"In whatever situation God places you, it is only for your betterment. Kindly do not be discouraged." – Sri Swami Sivananda
The Yoga Mat
from Inge
On why we are called to practice and the sacredness of the yoga mat.
The yoga mat is sticky under my bare feet, a rectangle of gummy purple rubber. I spread my toes wide and ground my feet – all four corners -- flat on the mat as I am instructed, feeling everything, every millimeter of skin on rubber beginning to slide on a trickle of perspiration. The yoga mat is the center of the universe for that hour of practice. A practice toward spiritual enlightenment? Toward the integration of body, mind and spirit? Grounded in the asanas and anchored in the breath, I flow through the postures as the Chi rises from my core like a furnace heating a house. ...
The yoga mat is sticky under my bare feet, a rectangle of gummy purple rubber. I spread my toes wide and ground my feet – all four corners -- flat on the mat as I am instructed, feeling everything, every millimeter of skin on rubber beginning to slide on a trickle of perspiration.The yoga mat is the center of the universe for that hour of practice. A practice toward spiritual enlightenment? Toward the integration of body, mind and spirit? Grounded in the asanas and anchored in the breath, I flow through the postures as the Chi rises from my core like a furnace heating a house. My breath becomes labored and I struggle to keep it flowing, as I do underwater when I go scuba diving, I hear the ocean in the ujjayi breath. Sweat beads form on my face, first on my upper lip (I lick them off, they are salty) and then on my brow, where they eventually slide into my eyes, stinging like hot tears.
This is not strenuous, I think. Not like running 20 miles training for a marathon. Yet my body is heating up, everywhere, as we flow through a series of sun salutations and on to warrior poses. I love warrior poses. I fashion myself a warrior calling on that inner spirit to face all manner of things in my life that scare me --from picking out a birthday present for my then boyfriend, now husband (what if he doesn’t like it?) to showing up at my first creative writing class at FIU (what if they hate my writing?). I visualize this great warrior as a Native American chief on a sensual and powerful galloping horse the color of syrupy caramel. A headband of bright feathers crowns his head, like a halo, and he brandishes a large bow in his left hand. It is strong and taut, the arrows unbendable traveling a precise path to their target. I also fashion this great warrior within as a man or woman (Joan of Arc?) in iron-mesh armor wielding a large silver sword studded with precious stones, specks of blood on the blade, an iron shield protecting her from assault.
These warriors help me survive this world and navigate the shark infested waters of my mind. They rest only when it’s safe. They’re only a breath away, on the Yoga mat, yet I do not return to the mat for weeks on end. So why do I resist visiting the mat more often? What do I fear? The narrow path to liberation? Or is it liberation itself? Release from the companionship of the internal chatter? Loneliness? And so, the yoga mat, sticky and purple, sits idle in the trunk of my car (a hot cave) waiting to be called to action.
Why yoga works—simply
Ancient yogis knew the benefits that came with regular yoga practice. Today, advancements in technology enable scientists to show precisely how these ancient practices work to benefit the mind and body. Yogis have been passing on the teachings of yoga for nearly 5,000 years.
Most simply, using proper breathing, especially during asana practice, enables the average person to develop the breathing apparatus and strengthen the vital life force. Once that begins, everything else flows from it. Why yoga works is really that simple. Any time you lie on the mat and breathe, the benefits of yoga begin.
There is a saying in yoga that when we control the breath, we control the life force, and when you think about that, it's really true.
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The Universal Prayer by Swami Sivananda
O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love,
Salutations and prostrations unto Thee.
Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniniscient.
Thou art Satchidananda.
Thou art Existence, Knowledge and Bliss Absolute.
Thou art the indweller of all beings.
Grant us an understanding heart, equal vision,
Balanced mind, faith, devotion and wisdom.
Grant us inner spiritual strength to resist temptation
And to control the mind.
Free us from egoism, lust, hunger, greed,
Hatred and jealousy.
Fill our hearts with Divine Virtues.
Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms. Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms.
Let us ever remember Thee.
Let us ever sing Thy glories.
Let Thy name bve ever on our lips.
Let us abide in Thee for Ever and Ever.
Om Bolo Sat Guru Sivananda Maharaj Ji Ki! Jaya!
Om Bolo Vishnu Devananda Maharaj Ji Ki! Jaya!
The yoga mat is sticky under my bare feet, a rectangle of gummy purple rubber. I spread my toes wide and ground my feet – all four corners -- flat on the mat as I am instructed, feeling everything, every millimeter of skin on rubber beginning to slide on a trickle of perspiration. The yoga mat is the center of the universe for that hour of practice. A practice toward spiritual enlightenment? Toward the integration of body, mind and spirit? Grounded in the asanas and anchored in the breath, I flow through the postures as the Chi rises from my core like a furnace heating a house. ...
“Health is wealth, peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way.”
