High Seas Equinox

When we are small boats on high seas, how do we navigate towards land, and survival? How do we remain centered, on course, never mind at peace?

I have no idea, being neither sailor nor particularly centered, long though I’ve worked at it. The arrival of the Equinox, a breath of pure balance before the Dark Lord of Night overcomes Lady Day, sets our course for the coming three months. This is a timely moment to question the journey we embark upon.

Interrogations arise:
What am I using for a compass? Do I have one? Do I know how to use it?

Am I wearing a life vest? What does it look like? Does it fit?

Where are my provisions? What have I grown and harvested that now sustains me?

How important is my destination? With a first mate who lives by the axiom, “A good traveler has no set destination, nor time of arrival,” it’s time to discover how to actually do that. The ego that yammers to know ‘if I’m there yet’ needs assuaging.

Is the primary criteria, ‘to be safe?’ If so, I have given away power to make really good life-decisions. The old saying, “A coward dies a thousand deaths, the hero one,” is posted to the mast.

Have I grown faith and courage-muscles strong enough to hoist sail every day, no matter what winds blow?

Are Practices in place so that when we take on water I will still ‘bail/Practice bail/Practice/ bail/Practice?

Who’s on board my tiny vessel? Are they fine sailors, strong and true? Will they face fierce storms in loud song? Will they mind the rigging, fighting the good fight? Will they toss me overboard with prayers and laughter when it’s time for Davey Jones?

“Avast me Heartey-Hearts, we cast off!”

Asana:Parivritta Uttanasa/ Revolved standing forward bend. Standing tall reach up, out and over, hang there for a moment, then grab the outside of your feet, if you can, inhale, and on the exhale deeply twist the torso to the R, facing up. Release any strain in neck. Remain there inhaling/extending spine, exhaling/increasing the twist. Do other side. Feel your connection to earth through soul of feet, and look up to heaven as you hang, oddly suspended, in perfect, twisted, balance.

Health Notes: This Pose lubricates internal organs with its deep twisting, lengthens hamstrings, side and back muscles. Ayurvedically we enter the dry, windy months of Vata Dosha when it is wise to lubricate the skin more often, and center our energies with root vegetables, and make our Practice more energizing as we move from under the Pitta heat of summer.