Standing in the sand at the edge of the water feels secure as the sand washes in encasing one’s toes. But that security only lasts until the water ebbs away hollowing out space beneath the foot, washing away the foundation. A gleeful giggle or a scared squeal may greet this play of constant change. Either way, one cannot remain attached to ground upon which she is standing.
All yoga balances bring to our attention the constancy of change. Garudasana, described as trying to climb a vine that wraps around itself**, adds some curly twisting to the challenge. Just as the foot roots down, the crossing of the leg encourages the hips to sway to the side. How will you respond? Rooting firmly or toppling over? Laughing or cursing? In class it isn’t really important whether you can remain balanced on one foot or not, it is about the attitude you take while experiencing the posture. If you can find the play in the effort of standing on one leg, you can certainly find the play in the midst of other challenges.While one might expect standing on one foot wrapping arms and legs into yourself to be confining and constricting, in practice I find it to be expansive across the back of the heart, through the sacrum, and in the mind. Standing in garudasana responding calmly to the flow and ebb of the breath, the pulsing of subtle energy, and the chattering mind creates a spaciousness of possibility that I carry off the mat. The practice of garudasana refreshes my perspective like standing on sand as the waves wash the sand from under foot.
Acknowledgements:
Feet in the Water photo by Chase Lewis.*Thursday nights 7:15–8:15 pm until at least Feb. 7
** Lee, Cyndi. "Eagle Pose." YogaJournal.com.
Sounds relaxing and challenging all at the same time
ReplyDeleteBeautiful synthesis of Garudasana, April! Thanks for sharing your personal experiences and images within the asana to speak to our physical, mental and heart felt experiences inside of the asana. Have an awesome class! You are a gift to your community!
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