Morning Light

What is it about winter that makes for tired mornings? Lately I find it harder to get up and go, but am finding the return of a spring in my step as we get ready for Spring. One of the best ways to balance out the Winter Weary is a morning practice or routine. It is said that Asana or the physical practice of yoga is best in early morning or evening. As we wake it is recommended to shower, preform Abhyanga or self massage, and then Asana. It is easier said then done, but worth it.If you are not a morning shower person, I recommend at least brushing teeth and splashing some cold water on your face. Find a space, draw the curtains back and allow the morning light to slowly grow with your breathe and movement. It doesn't have to be strenuous or lengthy but find time to sit, and find stillness, and then explore with gentle awareness what your body needs. For suggestion, you can start with 5 minutes of meditation, and gentle stretching seated on the floor. Then make your way into downward facing dog for 5-8 breaths, step forward for an extended forward fold-about 8 to ten breaths and slowly rise pulling belly button towards the spin, one vertebrae at a time, all the way to stand. As we rise with the sun, you can continue to energize yourself with sun salutations. See below!

What is bliss?

What is bliss? Today is Thought Provoking Thursday, I came across the Song of the Soul, in B.K.S. Iyenger's Light on Yoga and found a descriptive answer to this question. It is as follows... Song of the Soul I am neither ego nor reason, I am neither mind nor thought, I cannot be heard nor cast into words, nor by smell nor sight ever caught: In light and wind I am not found, nor yet in earth and sky- Consciousness and joy incarnate, Bliss of the Blissful am I. I have no name, I have no life, I breathe no vital air, No elements have moulded me, no bodily sheath is my lair: I have no speech, no hands and feet, nor means of evolution- Consciousness and joy am I, and Bliss in dissolution I cast aside hatred and passion, I conquered delusion and greed; No touch of pride caressed me, so envy never did breed: Beyond all faiths, past reach of wealth, past freedom, past desire, Consciousness and joy am I, and Bliss is my attire. Virtue and vice, or pleasure and pain, are not my heritage, Nor sacred texts nor offerings, nor prayer, nor pilgrimage: I am neither food, nor eating, nor yet the eater am I- Consciousness and joy incarnate, Bliss of the Blissful am I. I have no misgiving of death, no chasms of race divide me, No parent ever called me child, no bond of birth ever tied me:

I am neither disciple nor master, I have no kin, no friend- Consciousness and joy am I, and merging in Bliss is my end. Neither knowable, knowledge, nor knower am I, formless is my form, I dwell within the sens but they are not my home: Ever serenely balanced, I am neither free nor bound- Consciousnesses and Joy am I, and Bliss is where I am found.