DAILY Getting ready to be ready, sounds fun, as if packing to go on vacation. Getting ready to be ready for anything is another matter. If we approach that with the same enthusiasm and excitement we do packing for a smashing holiday, we might face present uncertainty with greater skill.
Being human animals, uncertainty makes us nervous, and in trying to be ready for all the surprises now being offered, we shrink. There is no glow of anticipation. Worse, fear jumped in the suitcase, under the new cocktail heels. Stepping out with confidence in 6 inch stilettos, through high, and low grade insecurities requires élan, if not bravado, care, if not criticism, and faith, if not hope.
Hope is dead, long live faith. The difference between them is packing for a vacation when you know you’re being sent down river in a pair of stilettos. Only faith will see you through the rapids. Hope capsized on the first rocks. Heading through rapids, one can only grab reality by the round dangles and squeal, if not in delight, then in passionate brays for the unique charm of vicissitudes. If one is being hurled willy-nilly down river, then not only do we need to know how to swim, but handle category five rapids. Learning to roll with the punches, and then roll again is the boot camp of consciousness. The stilettos may look fabulous, but it is time for muscle, not mincing.
And no, there will be no walking around the falls… Over we go, facing each moment as opportunity to be alive, to face fear if not conquer it, to reach out, and open the heart in the headlong tumble. Sign up now for the best boot camp around.
Asana: Sarvangasana Cycle/Shoulder Stand series. First remain in Sarvangasana five minutes, then do the ‘additions for ten breaths each.
Do Salamba Sarvangasana, releasing hands from propping up trunk. Extend arms out, clasp hands, palms face outward
Niralamba (without support) Sarvangasana I, Bring extended arms overhead onto the floor.
Niralamba Sarvangasana II, From the previous pose, lift arms up, placing palms on thighs, keep spine fully extended.
When returning to floor, come back to Sarvangasana, then into Halasana/Plow for a few moments, then rest in Savasanna. Feel how energized the body is.
Health Notes: I have written about Sarvangasana several times, so this is a reminder of its importance in times of stress: It harmonizes the entire system; The thyroid and parathyroid are fed with more blood; the inversion sooths breathlessness, asthma, nervousness, constipation, and throat ailments; It releases toxins, helping with headaches, mental irritation, colds, urinary disorders, anemia,, low energy, menstrual issues, stomach and intestinal problems, and insomnia. This pose frees the body to be more vigorous, and energetic, even happier. What a panacea!
Astrology Notes: Entering the dual air sign of Gemini on May 21, we are now under Mercury’s rulership. In the body Mercury lords it over lungs, arms, shoulders, hands and nervous system. Note, there are two of everything. Mercury rules the conscious mind, while its opposite sign, Sagittarius rules superconscious capacity. Despite being called ‘the butterfly of the zodiac, many say Gemini is the most important of the signs because it not only represents not only thought process, but the dual force of being human and divine.
Ayurvedic Notes: In spring’s uncertain weather, and the spikes of choatic news, we are all dealing with Vata imbalances. That is to say we are more high strung, sensitive, adaptable, and like the Gemini energy, spacey, and changeable, Not only is Sarvangasana good for what ails us, but doing a methodical, rhythmic Practice, quiets over-stimulation and stabilizes anxiety. Follow up your Practice with self massage.
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