So, it happened, I had my last day at my day gig (I was the Chief Lending Officer at a bank-high stress job in an industry that is not without its challenges!) Obviously, one of the reasons that I needed so much yoga in my life.😅🤣😂
I don’t think the reality of it will set in until a couple of Monday mornings have come and gone without the 5:30 AM alarm. I have been a banker for 35 years, working in business for 40, and have had some kind of job since I was 12. Friends tell you that “you deserve it”, you have “earned the right” to retire. As I mentioned in a prior blog, the word retire does not sit well with me; I am, however, looking forward to being less scheduled. A friend sent me a lovely card congratulating me. In it she mentioned that we are not retiring, we are “resetting”. I loved that description. Instead of describing something that sounds like fading into the sunset or into a recliner, it offers possibility of new challenges, endeavors, adventures, frankly without the burden of regularly scheduled employment.
Now is an opportunity for me to lean into my practice. We have reflected on how we are challenged to work on our practice when we most need it: as life changes, as we hit bumps in the road or when tough times arise. I am committing to leaning in to my practice, deepening it, especially the non-asana (pose) parts. I miss delving into the history, philosophy and health benefits of the practice, this will be part of my reset!
This week let’s spend some time reflecting on our practice and how it can help support us during times of change and throughout our life. When someone asked me long ago how I could fit regular exercise into my life when it got busy, I explained that I scheduled it in like a non-optional commitment, like working or brushing my teeth! If we adopt that philosophy with our yoga, or other habits we are trying to develop, perhaps we will have that strong tool ready when we need it both physically and emotionally.
Our Practice – Bananasana – Banana Pose
Today my friend and fellow yogi, Sandy, taught a yin class at the studio to a few of us, it was a great experience and I think we learned a lot. I hope she will offer the practice at Rockbriar Farm soon. Yin is a practice that focuses on the body's connective tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and fascia in a slower pace than a traditional asana practice. The poses are held for longer periods with the goal to slowly release the joints and find stillness in each pose, while also noticing how energy moves around the body. One of the poses we did was a variation of full body stretch that I often describe as banana or crescent moon shape. Who knew there actually was a pose called bananasana?
Lie down on your back, legs straight, arms overhead.
With your buttocks firmly anchored on the mat, move both of your legs to the right. Option to place your right foot to keep your left foot in place, by crossing your ankles.
Buttocks grounded firmly on the mat, bring your upper body to the right allowing your spine to bend to the side, clasping your left wrist with your right hand or leaving arms overhead, find what feels good in your body.
Hold for 3 to 5 minutes
To come out of the pose, slowly bring your body back to neutral.
Repeat on the other side.
Benefits
Lateral flexion of the spine.
Stretches all the side body tissues and muscles such as the IT band and intercostal muscles.
May stimulate the gallbladder meridian.
For more on yin yoga you may find researching Bernie Clark and his approach to Yin interesting. Link to his website is below:
Meditating – Leaning Into Our Yoga Practice
Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. — The Bhagavad Gita
That’s why it’s called a practice. We have to practice a practice if it is to be of value. — Peace Pilgrim
Balancing yoga and life is a reflection of our inner state. Can we dance with change? Can we fall and try again with playfulness? Do we have the focus, skill, and attunement to find the still point within it all? — Shiva Rea
Nurturing With Food – Hummus – New Recipe!
I first made hummus in the mid 80’s when the Silver Palate Cookbook was all the rage and hummus was a novelty (and not sold in every convenience store in the world). We still buy it in the store, but nothing comes close to this extremely quick and easy recipe which was adapted by Pete from that classic. Delicious!
See you on the mat!
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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