You can infuse the above backward bend with more power and passion and gain more energy if you consciously create an intention. For example, as you begin, ask yourself, "how can I open myself to new possibilities and perspectives to serve others?
About 6 weeks ago, my beau and I enjoyed seeing the film, American Hustle. Filled with many amusing scenes, one in particular caught my attention. The character, Rosalyn, (deftly played by Jennifer Lawrence) tells her husband Irving (superbly acted by Christian Bale) how she has been reading The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer and how they can tackle their current challenges by harnessing this power. I laughed when I heard this line because Lawrence delivered it in such a funny way. Also, I laughed to msyelf because I KNEW that Wayne Dyer did not publish that book in the late 1970s! It wasn't released until 2005!
Movie historical inaccuracies aside, there IS power in setting your intention to any activity or goal you have including your daily home yoga practice. As I said when I began writing this blog in January 2008, when I set the intention of infusing more "esprit" aka "spirit" into my daily yoga practice, my energy skyrocketed - literally! I felt so much more alive off the mat and throughout the day.
I have to admit, though, that I don't always remember to do this, but most of the time I do and the difference in my energy throughout the day is discernable.
The February 2014 issue of Yoga Journal includes a wonderful article, "Inspiration Point" by yoga instructor Sean Johnson, who reveals that a yoga practice over time can become rote and lose its power if you don't consciously set intentions for your poses. I agree.
I love Johnson's statement, "With a dose of creativity, you can infuse each asana (pose) with a greater sense of meaning and purpose-and reikindle your passion for practice."
Indeed!
And Johnson suggests a brilliant technique that is a variation of what I have done. He recommends that as you enter a pose- for example, the downward-facing dog, you do the following: "Spread your fingers wider and press more intently into your hands. Ask yourself: 'How can I best touch the world through these hands, these feet and this body? What is the gift I offer to the world?'
I plan to apply Johnson's technique right away and I will start with the statement I made in the photo above of me doing the backward bend. Why don't you try it also and report your results?!
Yours for rekindling your passion for your home yoga practice through the power of intention,
Laura Venecia Rodriguez, the Beginner's at Home Yoga Coach
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