It’s a lovely mellow Wednesday afternoon. By this time in a regular week, I’ve taught one yoga class and taken another. However, my digestive system, unfortunately, hasn’t been on board with either the ‘lovely mellow’ idea or the physical movement required of asana. In fact, I’ve spent the last two days either in the bathroom or prone on the couch. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say that I either contracted food poisoning, some kind of stomach bug, or a sudden physical crash after a very busy weekend. Whatever it’s been, asana has not been a part of the plan.
Rest has never been particularly easy for me, as I was raised to make Type A personalities look like sluggards. I think that might be a joke or an exaggeration, but I’m not sure; I’ve been told that one of my days looks like someone else’s week. However, the study of yoga has taught me the importance of slowing down and taking care of my mind, body, and spirit, which is what I’m trying to do right now.
It’s nice to know that yoga is a moveable feast; there are myriad ways to practice, and asana doesn’t have to be one of them. While I’m sick, I’ve been trying to work one of the niyamas, or moral suggestions: Ishvara Pranidhana, or self-surrender. I have to accept that I need to rest and that my usual life-style won’t work at the moment. This has been a great time to read, to spend time with my pets, and to nap. It’s also been a time to re-connect with my prayer life, particularly with the various parts of the Serenity Prayer. Once I realize that I can’t control this particular illness, I can focus on making changes that will help me to heal, and using this prayer focuses me in the correct direction.
When I’m feeling up to it, I’ve done a bit of meditation. Nothing particularly challenging, just a few minutes here and there focused on my breath. Every little bit helps, right? Restorative yoga sounds like a good idea, but I’d rather not put any more pressure on my torso at the moment. Meditation, prayer, surrender are working, as is Svadhyaya, or self-study: I’ve been journaling on how difficult I find it to slow down and the samskaras, or mental issues, that keep me from taking care of myself.
All in all, not the most yoga-fied week — or is it? If taking care of my body leads me to take care of my mind and spirit, maybe it’s just one more step in the cosmic dance. I hope that my experience is of benefit to you, and I’d love to hear your comments!
Yoga Cielo Stellato 