Yoga for the Dancer the Various Yoga Disciplines VI
As I introduce more Yoga disciplines, let's consider this: Lifestyle Yoga is concerned with healthy, wholesome, functional, and benevolent living. Yoga as a spiritual discipline is concerned with all that plus the traditional ideal of enlightenment--meaning discovering your spiritual nature whatever your religious beliefs. The word spiritual has been abused a lot lately. We think of spiritual relating to spirit....your ultimate nature, in "Yogaland" it is called atman. In Yoga philosophy, the spirit is one and the same for every one. It is formless, immortal, super consciousness, and unimaginably blissful. It is one and the same in all beings and things. It is transcendental because it exists beyond the limited body and mind. You discover the spirit in the moment of your enlightenment.
Since we covered Kundalini and Kriya Yoga in depth last year, I will just re-introduce the disciplines briefly: Kundalini Yoga was brought to the West in 1969 by Sikh Yogi Bhajan, PhD. For thousands of years this practice has been carefully handed down from master to disciple by oral tradition. For some reason it's always been an obscure, guarded secret in India. It's purpose is to awaken the serpent power (coiled energy, stored at the base of the spine) by means of postures, breath control, chanting, and meditation. When awakened through Yogic techniques, it rises up through the chakras (seven energy centers that runs through the spinal column) until it reaches the chakra at the crown of the head, giving way to the intuitive enlightenment. The Yoga techniques involve the physical body, the auric body, and magnetic fields to move this energy up the spine. The emphasis is now on asana (exercises), but rather, on chanting and breathing. Chanting is usually done in large groups with a partner. The chanting creates an invigorating and calming experience. Kundalini's primary focus is the power of the founder and spiritual head of "Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization" (3HO) which has headquarters in Los Angeles and numerous branches around the world. There are 1500 Kundalini teachers world wide. Kundalini should always be taught with a teacher who practices and understands Kundalini, this is not a style to learn on your own.
Kriya Yoga means "action" or "rite". Kriya is the ancient path of becoming self-realized by using techniques of energetically, concentration, and meditation to gain awareness of the life process rather than the body. The breath, life energy, and consciousness are united to become one. The popular author of Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda taught the scientific techniques of Kriya to reach the highest states of divine consciousness and create a spiritual union with God---- this is the underlying essence of all religions. He established the Self-Realization Fellowship, based in California so he could teach Kriya techniques. More disciplines next month. Here's To Your Dancing Health!
Warrior Pose II
This pose strengthens our connection with the grounding energy of the earth. It has an emphasis on establishing a firm and grounded foundation in the LEGS while lifting and expanding the CHEST. It's an excellent way to integrate the upper and lower halves of the BODY. Not only does this pose strengthen, but, it's exceptional for teaching the MIND focusing. The SPINE, LEGS, HIPS, ARMS, SHOULDERS, and THROAT are stretched and toned. In this variation you lengthen and stretch the SPINE, SHOULDERS, ARMS, CALVES, and ACHILLES TENDONS. Be sure to keep your arms by your ears as you tilt the body. The ABDOMEN and lunging LEG receive extra strengthening upon returning to your starting pose. Start with a small lunge and eventually you can work into a deeper lunge. Perform only what you can comfortably. Dancer and I disclaim any liabilities or loss in connection with the exercise and advice herein.
1. Begin in Mountain pose, feet under your knees, under your hips, and under your shoulders.
2.Step out in front of you on your right foot and bending your leg at your knee, supporting your weight. The left leg remains straight. Simultaneously your arms come up and your palms meet overhead. You release the neck as you look up at your hands and hold for 10-20 counts.
3. After your hold, slowly tilt the body forward as you straighten the neck and keep your arms by the ears. Try to stretch from your fingertips to the heel of your left foot. Hold for 10-20 counts. As you return to your Mountain pose by pushing into the floor with your right foot, bring your arms back to your sides and then repeat identical movements with your left leg lunging. Rest and repeat on both sides.