YOUR FREE PRACTICE
SOMATIC YIN - BEING IN THE "PRECIOUS MIDDLE" (75 min)
SOMATIC YIN - BEING IN THE "PRECIOUS MIDDLE" (75 min)
PROPS: have your usual yin props handy for any support you need in the poses - a pillow or a block or a blanket. If possible, clear some space around your yogamat as we'll be reaching a bit off the confines of the rectangle. If that is not possible, navigating limitations is a great practice in and off itself (I think).
In this practice we will play with the rotation of the spine, initiating it from different parts of the spine and as we often do, move between specificity and refinement of our awareness of the body into some somatic sweeping movements that emphasise ease and flow over precision.
Our theme in this class is very much inspired and guided by two poems by James Pearson (from his book "The wilderness that bears your name").
In this practice we will play with the rotation of the spine, initiating it from different parts of the spine and as we often do, move between specificity and refinement of our awareness of the body into some somatic sweeping movements that emphasise ease and flow over precision.
Our theme in this class is very much inspired and guided by two poems by James Pearson (from his book "The wilderness that bears your name").
|
Where did the middle go?
It's always near the end that I'm started into presence - my morning walk nearly over, my coffee down to it's last sip. Where have I been? Where did the middle go? I've been asking all my life. But then what's ending shakes me back into my body, the way autumn calls to you with it's waving yellows and falling reds: "Witness me!" it seems to shout. "I'm here only for a moment". |
One good wind
It's October so yes, the world is dying but I always thin i have another month at least, maybe two, to marvel in the middle of fall's kaleidoscope, walking this fractal trance of kindergarden yellows and (somehow!) iridescent pinks. But then one good wind comes in off the distant Pacific and the trees that just yesterday dripped with drizzle stand skeletized, stripped of their abundance for the promiseless months to come. I guess what I'm trying to say is: Don't save your praise. Luxuriate fully in what you love, because the winds come quickly and the winter is long |
The acupressure point we used in this session:
|
Large intestine 20 - "Welcome fragrance" - "One of the teachings of Metal is to treasure the moment, to be present with all that is here now and to value who you are and what you have. This means breathing in and appreciating the beauty and sweetness of life. Fragrance is not simply an odour, but an essence. A healthy Metal distinguishes that which is essential and lets it in. It is the most significant local point for treating all nasal conditions: loss of smell, difficulty breathing, sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, sinusitis, hay fever, nosebleed and nasal polyps. (Five element acupressure)
|
A bit more about Po spirit:
The Po is the spirit-mind stored in the Lungs and related to the metal element. It is translated in various ways, most often corporal soul, but also animal soul/spirit and it has a strong connection to the physical world and living in this particular body. Po represents the material, yin, physical aspect of the soul. It integrates with us at our first breath and disintegrates when we breathe our last.Po reminds us of our mortality and when balanced support our ability to stay connected to the present moment. It's virtue is said to be an appreciation of preciousness - acknowledging that everything is impermanent and therefore every moment is precious. Practices that bring felt awareness to breath and body, that beautiful somatic union are calming the po - the animal body.
The Po is the spirit-mind stored in the Lungs and related to the metal element. It is translated in various ways, most often corporal soul, but also animal soul/spirit and it has a strong connection to the physical world and living in this particular body. Po represents the material, yin, physical aspect of the soul. It integrates with us at our first breath and disintegrates when we breathe our last.Po reminds us of our mortality and when balanced support our ability to stay connected to the present moment. It's virtue is said to be an appreciation of preciousness - acknowledging that everything is impermanent and therefore every moment is precious. Practices that bring felt awareness to breath and body, that beautiful somatic union are calming the po - the animal body.