“Listen to the voice of nature, for it holds treasures for you.”  — Native American (Huron) Proverb

Weekly Focus: Guru / “weighty one;” teacher

Guru is a term that is understood to mean “instructor” or “teacher.”  In the culture of yoga, however, the term has a much more profound meaning. The disciple of yoga considers a guru to be a trusted spiritual master. 

We frequently consider Gurus to only be that of a human nature. However, there are valuable practical and spiritual lessons to be learned from the world around us. Perhaps our gurus can be the cycle of the Sun, the change of the seasons, the habits of animals. 

Guru translates as “weighty one” — so how can we look around us for the encounters that hold weight in our lives? We might look for those experiences that anchor us or feel momentous as opportunities to pause, observe and learn.

This week, we look for guidance outside of the people we surround ourselves with. Humans our wise and intelligible, and also full of NOISE. It can be hard to know what is good advice, what is true and real. The natural world is ongoing, and does not exist on opinions or biases.

What happens when we expand our idea of what a guru may look like? In how many more ways might we learn and grow?

Slow down this week and look for gurus in unexpected places:

1. What can be learned from the observance of a butterfly’s short life?
2. How does the moon offer you guidance?
3. What reminders are gleaned from the flower that blooms at day and closes at night?
4. What else are you seeing?

Passive Pose of the Week:  Marichyasana — (sage’s pose)

pronunciation CLICK HERE

Tap into the wisdom of the sages with and of these bound up positions.

• Come to a seat with your legs extended.
• Draw the right knee into the body.
• Cross the right foot over the left.
• Using the left arm, hug the right knee and turn towards your right.
• Let the right arm come behind you to support your twist.
• Take 3 – 5 breaths and unwind on an exhale.
• After, it may feel nice to turn towards your left and bow forward in a counter twist. Switch legs and take your second side!

Sometimes there is a sensation of leaning back in this pose or reaching away for the floor. If it doesn’t feel great to stay super upright, that is OK! Try bringing a block underneath of the back hand and allow yourself to lean back slightly. We are exploring a twist, so as long as you are feeling a twisting sensation in the body, the pose is perfect for you.

Active Pose of the Week: Krauncasana (heron’s pose)

pronunciation CLICK HERE

This pose is a reminder to listen to our body and use our own internal wisdom — for many of us, props and modifications will make this posture more obtainable and comfortable.

• Come to a kneeling seat and let one leg extend straight in front of you.
• Reach forward for the foot or ankle of the extended leg and grab hold.
• Bend the knee as much as you need.
• Take an inhale. As you exhale sit up straight and bring the foot with you.
• Herons hold special significance in many cultures representing wisdom, self-reliance, deep inner wisdom., awakening intuitive abilities, good fortune, transformation, messages — the list goes on. We think that a heron would recommend that many students practice this posture with conscious and wise prop choices ????

Here’s are favorite way to modify this pose and get the most out of heron –> sit in front of a wall and come to a kneeling seat on a block. Loop a strap around your foot and then lift up pressing the foot into the strap. Walk the hands as far up the strap as is comfortable for you, but let the wall behind you give feedback and support. Breathe here and remember to allow a soft bend in the knee if it would allow a little more lift of the leg.

Join us in class this week to seek your guru! See the fulll schedule HERE.