Week 3: I woke up this morning to sun streaming through the window and the promise of summer days to come. As we are in the action part of the moon phase (last week was a new moon and next week it will be reaching the point when we have to let go and allow the universe to work with whatever we've set in place) today's Stretch and Flow focused on our power base, Manipura chakra, at the solar plexus between the navel and the base of the sternum. Manipura translates as “city of shining jewels” and holds our most precious asset, our sense of self. Manipura is a male energy so it seems especially fitting this weekend in memory of Prince Philip whose funeral took place yesterday. Before working with Manipura energy ask yourself the following questions:
We practised Agni (fire) Mudra (thumbs raised, fingers clenched) to exercise the eyes: Stretch one arm in front at shoulder height, thumb wrapped in clenched fingers, lift the thumb while keeping the fingers clenched, slowly open your arm outwards focusing your eyes on the thumb while keeping your head still, return your arm to centre and repeat with the other arm. Then we stood for a whirling meditation (have a wall or chair handy for balance!) or do it outside in the garden so if you fall you’ll land on the soft grass (if that happens take a moment lying face down and allow the earth to absorb your energy). Whirling is one of the Five Tibetan rites which practised regularly promise the gift of eternal youth. By whirling in circles the chakras are speeded up. The idea is to start slowly, arms crossed over the heart (left arm on top) and gradually unfold the arms, keeping the joints soft and the focus lowered towards the solar plexus as you turn towards the left in circles. If you feel confident you can close your eyes and move faster. Stop if you feel too dizzy. The more often you practise the more turns you'll be able to make. When you stop make sure you've got a chair or wall nearby to steady yourself with if necessary, close the eyes and stand quietly in Tadasana (Mountain pose) for a few breaths. Apparently Bruce Forsyth practised the whirling meditation every morning in his later years! We continued with the Dru Surya Namaskar (Salute to the Sun) and the Tree of Transformation. and ended with Half Lord of the Fishes, Bridge and Belly Twist before savasana. Today’s affirmation: I am strong, I am powerful, I can do anything I want to do!
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MARY GRIFFITHSI qualified to teach in 2015 but my yoga journey started much earlier, way back in the 1970s. Here I share my experiences and passion about everything yoga. Archives
May 2021
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