How do we even know when we are in the present instead of some kind of alternate dimension made up of our notions of past, present, future, and fantasy? This might be harder to answer than you think as we are always viewing the world from our individual ego's perspective. What is considered real and unreal at a certain time is revealed to us by our constantly changing perspective on the world and ourselves, the information that we take in through the senses, the inter interpretation of those experiences base on our ego, our DNA, our circle of friends, social circumstance, cultural identity, taste affinity, allergies, good touch, bad touch, etc. etc... So much goes into our interpretation of what is really happening moment to moment. How do we see through the illusion to the real? I can not give you a one size fits all answer, though many people, including myself, have found use in yoga postures as well as affirmation/mantra.
How exactly does this work? Both the physical postures and affirmations can help the mind and the body focus on a clear goal, simplifying the direction to a specific point, a clear path. In this case the clear path would be to the present. Letting all distraction, fantasies of what is, has been, will be, and just coming into contact with something very literal, real, and present, like the sensations of the body helps greatly in dispelling the chaos of uncertainty. Not taking any specific notion of value from the sensations that we experience, or the thoughts and emotions that arise, but just trying to feel them as they are, to let them settle into a place of awareness of presence, helps us maintain connection to the present. In order to try and help the mind focus on the intention of being present, to connect more wholeheartedly with the body in this present moment, an affirmation or mantra, a few words repeated over and over again, further calms the irregularities of the emotions, mind, and even sensations in the body that are born from mental aberrations.
CAUTION: This pose can be stressful for the back and hamstrings, so take you time to understand your limits. Take special note of any SHARP pain that arises, backing off or moving out of the pose entirely.
- First, from a seated position, legs out straight before you, explore bending the left knee, bringing the left soul into the inner right thigh.
- Once the leg is in position, invite the breath in as you raise your arms.
- Exhale, hinging at the hips, fold forward, reaching for the foot of the straight leg maintaining a flat back.
- In this folded position, Janu Sirsasana, Head to Knee Pose, I invite you to say the affirmation “I move into the present.” aloud or silently. Focus on the sensations that you are experiencing here and now, not attaching any specific meaning to them, unless it is clear that you need to adjust the pose because of an unhealthy SHARP pain.
- Stay in the pose, repeating the affirmation as long as feels right to you.
- Next, I invite you to explore the other side, bending the right leg, and straightening the left leg this time. Repeat the affirmation or just experience the joy of the pose itself, trying to remain on this side for the same amount of time as you were in the first.
Thank you for practicing with me today! :-) It is always a joy to share something that has helped me find peace and happiness in my own journey with the intention that it might help you, my friend, do the same! I hope that you are feeling a bit more present, grounded, and relaxed as a result of this practice. Whatever your experience, I pray that you feel a movement to overall health and happiness deep within, therefore inviting others to embrace health and happiness by your very presence, your very state of well being. Joy is the good kind of contagious! Love and Blessings, now and always! Aaron :-)