The summer solstice this week coincides with full moon named Strawberry Moon by the Native Americans. The same moon is named “Rose Moon” if referred to in Europe. It’s been 70 years since last time summer solstice coincided with the full moon. It’s a signal from the Universe we catch this week that will play out in the next few months until Winter Solstice…
I “teach” restorative yoga Sunday early evening and … quite frankly surprised that anyone showed up on Father’s Day with a big basket ball game live on TV at 5pm, exactly when the class starts. Most men I know were glued to the screen, a drink in his/their hands … a showdown between Warriors and Cavilers had 30+ million real time viewers (BTW, NBA players love yoga … Here, it’s true.) Restorative yoga is not heavily marketed and I actually like the idea of serendipity – fateful stumbling into the luscious space, the idea of a secret recharge station is somehow appealing – so I bow humbly to anyone showing up to reap the benefits of this subtle but powerful practice. I mean, no wonder, Judith Lasater, PhD in East/West Philosophy and Yoga & Physical Therapist got so hooked. It’s meditation prep flowing and floating… a respite, taking refuge from the extremely hectic lives we lead.
It’s the inner wisdom that these students listened to – that is – we have to detox/cleanse, purify our bodies, clear our mind – press that reset button- before we can even reap the benefits of a meditation practice. All the chanting and matras are not going to help if your inner light is dim … unlit. In fact, a real zazen is probably not sustainable unless you are well rested and somewhat clear headed …to steady yourself. Sunday is dedicated to worship and deep healing RESTORATION. What Judith calls a “radical” relaxation to tap into the inner brightness we can all source. That brightness doesn’t just happen – that radiance, the “Sri” as Brenna and Jean would say – is something we harness through yoga practice, step by step.
In celebration of summer solstice and full moon this week sharing my favorite chandra namaskar you can find on utube – sheer love. It’s a goosebump for me. Truly. I am karaoke-ing this…Reminded me of the time Srivatsa Ramaswami recited a chant along with the Surya Namaskar – the contrasting solar salutation, making us realize the sacred significance of this practice – it’s not mere fitness and therapy. It’s pranic vibrations through each layer of our Koshas …so that we may awaken to live fully, taking nothing for granted, especially the love and beauty that surrounds us:
Om Kamesvaryai Namaha, “salutations to she who fulfills desires”.
Om Bhagamalinyai Namaha, “salutations to she who wears the garland of prosperity”.
Om Nityaklinnayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is ever compassionate”.
Om Bherundayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is ferocious”.
Om Vahnivasinyai Namaha, “salutations to she who resides in fire”.
Om Tvaritayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is swift”.
Om Kulasundaryai Namaha, “salutations to she who is virtuous, respectable and charming”.
Om Nityayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is eternal”.
Om Vijayayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is ever victorious”.
Om Sarvamangalayai Namaha, “salutations to she who is the source of all good fortunes”.
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In an essence, it’s a salutation, blessing and honoring the deep humanness of ourselves. Let’s make it a ritual we engage in so we are reminded of the beauty within and all that surrounds us.
Everyday.
