DAILY A newcomer to class, observing a Shakti Yoga Dance for the first time, told me he was surprised at how strongly it affected him. He asked how I chose to put them together, why connect those particular Asanas? Surprised by the question I had to question, how do these dances grow out of the mat? What is it about their ritual that is satisfying to many. I was reminded of the writing in an old Breath, for it seems a very similar process.
In 2005, I wrote, “Words are sacred because we choose them. Anytime conscious choice is involved, it is possible to make something sacred. ‘Sacred’ is defined as, ‘set apart or dedicated; consecrated by love or reverence. From Fr. sacre to consecrate; sacrer OF meaning ‘holy.’ The word ‘sacrifice’ comes in here as well. It is the act of making an offering to a deity, or making atonement; the giving up and, or creating something cherished. When choosing a particular word, we sacrifice all other words/possibilities for that one. “
When choreographing, as with writing, the more consciously we sacrifice the multitude of poses, or steps, or words for one or two ‘sacred’ well-thought out ones, the more holy they are. Does it not follow with everything in life that we ‘consecrate’ with love, time, and energy? The more we give up, the more refined our choices. Do our contributions not contain more of self? And is that not more holy?
The next time we step onto the mat and put energy into a dance, or an Asana, or choose a particular song to sing, a poem to write, a person to kiss, consider it as ritual made sacred, one that honors you, and makes the choice more holy. You could have chosen to do a lot of other things, like take a nap.
Seasonal Energies & Pose
Asana: Choose a word to meditate on. Do a Practice of a single pose that fills your body with greater spirit. Write a four line poem, let it reveal yourself to you. Create your own Shakti Yoga Dance by linking three Asanas together. Now, create your own special ritual by putting them to music. Be happy. Be at peace.
Astrology Notes: The Sun moved into Aquarius on the 21, just in time for a New Moon in Aquarius on the 22nd. We are moving into the Aquarian new age at a rapid demand. Future thinkers arise, your time is now. The rest of you move aside or be mowed down. These New Moon energies seem emblematic of the year ahead, signaling extremes, and telling us to become more intuitive, less fear-full. We must rely on our inner voice to create and support the tribe we wish for, a very Aquarian dream.
Ayurvedic Notes: An important part of Ayurvedic spiritual therapy is ritual, for it consecrates our healing practices, and become a large part of the healing itself. Ritual brings a place for our mind and body to receive information from our unconscious, or deeper consciousness. Ritual connects body, mind, and emotion so there is no disconnect in the process, whether you are the patient or the healer.
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