GET IT ALL
OUT! (Written on August 29, 2018)
When I was
young I read about how some Yogis could practice enough to have command over
their breath so much that they could reach levels thought to be unavailable.
They could
control organs in their bodies, blood flow and such. I don’t remember all they could do, but it
amazed me. Of course, in those years in
the late 60’s I went along with friends to Yoga classes. I became quite good at it, meditation
too! It was a new trend in those days in
the United States! I got to ecstatic
levels in Kundalini (which concentrated on breathing) and experienced great
elation. In Hatha Yoga (physical stretching)
I learned to balance my body on one arm, and could stretch my body well,
something I believe still benefits me greatly.
Life
carried me away to distant lands and new experiences. Sometimes, I would do some exercises
periodically and it was always beneficial.
Yoga was not so favorably looked at in the years I first experienced it!
Now that I
am past 60, walking the dog every morning for 30 minutes, a little stationary
bicycling, much activity and a rest after lunch seem to be ideal! Needless to say, it wouldn’t be the same without
Ruby, my faithful dog by my side!
When I
rest I take time to meditate for about 10 minutes. I have discovered, through practice, that
actually the important and earthshaking skill of letting out the most air
possible in a relaxed and slow, very slow exhale has put me nearer than ever to
higher levels. We tend to think that the
inhale is what we most should concentrate on, trying to force air in. Yet, in letting loose of all the air, the
refreshing, powerful inhale occurs automatically.
It seems
like a particularly tiny detail. Perhaps
it is. It doesn’t happen fully the first
times you try it, and only with practice can this be appreciated fully!
Another
(shall we say “tool”) that I practice is to repeat the “Our Father” prayer over
and over. It seems the meaning of it
takes on new tones each time I go over it.
I can’t seem to squeeze the meaning out enough. Often when I repeat it (also concentrating on
the meaning and breathing deeply, slowly), I feel a great calm come over
me. This can be done in times of
stressful situations or those that try one’s patience.
It could be that the great effort needed to
make a meaningful life goes mostly unseen. Most surely, that letting all the excesses out brings in what is positive.
The most
excelling aspect in an older age is to have a supportive family and caring
people around, to understand the powerful and necessary aspect of spiritual union with others, do activities you love and that you have a passion for, and hope that you
are humble enough to deserve a good life!
These are a
few tools. Each person will find their
own, and their own passions and supportive people! Letting go of toxins allows the refreshing
blessings to enter. No one makes a great new creation alone. We are an ensemble. Like the song goes, “People who need people
are the luckiest people in the World”!
By: Karla
