The Practice of an Authentic Attitude
Scripture
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”
Isaiah 2:3 NRSV
Spiritual Focus
“Choosing the right path is seldom easy. It is a decision we make with only our hearts to guide us.” Author Unknown
Devotion
Advent, which means “coming” in Latin, is typically a season of waiting, listening, and preparing to celebrate the mystery of God with us, Immanuel. It is also a season that challenges our sense of well-BEing, however, as often, and on many levels, it catches us overDOing. Cultivating a right attitude about the days leading up to the holidays will help us stay true to our authentic self, our true nature as people who have heard the sacred teachings and are walking the path.
Yoga brings awareness of more than our bodies through the asanas; it attunes us to our thoughts, which in turn shape our attitudes. In our faith-based yoga practice we cultivate an openness to encounter God, both on our mats and in the larger world—and this encounter will shape our attitudes toward life and lead us to recognize our true nature as children of God. The invitation to cultivate an authentic life attitude this holiday season deflects our presence away from Doing toward the infinitely more fulfilling path of hope, peace, joy, and love.
Breath Prayer
Inhale Walk
Exhale with Me
Focus Pose: Have you ever noticed that the set of a person’s head and shoulders denotes their attitude: submissive, belligerent, hopeful, or depressed? The neck is the key to our head/shoulder alignment. This week in practice pay attention to your neck, seeking ease and comfort for it in each pose. Strengthen neck alignment by practicing Locust Pose, or salabhasana. Lie on your belly, arms alongside your body. On inhalation lift your chest, heart center, forward and upward as you lift both legs off the mat. Keep the back of your neck long—continuous with the spine. Upon exhalation lower your chest and legs down to the mat, turning your head so that your right cheek rests on the ground. On the next inhalation bring the head back to center as you lift the chest and legs. Then on the next exhalation lower to the mat, resting your left cheek on the ground. Continue for several rounds, feeling the strength of your upper back as you lift and allowing your neck to turn and then relax as you lower to the mat.
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