DVD 4: Bliss Thursday Yoga: Focus on Restorative/Meditative Yoga with a 45 min or 35 min ‘quickie option’
This Routine is very cherished. It is so Zen and fluid. The idea was here to slow the pace down a little on Thursday and on the weekends. There are still enough standing poses to burn some calories which creates heat in the body which allows us to stretch more deeply and find more space in our bodies and minds.
We start with neck stretches, then sun salutation A. Then these beautiful “Earth and Sky” Salutations I created to not only move intelligently to warm up the body, but to turn the warm up into a ritual that honors what Native Americans referred to ass “Mother Earth” and “Father Sky.” They are very meditative and chill. Then we move through two sets of standing poses that flow from the inner leg and hip opening, to back body opening to the side body opening. I tried to use all music that uses different flute from around the world, from Native American to Classical and Indian. This helps us so move in a way that honors our connection to the Earth that tends to be lost in an increasingly paved over world.
Add in some standing forward bends and standing balances for that cherished earth energy that keep us grounded as we launch into the realm of Zen-like spaciousness. Then we take in some simple front body openers which energize yet calm the spirit, followed by a nice long child’s pose to digest and savour. We finish the flow with hip openers and (LSD) Long, Slow and Deep Back Body Stretches. You will find your eyes rolling into the back of your head with so much bliss as you are lulled into a sense of calm. This experience will allow you to stay peaceful in the centre of all of life’s storms.
We end with a long Savasana and a short centering experience where we connect with the most grounding thought of all: Our ancestors that are now in the Earth and the Love that flowed through them. How it served as guide for how they treated us followed by a small prayer that this same love can flow through our interactions with others. It is Powerful and Deep.
Bliss Thursday Meditation: Earth Body Meditation
This is a great meditation based on my study of Eastern Philosophy I started in 1987 and continues today. This includes not just wisdom from the Yoga Tradition, but also that of Samurai of Japan. These people noticed that the five elements of life: Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Space were everywhere in the world including our minds. In challenging times, people tend to habitually cling to their tendencies.
Earth people stand their ground, Air is elusive, Fire tries to burn through opposition, Water negotiates, but Space was the Element both the Yogis and the Samurais cherished. Space is the container of all elements, and is the place of clarity we find in deep meditation.
Here we can become like an impartial referee in life instead of an impassioned sports fan cheering for their team getting pulled between winning and losing streaks. In this place of calm we can find the best way to respond to all situations and not to merely react in terms of old habits. You will find that it balances all these elements in your mind and body and helps you find more centeredness in your interactions with others. Make space to become a more evolved being… This is a unique and compelling practice which allows our mind, body and heart to remain always at peace.