“The potential for greatness lives within each one of us.”
– Wilma Rudolph
Weekly Focus: Akasha (Ether – the element of potentiality)
Akasha, or Ether, from the Hindu cosmology, is the element of space, possibility, and potentiality. This is the container for all creation, a vast expanse that holds space for all consciousness and opportunity.
Akasha is the first element from which all other elements were created — air, fire, water, earth — hence it’s connection to potential.
A new home is potential, possibility, opportunity.
The home within each one of us — our central core, our spirit, our Self; is potential, possibility, and opportunity….infinitely.
There is no limit to our greatness if we only see and believe in it.
Throughout April we have focused on removing those things which limit our ability to see the vast expanse within us. Those things that distract us from realizing just how wonderful we are, just how possible we are. Akasha, or Ether, is the element that represents just that — space for all consciousness and all opportunity.
Are you able to see this connection to Akasha within yourself? To see yourself as a container for greatness? If not, then what is holding you back?
Passive Pose of the Week: Savasana (corpse pose)
Savasana is the perfect place to settle in and sit with the vastness within yourself. To embrace your infinite nature. Consider finding time to take a 10-minute savasana on your own this week.
- Come to lie down on your back.
- Get warm and comfortable, using whatever you need. Here are some ideas:
- Place a folded blanket behind your head.
- Roll a blanket and slide it behind your knees.
- Rest a heavy folded blanket or towel across your belly and hips.
- Drape a blanket over from from feet to shoulders.
- Elevate your feet on a chair.
- Pad your hips with a blanket.
- Cover your eyes with a washcloth.
- Turn down the lights and play soft, relaxing music.
The power of rest in savasana is amazing. If you haven’t tried a regular rest practice before, we encourage you to give it a try! For one week, try setting aside 7 – 17 minutes each day for a savasana. It could be included as a part of your regular yoga practice, or even as a separate practice on it’s own. Journal about your experience. Notice how you feel at the end of your week.
Active Pose of the Week: Natarajasana (Dancer Pose)
Natarajasana honors Lord Shiva who represents, wisdom, consciousness, knowledge, righteousness, and the expanding and collapsing Universe. This pose is a metaphor to the great expanse and bit of Universe we all hold within ourselves.
- Begin in a standing Mountain pose (tadasana).
- Shift your weight into your right foot. Reach your left arm back, kick your left foot towards your seat, and grab hold of the foot with your hand.
- Reset your balance on the right leg.
- Begin to hinge at the hips and lean your torso forward. As you do, kick your left foot up and back into your left hand. At the same time, strongly pull back with the left hand, finding a sense of resistance between hand and foot.
- Reach your right arm forward as a counter balance.
- Hold for 3 – 5 breaths and switch sides carefully.
Dancer pose is a fun and challenging balance! If you want to explore the sensation of the pose, but find that balance gets in the way, try utilizing a chair to help. Place a folding chair at the top of your mat. Make sure the legs are on your sticky mat to avoid slippage! As you find the balance, holding one foot with your hand, use the opposite hand on the chair. This will allow you to focus less on the balance and more on the sensation of the backbend! Try it out and see how it feels.
Join us in class this week to practice your connection to Akasha. See the full schedule HERE.
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