiness and health.

Swami Ji’s introduction was as understated in tone as it was reverent to his own teacher, one of only 5 of India’s great Spiritual masters, Jagadguru (literally, Spiritual Master for the Whole world in Sanskrit) Shri Kripaluji Maharaj. His style was relaxed, authentic and articulate, doted with modern paradigms and Sanskrit  ’sutras’ (verses), as he quoted from the ancient texts in fluid Sanskrit and translated for all of us, their significance to our spiritual quest and development.

He addressed key questions, such as:

- Who are all things done for?  For our self.

- What does the self want?  Love, happiness, bliss.

- Who am I?  Not the body, but the Soul.

- What are the three illusions that ‘mess us up’?  Taking that to be permanent which is impermanent; thinking ourselves to be the body instead of the soul and looking for love, happiness and bliss, where they are not!

- What should the power of the mind be used for?  To be happy and to seek that happiness within, based on the understanding that we are the soul.

- Why do we have a soul? Because it is a part of the Supersoul (Paratman) – God and as such, it must serve its life force, God. This being the union – the ‘yug’, the root of yoga.

- Where does our happiness lie? Within.

- What happens after Death comes? The mind, the intellect, the sense organs and the soul all leave the body.

- What makes us different to the 8.4 million other bodies that have a soul in this cosmos? That the human being, because it has the mind, is the only life form that can do fruit-yielding actions that determine where we will go after this lifetime.

Swami Ji flowed in and out of the ancient texts, the teachings of his teacher and his own understanding and life journey with charisma, humour, insight and honesty. Modern parables and simple explanations showed each one of us there the importance of honouring our spiritual path as well as looking after our physical body. He spoke of the impact that our mind and our thoughts have on our life, of our mind being the driver of our life’s car and ultimately of how, when we wake up and give equal importance to nurturing our spiritual nature as well as our physical body, our attitude and lives will transform.

And so we sat there, being reminded once more, as all good teachers remind us, to nurture ourselves, to watch our reactions and to live mindfully. To study, and reflect on these questions, to meditate and to consciously manage the process of the fertilizing of our life. That there is no room for complacency; that self study, reflection and conscious action are fundamental to our happiness; that we need to know what we are doing with our mind and that we need to do the Work. That this is the essence of spirituality – a conscious life in thought, deed and action that leads us to self discovery.

And the ultimate reason and impetus for all that we do and we all that we strive for? Ananda = love, happiness, bliss.

“The wise man knows that love is inside. We own nothing but the right to love.”

These were his teachings and I felt blessed to receive them, and once more, be reminded of why we are on the yoga mat… when we are on it AND when we are not.

Hopefully we will be able to have him come back. Then everyone can meet and listen to a wise man, a generous soul and a gifted Teacher.

Written by Christina Pateras: Edited by Denby Sheather.

Workshop held on Saturday May 8th, 2010.

(*Editor’s note: Swami Govindananda’s visit was truly a blessing and I encourage anyone and everyone even remotely interested in yoga, to come along to his next teaching at the Space in the near future.  He is not to be missed twice! Heartfelt thanks again to Swami Ji, and also to his luminous assistant Carmen for lending her energy and leading us in Kirtan… such a wonderful tonic for the soul…)

Traditional Chinese Medicine associates this time of year with the lungs, sinuses, skin and large intestine. The corresponding colour is white, the flavour is pungent (piquant, hot or spicy). This does not mean that everything we eat should be white and spicy!!

In every season we should aim for balance – a balance of flavours, textures, colours and cooking styles. In Autumn we season food a little more, cook food gently but for longer and eat more cooked food than raw. Eating seasonal ground and root vegetables and ‘good’ fats will help thicken our blood. When we do this it helps support our nervous system and supplies us with the extra energy needed for the cooler months ahead. Autumn encourages us to bake and sauté more dishes and these methods fill our homes with appetising fragrances that will no doubt stimulate our senses and digestion!

Ferments are a passion of mine and in Autumn these are most appropriate. Bake delicious sourdough breads, leavened pastries and cakes – make and eat small amounts of naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut, olives, and pickles – but don’t confuse vinegar pickles with live probiotic cultured vegetables. Check what’s really in season and eat a wide variety of foods including: sustainable-farmed fish; biodynamic and organic pasture-raised poultry, meats and eggs; root vegetables; onions, leeks, celeriac, pumpkins, sweet potato, adzuki beans and lentils plus umeboshi plums and vinegar.  Naturally fermented vinegars such as Brown rice and apple cider are preferable. This is also a good season to eat good quality whole milk, cheeses, kefir, yoghurt and lemons, limes, grapefruit, green apples, plums, rhubarb and grapes will also support the lungs and intestines.

Cook with less water, at lower temperatures, for longer. This helps to internalise our focus, which is what Autumn is all about. Gradually as it gets colder, add small amounts of more bitter and salty flavours as these help to move energy even more strongly inward and downward. As we begin to spend a little more time at the stove, there are several things we can make for ourselves that will help the budget and ensure we are eating the best quality food.

Making our own Ghee is one of these. Ghee is clarified butter it is mostly recognized as a fat for cooking curry but its uses are many and varied. You can sauté vegetables, grains, fish and meat in it, fry in it or use it to seal a pâté you have made. Ghee is also delicious on toast. A little animal fat adds warmth to the body as it prepares for winter. Carefully made ghee will have little to no lactose and casein. These are the sugars and proteins found in butter that many people have trouble digesting. It is easy to make but don’t walk away from it as it can burn and then your work will be wasted!

For lunch boxes and snacks try making a few Amaranth and Beluga Lentil Musubi Japanese sandwiches… and for dinner and tomorrows lunches I have added a recipe for a soothing red lentil curry. This little tart is delicious and the hot water pastry is incredibly easy to make.

Enjoy!
Holly

Recipes

• Ghee – clarified butter
• Amaranth, red quinoa and black lentil for musubi
• Red vegetable and red lentil curry
• Natto miso and ginger pumpkin tarts

Coming soon to Breathing Space… unique “one night stand” classes… random Friday night yoga sessions designed to open up your heart, body and natural sensuality so you can release your inner god or goddess without fear… sequences will help you shed tension, inhibitions and blockages to self confidence, as well as stimulate the glands and energies that govern hormonal, sexual and emotional health.

Some added benefits of this practice are:

* increased hormone function and circulation means an open heart, so you’ll feel more emotionally balanced and connected to yourself, your needs and desires.

* regulation of blood pressure and increased lung capacity which will deepen your breath and balance body temperature.

* strength in your legs, belly and pelvis and pelvic floor means you’ll feel more physically stable, supported and grounded.

* greater blood flow and energetic nourishment of the reproductive and digestive organs which will help your cycles (eating, menstruating and sleeping) plus balance out moods and any tendencies towards self destructive or inappropriate sexual energy and attachments.

* development of mental and emotional stamina that will give you a sense of inner power, trust and belief in yourself and your attributes.

* increased levels of energy that will enhance libido, sexual performance, emotional sensitivity and satisfaction.

Scented candles, incense and groovy backing yogic beats will set the mood for this hatha vinyasa-style class… so be brave and come along!  Suitable for all ages and stages of practice experience.
Time:  6:30pm – 8pm

Teacher:  Denby Sheather

Cost:  casual with booking – $20

* Please call 0413 747 644 to reserve your mat!

* Dates will align with the Lunar calendar so we can access, absorb and maximise the tantric energies around us each time!

Next dates:   Friday June 11th (NEW MOON)

Not only do their garments wear well and feel great, but they look good too, and that is why I wear them in all my promotional shoots and advertising.  It’s also rewarding to unite with and promote, a company that shares similar eco-friendly values, yoga-inspired philosophy and supports community like we do at Breathing Space.

Many of us know and love the lululemon athletica brand… so now as a special treat, they are holding a ONE-OFF TRUNK SHOW for us!

Dates:  Friday May 14th & Sunday May 16th

Times:  Friday 10:30am – 4pm;  Sunday 11:30am – 3:30pm

Any questions please call Denby on 0413 747 644.

This mysterious gland is small, doughnut shaped and situated at the base of the bladder.  It causes more grief for men than just about any other part of their bodies.  Although approximately 50% of Australian men may experience some type of prostate problem at some stage of their lives, until it plays up, men rarely give their prostate a second thought. It’s main function is during the sexual act – when ejaculation occurs, it secrets an alkaline fluid that forms part of the semen. This fluid nourishes the semen and provides volume to the semen, along with other seminal fluids.

Walnut sized in young men, enlargement of the prostate is common 50 years and over – approximately four in ten men over the age of 60 have it. Enlargement occurs when the glands and connective tissues surrounding the urethra thicken and block urine flow.

CAUSES

1. Aging.  As the body ages, harmless nodules develop in the tissues of the prostate, which accumulate and gradually enlarge the gland. Eventually the gland becomes large enough to “press” or “strangle” the urethra and obstruct urination.

2. Low levels of zinc. The tissues of prostate gland normally have high levels of zinc. Zinc levels gradually decrease as you grow older.

3. Over 50 testosterone levels start decreasing. This causes an increase in the quantity of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which over produces prostate cells.

4. Postural faults and obesity could also affect prostate health. A heavy body and prolonged periods of sitting put more pressure on the pelvic region and perineum, resulting in congestion in and around the prostate.

5. Constipation could also be a cause. Hardened faeces and an overloaded rectum cause excessive pressure on the prostate gland.

SYMPTOMS

1. The first obvious one is difficulty in passing urine. This is due to compression of the urethra by the prostate blocking the flow.  You may strain or have to wait a while before being able to go.

2. A weak flow of urine starts, then stops. The stream is narrower and less powerful.

3.  Involuntary leakage – there may be a tendency to dribble urine, much like incontinence.

4.  One may find it difficult to stop urination once it is started.

5.  You visit the bathroom more often.  There may be a frequent need or urge to urinate nightly two or three times as well as during the day.

6. Even after passing urine, you are still left with the feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.

7. Due to prolonged obstruction, the small veins in the bladder and urethra stretch. When you strain to urinate, the veins may burst, causing blood to enter the urine.  Painful urination, called Dysuria, may occur.

8. There could be a mild pain in the lower back, hips and legs and occasional impotency.

Basically, symptoms are very similar to those experienced by women who have weak pelvic floor muscles.  Both reflect a weakness in the muscles around the genitals, bladder and reproductive organs as well as a weakness around the perineum or Root Chakra/Mulabhanda.

DIET & VITAMIN SUPPORT

The importance of the trace mineral zinc in maintaining prostate health is paramount.  Zinc is essential for prostate gland and male hormone function.  It is known as the  “Male mineral” and is required to produce sperm and seminal fluid.  A deficiency may cause impotency and infertility. It has now been well established that there is a link between prostate health and the zinc content in the prostate tissues.

DIET GUIDE

•    Maintain a low-fat diet and watch your cholesterol levels.

•    Include Omega-6 and Omega-3’s that help regulate nervous system function.

•    Bake, steam, stir-fry or make salads instead of deep-frying.

•    Choose low fat over full cream milk and make it organic.

•    Avoid fat-filled salad dressings and rich sauces that agitate the liver and heart.

•    Drink eight glasses of water daily – Green Tea is also beneficial for the prostate.

•    Increase your daily intake of fibrous foods, fresh vegetables and fruits, particularly red and red-orange ones, and increase your Vitamin C, A, B6, E, cod liver oil and flaxseed oils.

•    Check whether your intake of Vitamin D is adequate – this includes down-time to rest in the sun and allow your mind to unravel with meditation, music or power naps to help reduce your stress levels.  Stress is a major contributor to imbalances on all levels of  being (body, mind, emotional and spiritual).

•    Avoid spicy (in Yogic Ayurvedic terms, “rajasic”) foods that can increase body heat, digestive fire and agitate the emotions.

•    Watermelon seeds have natural diuretic properties which help prevent excess build-up of urine;

•    Avoid or minimize alcohol intake. Try not drinking for a few days and then re-introduce it  – after just a day you should notice whether it makes the urine symptoms better or worse. This is because alcohol constricts the bladder neck, causes dehydration and hampers the flow of urination that can lead to a restless mind and body.

•    Avoid decongestants and antihistamines that alter the body’s natural elimination processes.

•    Avoid smoking and smoky environments: there is some evidence that (as well as everything else we know it causes!), cigarette smoking indirectly affects the size of the enlarging prostate.  This could be because constricted blood vessels throughout the body affect how much oxygen and nutrient rich blood flows to the organs and extremities.

•    Avoid coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks and chocolate.  Some men find that their prostate problems are made worse with caffeine because the neck of the bladder is constricted by increased caffeine levels.  Again, try the elimination approach.

* Consume more soy-based foods: soy products are recommended for preventing prostate enlargement.

• Include zinc in your diet: zinc has been shown to improve urinary symptoms and reduce the size of the prostate, and can therefore be effective in preventing and reversing prostate enlargement. Vegetables high in zinc include dried beans, garbanzos, black-eyed peas, lentils, peas, beets, cabbage and whole grains. Additionally, pumpkin seeds, oats, whole wheat and rye.

* Add Selenium, Evening Primrose Oil and the amino acids daily – glutamine, alanine and lysine in particular – to maintain healthy cardiovascular and nervous system function.

HOW CAN YOGA HELP??

Yoga connects all systems and energies throughout the body and enhances blood quality, respiratory function, regulates hormone production and flow, digestion and elimination as well as helping to balance and calm the mind and emotions.  Yoga can strengthen, release and balance simultaneously and can give men the mental challenges they need depending on the sequences and stamina, agility and focus needed.   Poor circulation can exacerbate prostate problems.  Regular yoga practice can increase blood flow, deepen the breath and release neuro-muscular knots to tone and nourish all cells, organs, joints and tissues.  Any congestion or blocked prana/chi/energy will then disperse to restore harmony and well being so we feel more aligned, more as nature intended.

Yoga also helps give men a sense of exertion with calmness rather than firing up and agitating their systems.  This is particularly good because it allows them to connect with their softer side and explore aspects of their emotional selves that they may not necessarily do in a power aerobic or boxing class!, without having to sacrifice or subdue their masculinity.  They learn to listen, acknowledge and appreciate their inner voice by being on the mat and after time, may even begin to explore and express what is inside more often and with more confidence.

Yoga is all about creating unity between your mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual selves; the physical benefits are just a bonus.   Asana (postures) is what we do in order to sit and meditate comfortably with a still, undistracted mind.   It’s not about being a flexible pretzel or about proving how much longer you can hold a pose than the person beside you… something (men especially) tend to forget when the voices of competition and ego bark loudly in their ears!

By bringing particular awareness to the perineum or Root Lock/Base Chakra that governs instincts, behavior, confidence and blood quality, prostate symptoms, and the sense of feeling unsupported, may be relieved.  Once awareness is established, you then work into strengthening and governing energy through the Base Chakra which will restore foundational power in the spine and help men assert their masculinity in a confident yet calm way. The flow of Testosterone balances which helps to regulate sexual urges, desires and cravings; a person may become more kinesthetic ie more receptive and intuitive.  And when the  physical body rebalances, thoughts, responses and intentions transform into more appropriate, responsible behavior tendencies.

6 great yoga postures (that are safe and accessible for beginners) include:

(The best time to meditate is after yoga asanas, always on an empty stomach, and preferably at sunrise or sunset.)

1. Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose) – increases blood supply to pelvis, kidneys, prostate and bladder and brings awareness and energy into Mulabhanda/Root Lock.

2.  Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) – strengthens the arms & legs, lengthens the spine, opens the chest and lungs and strengthens the heart.  An excellent all-rounder pose!

3.  Bhujangasana (cobra pose variation) – knees bent with feet pointing up to ceiling – this variation contacts the kidneys more deeply and helps with hormonal flow.  Also helps to stimulate production of all male hormonal fluids by directly stimulating the bladder, kidneys and sex glands.

4.  Supta Padangusthasana – (reclining big toe pose) – relieves backache, stretches hips and hamstrings and opens the lower back so energy can flow along the kidneys and bladder meridians.

5.  Paripurna Navasana (boat pose) – tones the kidneys, abdominals and strengthens the lower back.  Keep feet on floor or hug knees to chest as you balance to switch belly on.

6.  Virasana (seated hero pose) – Meditate in this position to finish your practice.  Excellent for calming and centering the mind and digestive fire.  Focus on drawing up Mulabhanda.  Alternative is Savasana (corpse pose) for mediation.

It is no surprise that in Western society we experience some of the highest statistics for prostate (and breast) cancers.  Why?  Perhaps we place too much emphasis on the body and associated material paraphernalia, when instead we could be focusing on connecting with and honoring, not only our own spirit and potential, but each others’ as well.  Diseases that reflect ‘lack’ such as low self-esteem, depression, fatigue, sexual dysfunction and psychological imbalance are rife because we mostly operate from fear and loss rather than abundance and trust.  Maybe if we reversed our thoughts and began thinking from a positive space more often, stopped to feel and appreciate the earth beneath our feet that gives us what we need, we could reduce those statistics and replace them with high self-esteem, vitality and chronic happiness!  Are we brave enough to imagine, let alone create, such a world?

It all starts with us as individuals and that is why yoga is such an effective therapy.  On our mats we are all equal, we all have the same bodies, we feel the same sensations and we recognize our failings and triumphs in the person practicing beside us.  Yoga makes us feel and breathe and embrace.  It makes us laugh at ourselves (something I think we don’t do enough of) and ignites our compassionate, human, nature.  And with that kind of power burning inside of you, dis-ease will have a hard time staying alight.

TREATMENT

If you think you have prostate problems, don’t assume you do, have it checked out by your GP. A digital rectal exam (DRE) and, or urine and blood tests, will confirm whether or not you have Benigh Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) or other prostate problems, and an ultra-sound test can be done to check for prostate cancer.

And of course, the best treatment is PREVENTION.

Practice daily, 20 minutes should suffice, gradually build up to longer by holding poses for more breaths, and pay attention to your breathing, how you feed yourself and what you choose to hold onto in life.

For more health and well being articles and information visit www. fitforlifeonline.com.au

Be well!

Outside through the world and it’s whispers,

But how do I go and for what do I search,

Is there peace with my brothers and sisters?

What do I do when stress raps on my skull,

Or memory squeezes my heart?

Will I be calm or spit dragon-red froth,

Allowing all faith to depart?

When I step off my mat, how will I feel?

Okay, should I keep my perspective,

But what if old habits wedge deep under skin,

And fear makes my soul less reflective?

What do I do when the emptiness aches,

And all knowledge of Self disappears?

How will I wake up, move and converse,

When all that is present are tears?

When I step off my mat, what do I take,

What light do I feel in my spirit?

What happens when ripe becomes festering black,

Will my belly be strong and digest it?

Who will be walking beside me each day,

Will companionship slip through my fingers?

And as the day darkens and night filters in,

Will love snuggle in as breath lingers?

So.. in trust, I step off, and I know where I am,

I am present and safe and connected,

Each breath is aligning me skyward to earth,

All my questions and doubts have surrendered.

Namaste…

Denby 2009

Having come from an aerobic mindset and used to pumping my body into shape regardless of how it was feeling at the time, I  was both excited and mildly amused to find myself laying of the floor of a tranquil yoga studio, covered with an old grey blanket that only my dog would appreciate, and listening to the relaxing sighs and occasional snores of the surrounding senior citizens.  Not a hip-hop thud or doof-doof basenote to be heard…

Once we were up and cross legged and had chanted the obligatory three om shanti’s, I watched with wide eyes, several students (despite their seniority), easily managing to pretzel and contort themselves into the postures demonstrated by the equally greying and elastic teacher at the front of the room… WITH fluidity, steady breathing and even a few smiles! Not even a quarter century myself yet, I was struggling to connect with my toes let alone interlace my fingers around them, instead landing palms down on my thighs as my hunched back pleaded loudly and insistently, “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?!”  It was quite confronting. I was strong wasn’t I? I had good reflexes. I could lift weights, pump iron and match it with the punching bag four days a week.  Why on earth couldn’t I manage a simple forward bend?! Did everybody start out like this, feeling this sense of complete disconnection, betrayed by their own ligaments and self esteem?

All my limber classmates certainly looked like they’d been born into the lotus position. Youthfulness had deserted me today as I grunted and gritted my way through postures whose names only added to my confusion and made me crave for the sauna. I think I felt something ‘pop’ that probably shouldn’t have and I remember trying to desperately hold on to a fart that eventually escaped dangerously close to the ear of the woman beside me. Halfway through I had affectionately nicknamed the teacher ‘elastogran’, as much for her manipulation of prose as yoga postures because every sentence was a spiritual gem, tinged with triumph and tribulation and obviously leafed from her own personal library. I loved the imagery and descriptions she used for each pose and started to get lost in the stories and less attentive of my glaringly obvious inabilities. The wordsmith in me appreciated the distraction from my aching bits and pieces and before I knew it, the sequence was over and I was again laying belly up on the mat, having my neck stretched gently and a scented eye bag pressed lovingly into both eye sockets. Instant bliss and instant shame at having given her that nickname.

Someone nearby snored, another fluffed, and they both made me smile. I could feel a softness washing through me and with the next deep exhalation I felt completely at ease, totally content. My body felt incredibly relaxed and love-heavy like I’d just spent a week romping about with Brad Pitt. Even the smelly old blanket felt good.

On the way out after class I was seeing through different eyes and walking in different hips, almost the sensation of floating alongside myself and beaming from every pore. I came back the next week and the next and soon was able to not only touch my toes (perfectly pedicured in preparation!), but also arch like a cat, stretch like a dog and balance like an eagle empowered. I felt inspired and connected to myself for the first time. Each time I came to practice I could feel another layer of illusion slipping away and with that surrender, I got to meet someone I hadn’t seen in quite a while… ME. Perfect in all my imperfection, judgement and bad jokes. A work in progress and the beginning of my own healing and teaching journey.

Now I understand why so many people are drawn to yoga, why they crave the serenity and sense of oneness it brings. It doesn’t matter what age you are or whether you can physically resemble a sailors knot. It’s about letting go of all the moments preceding the present one as you strive to integrate all levels of yourself.  It’s about awareness, acceptance and patience and being brave enough to self-reflect, sit in your ’stuff’ and still function in the everyday material world.

The gift is being happy within yourself and feeling a deeper connection to others so you begin to see and feel the myriad of similarities, rather than just differing shades of grey.

See you on the mat!

Namaste,  Denby

Join Swami Govindananda for a 3 hour workshop located at the beautiful Breathing Space Yoga studio in Avalon.

Click here for the details of this workshop