by: ponsuwan

This morning I awoke with a pleasant sensation of newly cleared out sinuses. It seems my cold is passing!

And then I realized it had moved into my throat.

It actually made me smile. On a day when I need to teach class and conduct some business, the body seems to have spoken up. It is asking me to be still, be quiet. I feel the message. And I am actually taking it as a nice enforced rest. I can rest most of the day, fortunately. I will still be able to teach, since I actually feel a ton better than I have, but I will care for myself today and use this as an opportunity for less talking, more focus within for the students. My own practice of ahimsa (non-harming) can still provide something of value in the class. Rather than a limitation experienced as a problem, I can enjoy a different way of working, of harmonizing with my students.

Erich Schiffmann, author and amazing teacher, writes in his book Yoga, the Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness:

” Stillness is not the absence or negation of energy, life, or movement. Stillness is dynamic. It is unconflicted movement, life in harmony with itself, skill in action. It can be experienced whenever there is total, uninhibited, unconflicted participation in the moment you are in – when you are wholeheartedly present with whatever you are doing (p. 3, emphasis mine).”

I understand this feeling in my throat to be one of the body attempting to isolate a problem and care for itself. The natural immune system is working (thank goodness) and would like me to practice stillness. This will mean quietness, but more than that – I think it means remaining present to being in harmony with the body throughout the day. I don’t want to just push my throat as it heals. Talking can be done as needed and with care. Not bad advice at any time, if you think about it.

Yoga Pose of the Day: Mountain Pose (held for a full minute- see if you can remain present to the body, in stillness)

Yogic Concept of the Day: Where is my body giving me signals to pay attention and act in harmony with its process of healing or support? Can I remain aware in stillness with this experience?