Let Go and Flow

 

What does it mean to Let Go and Flow?

The first few yoga classes I experienced was me rolling around on the the floor moving and feeling into my body. The process of unfolding from lying to seated to standing and then back down to the floor again was slow, mindful, and spacious. I wasn't even sure why I was resting at the end of a class, I didn't break a sweat or over-exert myself in any way that felt worthy of a respite. It can only be seen now, years later, with deep layers of life experience behind me that I needed to rest more than my physical body. 

To me yoga is a practice of connection that allows space for the mind, body, and heart to listen. The quieting of the chaotic "chitta" chatter of the mind happens when the body is moved and the breath is unrestrained. Moving and breathing softens the nerves, and in turn eases the mind. Sometimes we don't know we have been folded up so tightly for so long that realignment and release may seem foreign, almost not needed. It takes time to unwind, to lose the edge that has been built up over time, to remove an invisible, protective armor, and relax. 

As I grow older, I feel a stronger pull to slow down and feel everything more, to feed my senses, to linger, to rest. Sure, I love to get my heart rate up and sweat with buoyant, faster movements, which I try to do bursts of everyday, but it is in the balance of effort and ease that helps to keep my reflexes agile, my body and mind strong, and my breath steady. 

There are moments in each day that provide an opportunity to let go of expectations and to flow. Small kindnesses in pausing before responding or reacting to someone. Smiling, waiting, holding a door for a stranger, letting other cars go in front of you in tough intersections or high traffic. There is so much hustle and bustle in life, why add to it? There is beauty on the Earth that lies all around us, despite our responsibilities and work. If the sun is shining, soak in its rays. If it's raining, bathe in the droplets and breathe deeply. If it's windy, feel the wild, uncontrollable air on your skin. Late summer is the season of garden bounty with fresh fruit and veggies that taste so good! Stop and smell the flowers, the fresh cut grass, the evergreens, and the salty sea. 

This practice of yoga is connection of the self to the self, to others, to nature, to the wide unknown universe all around us. 

Let go and flow.

Ardha Pavan Muktasana or half knee to chest pose is a variation on full Apanasana that helps with digestion while stretching the low back and lengthening the spine. 

Apanasana complements Ananda Balasana (see below).

Ananda Balasana or happy baby pose or lying stirrup pose is a powerful hip opener. The stretch releases the sacrum and low back while soothing the central nervous system.