This morning, though, I did about 10 minutes of yoga. I'm a complete and total novice, so it was just some simple stuff that I know my body likes - sun salutation, pigeon pose, tree, and some downward dog. I loved closing my eyes and focusing on my breathing as I did the sun salutations. It was grounding, the in-out, in-out, as my breath found a rhythm in my body.
I'd like to do more of this - make it a more regular part of my practice.
I'm curious - in what ways do you inhabit your body as a spiritual practice? What spiritual practices connect you with your body and your breath? Do you walk a labyrinth on a regular basis? (We have a fabulous one at First Universalist, if you're ever interested.) Do you do walking meditation? Yoga? How is body awareness part of your practice or discipline?
5 comments:
Tap dance. Honestly. It can be so complex that I have to pay all my attention to it. It is one of the only times in my week when I am entirely present in one place and nowhere else.
@Heidi - nice! That makes sense. You know, your comment reminded me that when I'm riding my unicycle, it really does take all of my attention and focus...and I ride it better when I sit straight up and take deep breaths...it's interesting to feel my feet on the pedals, to feel my body in balance, in motion. If I really pay attention, it does become a sort of "meditative" practice. Thanks for making me think of this.
Heidi is reminding me that I keep threatening to join her tap class ;)
You'd better, Arif. I keep waiting for you to show up.
Running around Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun or home from dowtown minneapolis after work is one of my spiritual disciplines. I either sit with my thoughts as I run or listen to sermon podcasts which I love - especially when something that is said really resonates with me. My favorite sermon podcast is James Gertmenian of Plymouth Church right here in Mpls. His post modern take on liberal christianity is inspiring to me and connects me with my liberal religious upbrining. I also like Marlin Lavenhar and Christine Robinson - UU Albequerque
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