Every year, I choose 2 yoga poses as a general focus for the year. Before I do this, I spend time in meditation so I am choosing that which is best for me rather than allowing my mind to "set goals". This year, I have been working on Savasana (relaxation pose) and Hanumanasana (full splits) - quite an exercise in contrasts!!
I tell my students that Savasana is the most important pose in any practice - the equivalent of baking the bread at the end of the kneading and rising process but the truth is I do not always follow through with this on my own mat. I tell myself I am too rushed, too busy to do Savasana but, honestly, I find it very challenging. Lying there, allowing the breath to breathe me, letting go and just being really pushes me to my limits. As 2009 comes to an end, I can say this one pose has had a powerful impact this year; as I lay there today, I could feel a marked difference in my experience of the pose.
The second pose for this year is physically demanding - Hanumanasana (full splits) is something I was briefly able to do as a pre-teen gymnast!! I remember the first time I tried the pose, during my teacher training in 2005 - I used blocks and was easily 6-8 inches from the floor. As my daughter walked by my mat the other day, she grimaced "Ugh, my mother should not be able to do that"... I was in full Hanumanasana on the floor and rather surprised to find myself comfortable and discovering the bliss inherent in all yoga poses.
I have no idea what my poses will be for 2010; I do know that I am actively choosing to set very few goals in business and in life and I long ago gave up "resolutions". My one prayer for 2010 is that I will be fulfilled and I hope to use that as guidance every day when I choose how to spend my time and energy.
How do you choose to chart your course through the coming year?
Namaste.
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