At times when I feel the most dispersed, I’ve learned the way back to focus is through the core. If I draw attention to the mid-line, I know I can reacquaint myself with an unapologetic strong center. My mind is gathered from the extremities and collected from the drama. It’s an inner alignment that I crave right now. I need that rooting and grounding so my personal power no longer feels diffused.
While we may think of all the physical benefits of core toning to build a solid foundation, this kind of attention is a countering effect for light and mobile emotions - like fiery anger and airy anxiety. When temperaments move into restless, anxious places - feeling the visceral engagement of muscles stabilizes us. Hugging the muscles to bone, knitting in to support the spine, feeling the feet root to rise; it’s physical poetry to steady us when overwhelmed.
This week, I offer this forty minute gentle yoga practice pulled from the Dharma Days collection for anyone who needs to access a spirited sovereignty. It focuses on activating the abdominals, releasing tension from the belly with diaphragmatic breathing, and low back support. For those of you in the yoga membership, who want to keep going with core work, there’s always this playlist of 12 classes to strengthen, tone, and balance the Vata and Pitta doshas.
Come to the mat with Attention and Intention.
Where in the body are you placing your attention?
Where in the mind and heart are you directing your intention?
Intention and attention come together to move us into a conscious connected practice - where we can contact the sentiments, moods and emotions we most need to discharge, transform, or amplify.
It’s exactly how the body and mind can work together through yoga. This is the magic that goes beyond the poses to a more healing practice. The attention is on core activation to stabilize the torso, strengthen the abs, move through a supple spine. The intention is to support the flighty, fiery emotions and connect us to our power.
