Wanted to be seen...

This tiny insect came tip-toeing on my notebook ... looking for attention! So here it is, its 15 minutes in the spotlight for the whole world to see and proud as a peacock!

Crow

I took a ferry to the highway
Then I drove to a pontoon plane
I took a plane to a taxi
And a taxi to a train
I've been traveling so long
How'm I ever going to know my home when I see it again
I'm like a black crow flying
In a blue, blue sky

                      Joni Mitchell

Stand straight and bend from the waist, placing both  palms on the ground, pointing ahead, bending the elbows slightly. Bend and lift the the knees, keeping the eyes turned skywards (!) and place them  on the upper part of each corresponding arm, as close into the armpits as possible. The feet should be in line with the elbows and below the hips. While we stay balanced on the hands, we keep breathing normally, while holding the position as long as is comfortable with effortless effort ! Exhaling, we put the feet back down.

This asana improves concentration and balance, strengthens the wrists, arms and chest. 

Happiness is your nature.
It is not wrong to desire it.
What is wrong is seeking it outside 
when it is inside.

                                Ramana Maharshi

Surya Namaskar

 

We greet the sun rising above the mountain                     
lighting up the valley below. 

Olive trees                                                                                                                                                   sway gently in the breeze
their leaves scintillating silvergreen.

The trunks like centuries old sculptures
guardians of strength and peace.
 
On a carpet of green
flowers cluster in colours as yet unseen.

A black and a grey tiger stalk all that moves in their vision
catching spiders, lizards and mice with precision.
 
We stand in awe ...
and just love and laugh!

Wheel

From shavasana (total relaxation or corpse pose) we bend the knees, feet resting flat on the floor close to the hips. Hands are placed at shoulder level, elbows up, palms flat on the floor, fingers pointing towards the feet. We inhale and exhale, relaxing in this position. While inhaling, we use head, hands and feet to slowly push up in a backward bend. We maintain the position, breathing and relaxing. With every inhale we push the backwards stretch just a little bit further, gently, without forcing. Exhaling we lower our head and body.

This exercise confronts us directly with our fears. We easily bend forwards but to bend backwards is uncommon and causes fear and apprehension. With this exercise we build our self-confidence and willpower and we learn to see the world from another perspective.

This exercise tones the back and the legs completely. It strengthens and makes flexible the chest, stomach and waist, as well as the neck, hands, legs and feet. It gives excellent control over the body.