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It Was The Best Of Times -- It Was The Blurst Of Times


Wednesday, September 2, 2020 (Part I), 

The intentional misspelling in the title is an homage to "The Simpsons", but the famous line of, "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times", is the opening line from the Charles Dickens novel, "A Tale of Two Cities".  It continues on to say, "it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness".  

As advertised, this blog will speak to the topic of yoga; no political nonsense here.  However, the famous opening line from the novel seems to be very applicable to the year of 2020. 

Where does the "worst of times" come from?.....where does the "age of foolishness" live?....

Much of it can be attributed to the information coming from your phone/computer/television and, predominantly, from our "news".  Ask yourself after you've consumed some "news"...."do I feel better or worse for having consumed that?".  Ask yourself, "did I somehow lose track of time and get sucked into my phone/computer/television when reading or listening to a "news" story?  Why am I so angry and scared after I read or watch the "news"?

If you want to see reality, step outside of your house, and talk to you neighbor; that is reality- not what your television shows you.  If you want to see the real state of humanity, bring the best version of yourself out into the world.  You will, more than likely, be met with similar kindness; that is reality- not what your phone and internet show you.

Peace, and where to find it, is a theme in my practice.  I intentionally eliminate, or minimize, things from my life that destroy peace.  Peace comes from learning to control your mind, and your breath.  Learn to do that, and you control your reality.  A yoga practice expands your mastery of controlling your mind and breath. 

Today is the third day in the rebuild.  Having sustained injury earlier in the summer, each practice has been slow, steady, and methodical.  Time to begin...


Wednesday, August 2, 2020 (Part II), 

As always, Part II is being written on my mat, having just come out of Savasana.

When I'm in a "rebuild", I'll typically focus the physical side of my practice on rebuilding my Surya Namaskar/Sun Salute sequence.  It's a way to get "back into the water" gently and to stay in touch with where you are (and where you aren't) physically. 

Video below is an excellent example of the Ashtanga style Sun Salutes I practice.  

Time to begin the day. 


Namaste




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