breath of life
in these postures, the heart is the most elevated or vulnerable part of the body. these postures require that the yogi trusts himself and his ability to remain grounded, regardless of how many points of contact he has with the mat. the most powerful stabilizer in yoga is the breath. these photographs emphasize the breath, expression, and wholeheartedness. the layout emphasizes the movement, energy, and intention in this intimate practice. the breath allows us to sink more deeply and extend more fully. When we ignite our breath, we give ourselves permission to be vulnerable--and where there is vulnerability there is growth. the breath is our guide to life--such a space is this where we get to dance with joy and pain authentically.
the body was designed for the fullest expression, but at times the heaviness of our burdens, baggage, and brokenness pushes down on the heart and we collapse--time and time again we collapse. it’s hard for the yogi to hold himself up when he has to press against weight of the world. however, we can take heart because when we lose, struggle, and fail, we still have our breath. the mind and heart are linked to it instinctively. the breath feels the same in the light and dark, so our ability to ground ourselves in the present doesn’t have to change just because our circumstances do. we are hardwired for resilience, and even though we face troubles, many and bitter, the breath will restore us--from the depths of the earth, our grounding arrives by this beautiful instinct. our breath empowers us to pour out and let go, as the mudra in the first photo conveys. the breath is the Holy Spirit, they are interchangeable.
