September 23, 2008

Last Night's Yoga For Health session at the YWCA was great because S was there.

She had only just met Bonnie that day, introduced to one another by a mutual friend while having lunch.  The power of connections is so essential.  

I know S has been gravely ill with cancer for several months.  When she came in last night to our yoga room, she really looked okay, but mostly that was because she had a look on her face of curiosity and openness, as if to say, "let's see what you've got!"

S and I partnered up to practice deep relaxation in Savasana, and then to do the "wet noodle" test....in other words, how relaxed can you be?  Turns out, my arms and legs were like boards, and we cracked up laughing.  It was the anticipation of S lifting my limbs to test for stiffness that actually made me stiff!

But then I realized that my limbs were as heavy as weights, as if I had been poured into the floor....and then I felt released.

We did gentle stretching of the shoulders, quads and back, and gentle reaching with the arms.  We did some simple balance poses, and for some of us, that was a challenge.

Bonnie's voice very gently brought us back to center each time, with praise.

AT the end of the session, I led a guided meditation on mindfulness and forgiveness.  I had written the meditation that morning, with the help of Sharon Salzburg's beautiful book, The Force of Kindness.  I was really concerned about striking a note of complete love and acceptance, without getting all Buddhist about it. I really don't want anyone to be turned off by their perceptions of Buddhism.  And I was very much aware of trying to open a place where we could all tap into our True Self, where the first response is always compassion, and then wisdom.  

Bonnie had suggested I sit up to guide the meditation, and of course, that makes sense.  I also used a clock, so that I didn't move too quickly, so that I could leave some open spaces.  

Also, it was helpful to have something to read from, since I tend to get self conscious talking off the top of my head and forget essentials. Eventually, as I practice more, this will probably become easier.

Interestingly,  reading my meditation was a meditation in itself, and I found myself breathing, rocking, slowing everything down.  Almost like a walking meditation....

I really didn't know I would be effected that way.

I hope I was able to offer my intention to this group of women.  They are truly remarkable.  I felt deeply connected to them through the meditation.

Namaste!