Body Awe
Words by Jennifer Cardinal
I walk into the dimly lit studio lined with bamboo floors. The air is warm and thick with the scent of lavender oil. I turn my phone off and place my shoes and bag in a cubby near the door. As I roll out my mat the inner lip curls in from lack of use; with the best intentions my yoga gear has been stashed in the trunk of my car for several weeks patiently awaiting utility.
“We will begin in child’s pose...”
I pull my body down to the floor and position myself on all fours. I then push my arms straight as my knees go wide and my backside falls back toward my feet. The stress in my lower back is relieved. My hips open as they surrender to gravity. Release. I inch my fingers forward and feel my ribs separate as the sides of my body open and allow space for my lungs to expand. I explore my breathing and settle into an inhale to the count of four with an exhale of the same tempo. With each breath out, I allow the busy thoughts in my mind to fade away. This is my time; protected from hurry and distraction. My self-care, my soul-care. I find the familiar calm of the pose. My body begs to linger in this feeling of safety. Comfort. Refuge.
“...stand tall in tadasana, mountain pose...”
As I stand at the top of my mat, the four corners of my feet are rooted down; pushing into the mat, the floor, the earth. Grounded. On firm foundation. I trust the surface to hold me, to support me. My body lengthens as if a string at the crown of my head is pulling me upward. I feel energy in my hands: fingers spread wide, palms facing forward. Every muscle in my body is engaged, yet free of strain. I’m simply standing, yet powerful.
“...take downward facing dog...”
From all fours, I tuck my toes under and I push my hands into the mat while my hips pull upwards. I walk my legs out a few times before reaching my heels back toward the floor, settling my body into an inverted V. I feel a deep, soothing stretch along the back of my calves and space opens between my vertebrae as my spine lengthens. My shoulders engage as I draw them back, releasing pressure from my wrists. I am strong.
“...move your body into rag doll...”
From standing, I hinge forward at the hips with slightly bent knees and fold my chest toward my legs, allowing my upper body to hang freely. I reach my hands to opposite elbows and gently sway my clasped arms from side to side, then back and forth. The pull from the weight of my head and arms creates a comforting space between my shoulders. Ease. With each inhale I feel the expansion of my back, the air allowed to fill the opening. Potential. Possibility.
“…enter into supta baddha konasana, reclining bound angle pose…”
I lay down on my back with my legs bent and bring the bottoms of my feet together as my knees fall apart. I feel a stretch along my inner thighs. I lay my arms away from my body and place my hands palms up on the floor. My chest opens, counteracting the incessant hunched over shape my body takes in my daily life. In this pose, my body is vulnerable, yet free of fear. Open. Receptive.
“...and, finally, relax into savasana, corpse pose.”
I lie down flat on my back. I relax my shoulders under my body, relieving my involuntary shrug of stress. I spread out my body, filling my mat. My feet fall apart. I take a deep breath in and audibly sigh it out, creating gentle, comforting vibrations in the back of my throat. I mentally scan my body beginning with my toes and working my way up to my head; coaching my mind to loosen each muscle. I lose track of my breath. Silence. I am challenged with motionlessness, stillness, inactivity. I surrender. Rest. Gratitude. I am restored.
“Namaste.”
Intentionally taking time to move my body unlocks space that allows me to be present. Space that provides an opportunity for reflection. Space that opens a gateway to wonder. Wonder at the amazing body I live in. I am in awe of what my body can do. Capable. Resilient. Each tiny modification creates a cascade of impact. Each contraction complimented by an opposite expansion; a push and pull coexisting in harmony: at peace.
About the Author:
Jennifer is a stay at home mom who enjoys health and fitness, reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends. As the wife of a Navy Veteran, she has lived all over the country and is now happily settled with her family near Augusta, Georgia.