So many challenging situations within our lives force us to really look at our own fears. Whether it be fear of taking the next step, trying something new, falling in love or even just looking at what we really want in our lives. It can almost be de-habilitating but when we get to that point, it only takes courage and strength to step through to the other side. Within the yogic tradition Hanuman is a beautiful teacher when we are faced with fear. This monkey god’s devotion to his guru-RAM and how he goes to the greatest depths to devote himself in ways he thought were impossible, is a powerful analogy which has helped me in my own journey through fear.
RAM merely represents the divine, so the teachings remind us to trust in something greater, the infinite that we can call upon when we do not think we can go any further, and the power this can ignite within us to accomplish our highest purpose. If we can approach our yoga practice with such conviction, then our journey will always have a purpose.
The poses within yoga that represent aspects of Hanuman, all work on stretching the psoas muscle, which runs from the middle spins to the inner thigh. This muscle initiates all of our movements and is pivotal in fight or flight response which is innate in all of us. This fight or flight is then stimulated from the stress within our western lives-also resulting in a locked psoas muscle. Physically, this muscle tightens and shortens from sitting for long periods at a time. But the Psoas is also where we generally hide our fear, so the process of opening and encouraging release from this area is an opportunity to shed our fears on an emotional and energetic level. Hence the reason we embody Hanuman for fearlessness!
And then there is Virasana-the hero pose is another embodiment of Hanumans energy. It is the pose that he was in when he prayed for the grace to do the impossible-saving Sita for Ram. His faith, his Shraddah, never faltered and it is ingrained in every one of us. Even though Hanuman was cursed with forgetfulness of his own Godliness, he still turned to his faith in each challenging moment. This word could conjure up associations with religion for a lot of people. But it is merely a strong devotion and trust in whatever you consider the divine to be. And that faith and hope then gives us the confidence to go forth to change the world or even fall back in love.
Recognise the divine nature of life-offer yourself to it, let it transform you in ways that you did not think were possible in order to serve your highest purpose.
“And as we let out own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson
Hatha yoga Tuesday night 5.30-7pm Mullumbimby @ Yoga Peace.
Seriya x
The poses within yoga that represent aspects of Hanuman, all work on stretching the psoas muscle, which runs from the middle spins to the inner thigh. This muscle initiates all of our movements and is pivotal in fight or flight response which is innate in all of us. This fight or flight is then stimulated from the stress within our western lives-also resulting in a locked psoas muscle. Physically, this muscle tightens and shortens from sitting for long periods at a time. But the Psoas is also where we generally hide our fear, so the process of opening and encouraging release from this area is an opportunity to shed our fears on an emotional and energetic level. Hence the reason we embody Hanuman for fearlessness!
And then there is Virasana-the hero pose is another embodiment of Hanumans energy. It is the pose that he was in when he prayed for the grace to do the impossible-saving Sita for Ram. His faith, his Shraddah, never faltered and it is ingrained in every one of us. Even though Hanuman was cursed with forgetfulness of his own Godliness, he still turned to his faith in each challenging moment. This word could conjure up associations with religion for a lot of people. But it is merely a strong devotion and trust in whatever you consider the divine to be. And that faith and hope then gives us the confidence to go forth to change the world or even fall back in love.
Recognise the divine nature of life-offer yourself to it, let it transform you in ways that you did not think were possible in order to serve your highest purpose.
“And as we let out own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Marianne Williamson
Hatha yoga Tuesday night 5.30-7pm Mullumbimby @ Yoga Peace.
Seriya x
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