Act of Rebellion

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The news is troubling to me. And I know I’m not alone.

I hear from friends and clients who also worry about our country’s leadership, the economy, violence and oppression.

Among people touched by cancer, there is a genuine fear of losing health insurance benefits which could mean the difference between continuing to live and thrive and dying.

It’s a heavy situation. And yet, cancer survivors have faced heavy situations before. To survive and thrive, you must pace yourself. http://www.kellyinselmann.com/monday-morning-videos/learning-to-pace-yourself/

Rest is essential if you want to be strong enough to continue living and to stand up for yourself and others. Can you give yourself permission to nourish your body and mind by setting aside the unknowns and the fears for a few moments?

The rebel in me likes Child’s Pose.

I bring my forehead to the floor and feel relief.  Closing my eyes, I temporarily

withdraw from resonating with the sorrows of the world.  

                   Sitting on my heels, forehead to the floor, my arms are relaxed to the sides or along the floor above my head.

Knees are open to relax the hips.

In this era of “infomania,” we are stimulated by thousands of competing thoughts, fears, feelings, and ideas.   There is much information and precious little understanding.

In this context, Child’s Pose is a subversive and vital act of rebellion.

Simple and intrinsic to our bodies; babies and children do it in their sleep and play.

In Child’s Pose, time slows down. I temporarily reject the outside world to experience my inner one. I feel grounded, connected to the earth, and aware of the sensations in my body.

Symbolically, it is a classic position of vulnerability and humility.Neck exposed, my head (and intellect) is momentarily surrendered. No more obsessing, problem solving, planning, attempting to control things.

In my Yoga and Talk ® Therapy Group, “Denise,” who suffers from chronic fatigue since her cancer treatment, feels a shift when she comes into Child’s Pose, dropping into her body and the felt experience of herself. She later describes child’s pose as a refuge from her fearful thoughts about her condition, the expectations of others, and anxiety about the future. Over time, Child’s Pose has become an experience of safety she draws on when stressed or exhausted.

And for me, each time a group comes into this resting posture, or I do it myself, I feel the subversive power and potential that is cultivated through deep rest.

 

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7 thoughts on “Act of Rebellion”

  1. precious, perfect photo! synchronistic topic and love how you presented it. i’m just now having several teensy-little, one medium and one large conscious rests in the last week – those, i can FEEL. miracle. gained 25 lbs in one year from the depression and medications, so it’s not comfortable to be in baby pose, anymore. reading your blog shook it in front of my face to apply a comfortable modification for my body, as i have for countless others, to be in that position. i’ve been working with SatTara K (Boulder CO – therapist) for about 2 weeks – goddess provided a counselor who’s meeting me at my level (overwhelmed, exhausted, sick husband (in the head) out of work, and fighting to keep up with active ptsd) and she’s really helping me she offered a reduced rate so i can even think of going to her i did her 40-days in Chicago about 20 yrs ago – that’s how i know her and why i felt comfortable to approach her as a professional i love you satnaam hug enjoy your summer

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  2. Oh Dearest Guruatma – sending much love to you my dear friend and teacher. I’m glad you are finding some comfort with a good therapist – you deserve to have what you need-you are such a giver and blessing to others. I love you too and send you a big hug XOX

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  3. Yes, powerful photo and powerful message. I’ve always enjoyed the surrender and vulnerability of Child’s Pose, and could use a modification,please! It can’t get on my knees right now because of severe pain (osteoarthritis?). Can you help?

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    • Great question Linda! Have you tried placing props on top of your ankles and legs – like a large pillow, blankets, etc in order to lift your bottom up and relieve the knees? This is one modification. Child’s pose is meant to be a restorative resting posture. Some people find they can achieve more flexibility with practice, but in a case of osteoarthritis, true injury and discomfort, I would recommend finding alternate resting positions. For example, sivasana -relaxation on the back with the knees supported. And perhaps adding an eye pillow – like i know you do!- to help shut out the external world. If you want the sensation of bringing the forehead to rest, you might even try sitting and placing your forehead on the table like we used to do in elementary school. It’s actually an effective way of signaling your body and mind to take a rest! XO

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