Savasana (or Im Not Actually a Corpse, Im Just Resting My Eyes)

 If you ask an avid yogi what his or her favorite pose is, you'll probably hear (after, of course, "oh I can't choose just one!") a plethora of answers from "warrior one" to "cobra" to "sun salutations" to even "lotus headstand with bound legs"! Go ahead, I'll wait. Check that bad boy out.

 If your anything like me, you will laugh and then return here for a comforting conclusion to this opening paragraph...which is, SERIOUSLY?! Albeit, super fun to look at! Truly, I admire the eager and determined yogi who feels it is upon their path to wholeness to master the seemingly unattainable. 

 For the rest of us, sometimes just getting our mats out and finding time in between work, dinner and those elusive eight hours of shut eye can be daunting enough. However, I am here to say, IT IS of importance! Physically we are a chronic pile of aches and pains. Mentally we need guidance away from the outside world. An escape for just moments even. And oh my, spiritually, we are challenged and tested on a daily basis. Life loves to hand us the pencil and the bubble-in sheets, only to then flip the hourglass granting us just so long before we either rush, making mistakes or give up completely. 

Therefore, my mat is now my little island. A vacation for my aching back. A getaway for the swirling self doubt and insecurities. A rendezvous so the free spirit, the humanitarian and the truth seeker can all play peacefully for a while. 

 My point here is not a solution, a cure or a quick fix. This is how I am preparing to face the days ahead and try to regain focus. Pull the reigns a bit on my personal wants and needs. You can create this space though however you choose. Your yoga mat may look different than mine! 

Head to the top of a mountain!  Drive to where the boats come back in from the sea.  Sit on a sand dune and talk to the bird who has decided you will make fine company for the day. 

As long as you are fully present and you are able to allow whatever healing needs to take place in that moment commence, then you are there! 

 Yoga is more than a fat blaster or a video on the shelf at the health food store. More than a competition. It's intentions are pure and honest and personal. A beautiful balance between mind, body and spirit. It is yours and yours alone. Whether in a quiet bedroom or in a class of 30 other mats, each one is unique. Not one persons practice will be the same. There is peace in that. A harmony for our souls. 

 So, I urge you firstly, to find where YOUR yoga mat is. Say to it earnestly, "I am here. I am thankful for your patience with me. What can we learn from today?" And then BE! Just openly and honestly be in the moment. (I've got much more on that specifically, but that's another day!) 

 If you find yourself on an actual mat (please do, at least some of the times!) then go ahead and try some traditional poses too.

It's true, I like to paint pictures for the sake of fun and friendly writing but, I do very much support the ancient beliefs and fundamental ideals that come from these asanas .

My advice to you, start with MY "favorite" poses: Sukhasana, Balasana and Savasana. 

Gorgeous and fancy, right?! 

 Simply translated they are: seated pose, child's pose and corpse pose. That's right! Sitting still, lying still and curled up in a ball face first on the floor. I don't believe anymore explanation is needed here. Trust me, they're a great place to begin (again)! 

And if during your practice you may or may not have woken yourself by snoring while in deep dedication to your corpse pose...
NAMASTE to you my friend! 

 For more information on the many practices of yoga, follow the link here. If you're looking to further your knowledge in the over 5000 year history of yoga , just head there through my handy dandy link provided! 

Peace and love, groovy children!:)