July Movement Challenge

 

Rooted in earth, the knee bends low. The back leg extends aligning space and time. Hips gently sink as the heart opens wide, slowing the rush, setting worries aside. Fingertips reach toward the vast, endless sky. As the breath deepens, the shape of the moon finds its way toward the spine. 

July is here, the heart of summer in New England, and it's America's 250th anniversary of independence from Great Britain. I was born on America's 200th anniversary, a bicentennial baby, so I'll be turning 50 years old later this year. I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about turning 50 and a lot of thoughts and feelings on the current state of our country, holding both is a full circle moment. I'm choosing to focus my energy towards collective action and mental/physical resilience. There are overlaps in these areas within my personal life, raising two teenage sons with my husband, working as a nurse, as well as understanding my role as a woman living in this challenging political time. In all I do, empathy and compassion are at the center. It definitely takes courage to start here and isn't always easy, but for me it's about connection. I try to stay inspired by reading and listening to individuals I admire that provide the knowledge necessary for me to continue to understand certain situations. This helps me define my role socially and collectively, so I can stand with my values and live my purpose. Maintaining mental and physical resilience is in my everyday self care rituals, the decisions I make for my health keep my body, brain, and heart strong for hopefully another 50 + years! I really admire longevity and folks that have quality of life as they continue to age. I'm truly inspired by the people I meet every week who attend my yoga classes and the patients I have the privilege to care for. As I continue to learn and grow, I'll keep going by sharing my passion for moving, breathing, and meditating. 

 Anjaneyasana ~ Low Lunge or Crescent Moon Pose

Anjaneya ~ Hindu deity asana ~pose/posture

Low lunge pose stretches the hip flexors and quadriceps while improving posture, and strengthening the core, legs, and spine. Once the low body is grounded, both arms can reach upward extending through the spine with a gentle arc that mimics the image of a crescent moon. Low lunge pose can be practiced with a knee down on a padded surface, or standing with a chair/short step stool to decrease knee and hip flexion. With or without the use of a chair/step stool, adding in the functional movements of spinal extension, flexion, and twisting within the base of this pose can bring in rotational, core strength and spinal mobility.  Anjaneyasana symbolizes devotion, gratitude, aspiration, and grace. The pose is named after Anjana, the mother of the Hindu deity Anjaneya (son of Anjana), also known as Lord Hanuman. The image of this pose reflects that of dedication and the desire to reach towards one's goals. The story of young Hanuman leaping into the sky to reach for the sun represents human ambition, effort, and confidence. With arms lifted, the chest, shoulders, and heart opens, surrendering into the moment. Enjoy this pose in one of the variations shown below, use your breath to coordinate the movement from side to side, and to stay present in the pose. 

My previous 'Movement Challenges' start here. As each month passes, this collection of yoga poses and functional movements allow creative opportunity to tie them together for a short, daily, mobility routine. 

Many thanks to all who attended our 'Yoga for Spring' sessions at the Melrose Public Library from May into June. Each week brought a full class, smiles, laughter, and moments of mobility balanced by rest. 

My current yoga teaching schedule is below.

Weekly in-person yoga classes:

Wednesday Chair Yoga (10a-10:45a) at the Melrose YMCA.

Thursday Mat Yoga (8:45a-9:45a) + Chair Yoga (10:00a-10:45a) at the Milano Senior Center. 

There will be NO CLASS on July 2. 

FREE yoga videos on YouTube

FREE guided meditations on Insight Timer

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning both "circle" and "center" representing the visible world around us and the invisible world within us. I made a nature mandala for the June new moon cycle that fell on my 23rd wedding anniversary marking years of love. Honoring these moments each month helps me to stay focused on what is important in my life while celebrating the beauty of the season.