Words of Wisdom:
Change irritation to appreciation. Patience doesn’t just happen, but must be cultivated. It is all a matter of attitude.” ~ Kentetsu Takamori
Thoughts for April:
How often do we get discouraged when something does not happen when we want it to happen? How many times do we flat out quit because we cannot see the results?
Over the course of my teaching journey, I can’t tell you how often students have come to me and said, “I have been on my mat for over a year now and I still can’t stand on my head,” or when you flow through a vinyasa, you make it look so easy and smooth; mine is clumsy and difficult.
We are reminded countless times that the physical asana practice is a process that is cultivated over time. We learn that the true practice is how to “flow” with the fact that we still cannot stand on our head yet and that we have difficulties moving through a vinyasa. We learn to have patience with what we cannot yet see.
Let’s take this month together, as the beautiful community of like-minded beings that we are, to practice patient persistence.
With snow having fallen into late March and a dusting of snow on the ground, coupled with days where there’s an absence of sun, can make for a disappointing or discouraging day. Feelings of impatience and restlessness are likely rising.
These however are just feelings, not facts. Spring does indeed come, the flower does indeed bloom, the trees do indeed bud, and the grass does indeed sprout.
Let’s take our demands out of the precious gifts. Let’s cultivate a healthy dose of waiting for what we cannot yet see.
We exercise strength while waiting for what we yearn for most. May the mat practice, our community, and our breath, help us persist onward no matter what we see or how we feel; no matter what presents itself or does not yet present itself.
Love & light,
Marina
About the Image:
Marina Mukandala, is featured in this newsletter issue in Wheel pose (Chakrasana). The benefits of Chakrasana are as follows:
- Strengthens and lengthens every vertebrae, therefore increasing elasticity and flexibility of the spine
- As you hold yourself up in the pose, you are strengthening your arms, shoulders and chest, as well as stimulating the entire cardiovascular system
- Opens the chest area, strengthening the lungs and allowing more oxygen to enter the rib cage
- Improves the respiratory system; great for those with asthma or any other breathing problems
- Enhances the nervous system and improves secretions of the hormones keeping you balanced and healthy
- As you stretch in wheel pose, you remove fat build up from your oblique area and reduce stiff hips, improving hip flexibility
