Expansion
I am standing in front my mat, feet evenly balanced on the floor, long spine, hands together at my heart. Our teacher asks us to set an intention for our class and the idea of ‘expansion’ comes to mind. As I inhale I observe my lungs and body inflate as I feed my soul with dedication and commitment towards my practice. The sun salutations are my ritual to warm up the body, cultivate the breath, and ignite my passion. I love the feeling of breathing deeply in downward facing dog and feeling each of my fingers on both hands being spread apart as the hands grip down to the mat. As I move through the hour and a half journey it is obvious that this practice opens my physical abilities and capacities; the body warm and alive lengthens and moves in ways that are simply amazing to me. More subtle and powerful is the expansion that takes place in the mind. Subtle because it takes time; it doesn’t happen over night. Powerful as it transforms our lives.
Over the past three years with the practice of yoga, support of my family, friends, and community I’ve experienced the magical ride that takes place when we expand past our boundaries and limitations. It is a most pleasant episode in life. It leaves us grateful to be alive and confident that we can continue to grow and expand throughout our life. My wish right now is for all of us to experience this wonderful process multiple times in our lives.