From my first yoga class 20 years ago to now, yoga continues to change my life. It has opened up my awareness on how I see myself and others, and how my thoughts and actions influence everyday life. As I learn and grow, new understanding shifts how I practice, teach, and share mindfulness and movement. Increased insight has provided me with discernment for participating in systems that continue oppression. This realignment is still in process as I reflect on what was, what is, and what will be. Presently, what I offer is my personal approach to yoga, but part of my journey is to honor the culture, history, and spiritual practices for which it is derived, and practice from a place of truth and integrity. I accomplish this by staying current with world events that invite participation and action towards non-violence, global injustices at the intersection of feminism, racism, and fighting climate change. As I focus on staying open to new ways of being, my heart is grounded in remembering my roots.
In 2005, I chose to study a style of yoga known as Hatha yoga, which is the most modern branch of yoga derived from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali's eightfold path. Hatha yoga is translated as the effort, force or exertion within the physical practice of yoga that finds inspiration from nature and the movements and behavior of animals. The thought behind this eightfold path is that daily physical practice of yoga postures will bring strength and health, allowing one to move deeper through this path, connecting to the other seven 'limbs' of yoga. I trained with yoga practitioners whose lineage is connected to Saraswati Chandra, later known as Swami Kripalu who began studying asana, ayurveda, physiology, psychology and the ancient texts at the age of 17. In 1941, he was initiated as a renunciate and renamed Swami Kripalvananda meaning 'compassionate one'. His teachings on love and self development continue to inspire my personal practice as I share and teach in my community. As a nurse, I connect with the importance of exercise, rest, and self care activities as the profession is one of service and helping those in need. Unfortunately, much of yoga history is filled with misaligned scope of practice, power abuse, and scandal. Discernment and careful consideration is important when choosing teachers, mentors, and experiences within the yoga and wellness industry. Over the last 10+ years, I've enjoyed the benefits of yoga and choose to share the resources of moving, breathing, and meditating as ways to find balance, acceptance, and patience within oneself. I have made conscious decisions to not engage in yoga that promotes cult-like practices led by a guru presence making promises that can't be filled. Everyday is a journey and an experience to learn more.
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| "Serve with a full heart. By making others happy, you make yourself happy. The key to your heart lies hidden in the heart of another." Swami Kripalu (1913-1981) |
Tree pose is a posture to honor our root connections and
celebrate the earth energy of September.
Vrksasana (vrksa meaning tree and asana meaning pose) is a balancing pose that strengthens the muscles of the legs, opens the hips, stretches the inner thighs and uplifts the spine. To bring balance to the standing leg it is important that the whole foot is grounded into a solid foundation. Visualize the toes of your standing leg pressing into the floor and extending away like the roots of a tree deepening into the earth. The heel and the ball of the foot maintain stability, while gravity draws the standing leg downward, the spine is lifting upward, lengthening from the waist.
For safety, practice near a wall or chair to assist in your balance.
Listen to your body and connect to your breath.
This pose is not recommended for those with acute hip or knee injuries.
Begin in Tadasana (tada meaning mountain and asana meaning pose), also known as Samasthitih (sama meaning equal, level, or balanced and sthiti meaning stand), take time to feel into the soles of both your feet, distributing your weight equally into all four corners of each foot. Keep your gaze down or focus your attention on an unmoving object. Begin to shift your weight into the right foot, lifting your left foot off the floor. Engage the muscles of your standing right leg by gently flexing the knee, not locking the knee. Slowly lift the left foot higher while externally rotating the left hip to place the right foot by the ankle with the toes still making connection with the floor, or on a comfortable spot on the right leg. Find the center line of your body by pressing the left foot into the right leg and the right leg into the left foot. Keep your hips squared to the front and continue focusing your gaze to help keep your balance. When you feel steady, lift your arms up over head, and breathe into the sides of the body. Press your palms together and place your hands at your heart space. Connect to breath and enjoy the stretch. Slowly release and try the other side.
When you feel more comfortable in the pose, play around with the extension of your limbs. Get creative with your hand placement and connect to the energy centers of your body. For an extra challenge, try closing your eyes. Shift and sway as trees do in the wind. The Fall Equinox is a seasonal transition of earth energy into air energy. As October approaches, allow your limbs to feel into the air that surrounds us. The cooler temperatures and the force of the winds assist the tree leaves to change color and fall away preparing for winter. The seasons of life teach us lessons about ourselves, our connection to other living beings, and our place on earth.
As humans, we are meant to grow and change,
expand and strengthen, like the trees around us.
"Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf.
Bend before you break. Enjoy your unique natural beauty. Keep growing."
Joanne Rapits
Movement, Breathwork and Meditation Practices
With love and care,
Michelle
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