October 13, 2006
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Simple Yoga this Morning
Early this morning I pulled out my yoga mat (a sheepskin bought in 1994
and for which I sewed a case out of peach-coloured upholstery fabric as
many years ago), laid it on the floor (a very tight fit since I live in
a closet), and did this yoga set: Spinal Flex Series.I began my day with this simple yoga set for the spine for many
years - sure it got boring, but different music every day helped.
Today, as I flex back and forth, I feel how stiff I've become, how I
need to loosen, to take care of this Sushumna, central column, spine, place where all the nerves, nadis, meridians
flow. I feel the weight of what I carry as I rhythmically flex,
especially when I get to the 'shoulder shrugs,' eh, let the tension go,
let it go...Each day is new, life is strange, but it keeps going. Perhaps I
shall still be sitting on my mat, flexing my bent old spine when I am a
centenarian, shrunken, withered, wrinkled, but ever so wise
Thinking of you, I got out my old scanner with the crack in the
lid, started it up, scanned these sets at least 3 times to get a clear
image: click on them for full-sizes. My friend who was in her
30s and had pain in her back that was finally diagnosed as arthritis
and had physiotherapy sessions let me teach her this set one afternoon
when our then younger children were in school and she marveled at it. A
few weeks later after doing the set daily she asked, 'Why don't
Physiotherapists teach these exercises? This flexing really works,
really helps.'Are we as young as our spine is flexible? It's okay, I won't
go into 'yoga teacher mode' and lecture on the spine. Let's just say that all of the billions of nerve
cells in our bodies are connected to our brains through the braid of
nerves running through the spinal column. If nothing else, keep this
central part of your body flexible, in motion, healthy...
Kundalini Yoga: Guidelines for Sadhana (Pomona, California: Kundalini Research Institute, 1974), p.45-6. For another layout of this set, see Basic Spinal Series, and scroll to the end to read a description of Mul Bhand (root lock) and Maha Bhand (great lock).
Comments (12)
I think one is a young as the spine and overall flexibility. Love your post today Brenda
i've never seen this series, though i have seen TONS of back stretching exercises since i have chronic back pain. maybe i'll try these, although sitting cross legged is something i can't do. thanks
This is interesting stuff...
Kundalini Yoga has always fascinated me. I am glad for this Gift of simple practice you have shared with us this day~
There is a message therapy called "Raindrop" which works specifically with the spine and drops of specific essential oils to stimulate the nerve and immune system. One I know is Basil. The "Raindrop Therapy" seems like it would be a good companion to this particular Kundalini set.
Do you ever work with Qi Gong as well? There is one set of movements called "Embrace the Moon Qi Gong" which is very centering.
"Yoga Teacher Mode" wouldn't be such a bad thing, though. It would be a nice discussion and learning experience.
Many Blessings~
oy~massage therapy~not "message"~although on second thought, it might be a good "message" to the central nervous system
I've always hated the idea of yoga (I know; I'm an idiot), but I think it's just what I need. Or pretty close.
Lately, I've been getting winded (it's true) tying my shoelaces in the morning. I think I'm losing a lot of flexibility, due to lack of exercise combined with natural aging.
There used to be (maybe still is) a regular yoga session at the church. I may look into that.
The problem, as always, is time.
Nice to see you back here, if only because it means I can hope to see a little more of you at The Berry Patch. There are a number of bloggers who, when I see their names as recent commenters, thrill me no end by the fact that they think enough of my blogs to pay a visit. You're one of them. Plus, I love you dearly. You know that, too.
MY yoga involves flexing the Budweiser arm
Looks like a great idea. I have not done my back stretches in awhile. Think I will get out my exercise, . . thanks for the inspiration! Been missing you!
gorgeous pieces of art that you have up on your site. Just beautiful.
My pop-up blocker is not letting me leave comments at your other site, . . but wanted to let you know that I am enjoying your recent pieces. I like the one about the snakes phobia, . . I'm rather phobic about snakes myself.
I enjoyed your post. Yes, I think you are as young as your spine and flexibility. My mother has done yoga for many years and at 70 she is still going strong. No one can believe she is the age she is. I hope to be just like her one day.
Be blessed!
Also, regarding aesthetics of finance and art, I believe there is a connection. It's interesting to watch the strain of similar beauty in them. To some it is harder to see in the business world than in, say, engineering, but each discipline has a certain grace to it. The areas where these disciplines overlap can produce mental orgasms. (I've seen one happen, but I think a friend and I were doing a puzzle and listening to girly music at the time.) Peace to you, Brenda, and love!