Mind Body Messenger
Issue#11 March 2004

Keeping Up with Heather…

I just found this piece that I wrote in preparation for a Self Mastery II course in 2002, and decided to share it with you. Since writing this piece, I have reflected a lot more on the concepts of time and space. However, the concept of ‘time’ still mystifies me, and I thought you might like to ponder this great question as well.

What is Time?

It has been an amazing experience to observe my perceptions of time, and how it has influenced my life thus far. I admit that I haven’t put a lot of thought into this concept before. So, after reading Power of Silence by Carlos Castenada, and pondering for a few days the notion of time, I have begun to stretch my mind to consider the possibilities. Unfortunately, the more I think about ‘time’, the more questions I have. It seems that I can view this concept from so many perspectives, and it look so different from each angle. So, I’m afraid I have come to no conclusions, but the query is opening doors to rooms in my mind that could use some airing out.

As I reflect on time, my experiences in sport have offered me an opportunity to explore this ‘law’, and I’m reminded of what it feels like to learn how to jump a small course on horseback. In a typical course, there are a series of fences or obstacles that you will jump in just 60-120 seconds. When I watch my coaches or clients ride, everything happens so quickly and I am baffled as to how they accomplish these amazing feats of speed, coordination, agility, power and technique. Most often when I ride, it feels like I am just barely catching up with the obstacles being thrown at me.

Survival; it’s a far cry from mastery. But what keeps me trying day after day are those rare occasions when my full attention is on my course. I seem to be able to somehow harness time. I have a two-fence combination, three strides apart. After my first fence, I have a few seconds before my next fence. Somehow, I can not only ascertain my current pace, position, and trajectory, but I can make a multitude of adjustments to my seat, my aids, my horse’s pace, stride, and approach to the fence. It isn’t “possible” to do all of these things in three seconds, and yet somehow, if I am fully focussed on just that fence, time gives me some room to manoeuvre. However, if I get caught up in thinking about the rail I had down on the last fence, or the terrifying obstacle coming up, or my frustration with my limitation in skill, three seconds is three seconds, I have enough space to say “Oh ~!” before my horse takes off again. Therefore, the only conclusion that I can draw is that time is mine to manipulate, as long as my awareness is not divided.

Perhaps in our frantic efforts to keep up with time, we have forgotten that we created time to establish structure in our world, time of day, seasons etc. And since we created time, we are it’s master. Time does not have dominion over us, but without proper ‘management’ perhaps time can get away from us, like an unruly horse on a lead.

Ultimately, what I have realized through this all this contemplation, is that to me, time = awareness. When I am meditating and enjoying the vacuum-like quality of inner space, time flies. As I wait in traffic late for a meeting, time crawls. Therefore, time is relative to my desired outcome in any given situation, my perception of the value of experiences, and the amount of attention that I give to them.

My clients tell me that time is the biggest obstacle to their ability to exercise, eat well and create positive lifestyle changes. Time is the great commodity when it comes to nurturing a family, developing a loving relationship or building a business. Anti-aging efforts (fighting time) are one of the fastest growing and lucrative health trends. But, we made time. It’s only an idea, a map, a tool; time is a device to offer structure to a community of like-minded beings. Can’t we just make time do our bidding? How do you become the master of time?

Ed: After all this reflection, do I have any answers? Not a chance. But, to wake up to what is real and what is contrived in this world is certainly a worthy exercise. The enquiry alone is ‘worth’ the time. And, I hope that you will ‘take the time’ to ponder this question as well. Perhaps the mastery of this concept of time is one of the grand destinies that we all share. Mastery, not just keeping up; survival. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Namaste; I Salute You,
Heather!

New Site…

A quick update on some changes happening in Mind Body Mastery. As I (Heather) am establishing a yoga-fitness-lifestyle business in Canada, I felt the need for a new name, a new symbol, and a new site. After much deliberation on what collection of letters would best reflect what I am endeavouring to offer as a teacher, I have purchased the domain www.yogatrinity.com

This domain is currently directing viewers to Mind Body Mastery, but in the coming months I will be developing a new site with yoga moves, meditations, inspirational stories and quotes, reviews, and upcoming programs and services. Both Christopher and I will still be available at www.mind-body-mastery as well, and this newsletter will most assuredly survive the change.

In our next issue I will let you in on the meaning of the trinity of yoga, and where I intend to go with this new name, new concept, and new business. In the meantime, please note the change to my email address: heather@yogatrinity.com

Ed Note: Interesting, as I prepare to send this document to you all, the news tells me that evidence of water has been found on Mars…Interesting…

The third 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. If you have a posture that you would like to see in this column, I welcome your suggestions. Namaste, H!

The Fish Pose - Matsyasana ... printer friendly version

This inversion posture helps to open the chest and heart, stimulates brain, pineal and pituitary glands, strengthens and activates upper back. Ideal to counter round-shouldered posture, neck tension, and stimulate clarity of heart and mind.

Preparations: Lie on your back. Bring hands and elbows under your body so palms are flat on the ground under hips and elbows are under mid back. Legs are straight and grounded, with feet together and flexed. Inhale and curl up to look at your toes, bringing your weight into your elbows to initiate the movement.

Posture: Exhale and lift chin to look to the wall behind you. Rest the top of your head on the ground. 80% of your weight should be in your elbows, and 20% of your weight on your head. Work on activating upper back, squeezing shoulder blades together to open chest. Stretch your chin away from your collarbone, shoulders away from your ears, and imagine creating a smooth curved line from your tailbone to your crown. Continue to breath deeply into your throat and heart as you hold this posture for 30-60 seconds.

To Release: Exhale and curl up to look at toes, tucking your chin into your chest, and return to a comfortable lying position. Rest for a few moments before your next posture.

To Intensify: (for intermediate to advanced students)

1) Bring hands out from under body and bring to Namaste position. Ensure that you maintain a lift through the back so that no extra weight is placed on the head. Before you release return your hands under your hips.

2) With palms together, reach your arms overhead, maintain a curve through your spine, and little weight on your head. Before your release return your hands under your hips.

3) Before your begin the fish, bring your feet into lotus position and rest hands under hips, elbows under mid-back. Curl into the fish, maintaining relaxation in your hips, and choose a position with your hands. To release, bring hands under hips, curl up to look at toes, and release.