Swallows & Heroes, Reclining.
“Penetration of our mind is our goal, but in the beginning to set things in motion, there is no substitute for sweat.”
~ B.K.S. Iyengar
Sometimes the synchronicity between parts of our lives is breathtaking. Or maybe, it looks that way because we want it to. Maybe we see things fit together, because we wish it so.
I wasn’t worried about the practicality of returning to a daily yoga practice; I’ve done it before and I enjoy it. I was a little worried that I wouldn’t have much to say about it. But, as I move into the second week of it, I’ll take my own advice and just write what’s true, without trying to keep to some formula or be entertaining.
For some reason, when I moved into Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero) today, I just wanted to stay there indefinitely. I lay there, and exhaled deeply, sighed. I lay back, and thought of the swallow on my shoulder. Thought of how unheroic I felt. Thought I might cry.
Supposedly, Reclining Hero can bring up emotions that we’ve locked down and kept put away, because of the dramatic way it opens up the front of the body. Lying there, vulnerable, open is such a freeing feeling. It’s not something we equate with being heroic.
A few months ago, I got a new tattoo, a swallow on my shoulder. The swallow tattoos are classic, symbolic of a long journey, from which the sailor always returns home. And maybe, to you, there is no synchronicity between a long journey and a hero, reclining. For me, in those few minutes of stillness, I felt content in my vulnerability. Felt restored and encouraged and soothed by my sweat and tears. Felt at home, in myself.
We journey, so we can find our way home.
We lie vulnerable—open—because it gives us strength.
We find the cure in salt water, in sweat, in tears.
It sets us in motion in a far deeper way than all our thinking and planning could ever do.
Whatever your day brings, may the end of your journey today find you resting at home within yourself.
What was your practice like today? Are you doing #yogaeverydamnday this month? Check back for my updates and follow along on Twitter @kate_bartolotta and Pinterest.
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[...] Actually, it’s not new, but I have been thinking about it more the past few days. [...]
Hmmmm….one of those golden nuggets of writing that many don't see. I loved it Kate. Such simplicity. Such honesty. And I know what that is like to just be, whether in a pose or in a moment….the stillness finds our heart and for all the joy there is sadness finds us as well.
Thank you, Edie!