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Yoga

Keeping time… for ida & pingala balance…

Spleen & Stomach Organ Meridians and why do they matter?

In this contrasting and yet complimentary combo, Spleen, represents the YIN and Stomach, the YANG in the energetics as we explore the meridians flowing through them.

These 2 organs are most affected by your diet – and diet is on the mind of many as the season transitions from spring to early summer… The spleen is a primary organ of digestion and is a blood reservoir.  It resides right behind the stomach on the left side under the diaphragm.  The stomach lies to the left of the diaphragm, between the esophagus and the intestines.  The spleen is thought of as the source of life for other organs because it extracts the nutrients and converts them into blood and Chi, Prana, Life Force, Energy – whatever you like to call it that keeps us going…

More later…

I am influenced by a yogi who breathes yin yoga and that would be Paul Grilley, teacher of teachers. He shows that we are all unique inside and out – a pose that’s easy for someone is not necessarily so for another because we are structurally different. Add to that, difference in age, history and training… Check this out – so clear visually.  With this understanding, you no longer have to compare yourself  to others and wonder what’s wrong.  Nothing is wrong – it’s all good:)  Just find the luminous clarity.

Take a couple of poses and you can have a lovely home practice as I do – but surprisingly, when the poses are strung together and linked into a sequence for meridian opening, I find the group setting to be more beneficial.  In Yang practices, hooked on an endorphin high we make great deal of effort, but sometimes the contest like nature of the class gets in the way of true learning.  Then, depleted – far from cultivating peace, I start craving for a refuge of one-to-one private lessons – then feeling improved enough, getting back to the group – or journey over to a mini-spa escape, to recharge, rejuvenate –  the “relax & renew” quiet time; such as – Restorative – a quite before a storm is what I used to call it:) – the personalized attention and care with use of many many props can sometimes be challenging in a large group – to which point I abbreviate and do with less – Seldom would I want to do these quiet practices alone…it’s about the steady, grounding energy… with the right guidance, the calming energy can pervade the space where there are other human beings to just breathe with; keep time with.  It’s a tribal thing we all seek – we need to be with other human beings, even in quiet meditation – take a look at these monks at a temple!  At my ” temple”, home alone, I cannot set up the right mood  … too sedative…to keep time – and thus too easy to come out of … balance.  If I were in authentic “ZAZEN” session in Japan, a monk would (gently tap or )  strike me with a stick if I were to come out of focus… I guess they can tell when a student’s mind drifts off into review of To-Do-List or Projects-to-get-done and their deadlines – luckily I am here… just here and now – and yes, always breathing:) Yoga is so liberating!

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“Emily and the Butterfly Duet” by Bao Hoang, Oil on canvas…

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“Heart of the Matter” exhibit at Oceana Art Gallery…  It was all about the Heart not Spleen and Stomach, lol…It’s true – Heart is hard to reach … but… we will get to the Heart … sooner or later.

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Note to self:

May we live like a lotus; at home in the muddy water.

– Zen wisdom, Judith’s signature quote…

Why so serious?  Smile – nothing is under control.

 

 

Categories
Yoga

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Being in the moment – I used to love subbing  because my crazy schedule would only allow for irregularities and subbing suited me since you can say yes or no based on my availability whenever the request popped up – such freedom.  Loved the idea of not having to be tied down to a commitment. No responsibility towards the students other than making sure they do not get injured and you do enough to not disappoint but at the same time, you do not go all out to the max of what you are capable of.  Somehow feeling like you had to conserve your energy as it’s not your “regular” class.

Maybe because my ego became an issue, or maybe with discernment,  getting more selective,  I now avoid subbing but will do it for fellow yogini friends.  Subbing was going rather smoothly until I hit a bump where I was in need of a sub as a sub (food poisoning season?)  –  then subbing was no longer enjoyable – it can be rough – you walk in and already you feel that you have to deal with expectations vs. your ego.  I approached it as almost like a babysitting stint where you will fully care for the students but will avoid attachments  – and try very hard to not invest in human contacts other than to deliver the “class”.  “Keeping a distance” might have been my intention, never wanting to know their names.

So… I was wrong.  It’s about being present and being here and now.  If I never see these people again, it does not matter.  The fact that we are in the same studio room, this month, this week, this day and time – this very moment – is enough of paths crossing, something of a miracle.  You do the best to take the students on a safe inward journey as a warm and kind – and most importantly, competent guide – then you let go.  No ego; no attachment; but 100% ownership of that class that’s been entrusted to you.  That’s the true being in the “present” with total ownership but with no investments; no expectations of any return other than the satisfaction of job well done if even one person found relief or lightness through my service.  I am evolving…thanks to yoga.  Practice, practice:)

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So a card with a message delivered – how timely can it be?