Your Own Body is Your Yoga Teacher

 Unconscious breath is just an organic process that keeps biological life moving; and disembodied awareness is just space. But when we unite them, infusing breath with awareness, healing happens and wisdom is born. Now your breath becomes Prana, Chi, Ruach Elohim, the Spirit of God.

Awareness touching breath is Shiva touching Shakti, the kiss of Christ and Mary Magdalene. When this conscious breath touches the body, in the merest sensation, it is the birth of their divine child on earth.

You own body is your Yoga teacher, and your breath is the asana customized just for this body. The most advanced Yoga asana is a good old-fashioned stretch.

Forget technique. Forget "correct" posture. Just luxuriate in the movement of this incomparable breath, the miracle that can't be helped, because it is happening now.

Let your inhalation open the smallest segment of your spine. Let your exhalation send currents of light into your joints and muscles.

Experience every micro-movement of this stretch, with attention inside your body. You can practice this stretch in the quiet of the morning when you are lying in bed, or standing. You can use it as a break in your business day.

Reach your arms over your head. Stretch one leg at a time, pointing the toes of each foot. Breathe in again and stretch your torso and spine. Stay in the stretch as you breathe. With each breath, lengthen a segment of your spine, gently opening a little space between the vertebrae. Do this even in your neck, by drawing the chin slowly down toward your chest. Use gentle micro-movements to bend different segments of the spine from side to side. Scan your whole body, from the tip of your toes to the crown of your head: use the stretch to open up and breathe through any tense stuck places.

Your body invites you to pour healing breath through any place that is stuck, tense or numb.

One slow luxurious stretch, enjoyed without comparing yourself to any other body, could be the best Yoga class you ever attend, guided by the best Yoga Teacher on earth.

From the new blog: 'Svaha! A Book of Hours'

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