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Mind Body Messenger
Issue #16, August 2004
Keeping Up with Heather…
I want to thank those of you who offered your feedback and comments on my last column “Canine Acts of Kindness”. This newsletter reaches out to people of all ages and backgrounds as it crosses Canada, the US, Japan and Australia, so you can imagine that there are always a variety of responses. I was interested to read so many different perspectives and ideas on my query, and on my own personal views. I was not surprised that a few of you suggested that I might have a bit of an idealistic view of the world. It’s not the first time that I’ve been accused of being a little lost in (what some assume is) the gentle and uncomplicated world of the mystic. Perhaps this is so. And, perhaps this is why I keep up a dialogue with such an amazing array of people, namely, you, the reader. It is often quite grounding for me to hear other philosophies, opinions and ideas. But, I sometimes wonder, is all this philosophizing a waste of time? Should I just get back to the old ‘how to’ form of writing; identify a problem, outline the risks, then offer a 10 step solution? Or, does this questing in itself have a purpose? Well, in this case it seems to have a definite function, because all this philosophizing has gotten me thinking…
What’s the difference between idealism and realism? Is one simply a fantastical view of the world, one step away from unicorns and glittering waterfalls, while the other is grounded and true? Or, are they perhaps two similarly reasonable perspectives filtered through the sieve of our past experience, our attitudes and fear, and our ability to see a greater possibility than the ‘probable outcome’? Is an idealistic person living in an ‘airy fairy’ realm of shimmering light, saccharine ‘cosmic’ love, and blind hope? Is an idealist’s glass half full of ether? Or, is it the realist that is out of balance, simply a pessimist in disguise projecting their fears, their lack of faith, and their hopelessness on a world full of possibility? Is realism just a more philosophical package for someone afraid to be disappointed by the world? Is a realist’s glass half empty by choice, because they only expect half a glass?
What I have learned in my studies is that the truth always lies in the space between. It is my feeling that this law is true in this case as well. I’d like to suggest that we don’t have to choose between these two apparently opposite poles. Perhaps, there is a middle ground here, a perspective that is supported both by lofty ideals and visions of a world poised for greatness, and simultaneously grounded in the common sense of daily life, our responsibility to have impact, and most probable outcomes.
I’m not suggesting that we need to consult our fairy cards before taking a step in the world, but similarly, we don’t have to limit ourselves by expecting based on our past results. And, in fact, by expecting the best and preparing for anything, are we not best poised for a probable outcome that surpasses our everyday reality? I look to some of the greatest thinkers and mystics of our history for inspiration on this point.
Why believe in the unbelievable?
Norman Vincent Peale suggests that, “People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success."
When others think you unreasonable, are you hiding from reality, or creating a new one?
George Bernard Shaw theorizes that, "Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people."
Can believing in the best get you the best?
Frank Lloyd Wright theorizes that, “The thing always happens that you believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.”
However,
James Garfield cautions that, “Ambition by itself never gets anywhere until it forms a partnership with hard work.”
But, once you have combined belief and hard work, what is the missing ingredient in creating the life of your dreams?
Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us that, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
Thus, freshly inspired, I re-commit myself to my idealistic and enthusiastic view of a better world, with my feet more firmly planted on the ground, and my elbows greased for a bit of effort. I look forward to hearing your feedback, as always.
Namaste, Heather.
Note: A few recent conversations with students about what drew them to yoga and what they have experienced through their practice leads me to my next column, WHY YOGA? Your personal stories are necessary to make this column an inspiration!
Yoga For Mind and Body
Part 7
The seventh in a series of columns offering yoga postures for men, women, and children to practice at home, school, on the road or in the office. With special thanks to Ross Pottinger of Wink Photo Design in Brisbane, Australia for the photos and the support in this project. And many thanks to Louisa Dick for taking part in the project. Do check with your health care practitioner before beginning a yoga posture. Many postures are not suitable for pregnant women, people with joint replacements, those with hypertension or other medical conditions. If you have a posture that you would like to see in this column, I welcome your suggestions. Namaste, H!
 The Pose: Seated, bring your right foot over the left knee to plant the right foot on the thigh side of the knee, toes facing forward. Bend the left knee and draw the left heel to the outside of the right hip. With sit bones grounded, use your right hand to draw your knee into your chest as you extend your left arm, then wrap it around your right knee, folding your hand down to your hip. Place the right hand on the ground behind your back at your tailbone, with your fingertips facing away from your body. Lift through your spine, then exhale and rotate your body to the right, gazing over your right shoulder. Release and repeat on the left.
Breathing: Inhale and stretch your spine up, exhale and rotate through your trunk, then maintain a full, natural breath through the nose.
 To Modify: If your sit bones do not sit evenly on the ground, keep the right leg extended as you draw the left leg over.
To Intensify: Cross the right arm over the thigh-side of the left leg to grasp the right knee.
To Further Intensify: Inwardly rotate the left arm and wrap it around your back as you draw the right arm across the thigh-side of your right leg, reach under the right knee to clasp your hands together. Ensure that you keep the spine tall, sit bones grounded, and most importantly maintain your breath.
Focus: Ensure that your mind is steady in this pose, and you do not twist to the point of struggle. Allow the body to rotate at it’s own pace with the expansion of each breath.
Contraindications: Not suitable for pregnant women and people with recent hip replacements.
Benefits: Rotates spine and releases trapped energy. Balances the nervous system.
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