WEEK 3/ 52 WK CHALLENGE....WE DID IT

MEDITATION/MESSAGE

There are so very many things that can discourage our hearts. So many things that keep us from finding His voice that says "We are alright, simply because we are with Him and He is enough." This pose to me has taken years to work up to. Days of practice and stilling my mind and heart and body to hold; finding His balance and strength instead of my falter and weakness, no matter what level I was able to attain that day! It was a spiritual journey as well as a physical one for me. So today as you practice this pose, please take the time to whisper to yourself, no matter what you are able to do today....it is Enough for today! He will cover the rest. That He is still gazing upon you and taking Joy in who and what you are! That He is still there and has not left you alone in your frustrations, fears or disappointments. Simply let Him hold you here. As darkness and light collide He stands with you holding your hand and helping you find the balance and strength He longs to give you! Simply reach your hand out in this pose and know that He is reaching back. He will hold you still and He will bring you through to the other side.  So "dance" however you can today and know that He is still leading no matter what......

So often in the Word, God told His people, Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I am with you! Seriously again and again He whispers it to His children; today He wants us to know with our entire body!

The Lord himself goes before you and will lead you. He will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged. Duet 31:8

DANCER POSE DESCRIPTION

~ Starting from Mountain Pose 

~ Raise your right arm towards the sky

~Reach your left arm towards your left heal

~Slowly raise your left heal, bending the knee towards your left hand

~ Believe it or not, this is enough for beginning dancer, so you can stay here, breath and meditate on todays word and message. Or you may continue.

~ Remember do what you can today...It is enough!

~ If you have it available, grab your left ankle with the left hand and again you can stop here.

~Once you find your balance you can begin to hinge forward simultaneously beginning to pull the hand away from the foot and the foot away from the hand, creating tension like a bow would.

~Keeping the hips turned down towards the floor and reaching that right hand towards the Hand of God. Letting Him hold you hear

~ Holding whatever variation you found today for 7-10 Breaths, Inhale through the nose and exhale through the nose.

~ Repeat on other side.

~ The bind that I have shown above is also an option, but take your time getting there.

SONG SUGGESTIONS

Sweep Me Away by Charlie Hall

Healing Is In Your Hands by Christy Nockels

Every Breath You Take by Copeland

MEDITATION/MESSAGE

“I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 33:6

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 ESV

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” Psalm 147:3 ESV

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 ESV

Yoga is a tool that provides gradual improvements in flexibility, strength, and concentration; just as God provides healing for our heart and soul, gradually, and in HIS perfect timing! Yoga isn't about being able to shape your body into a pretzel; when practicing yoga, the main focus should be on what one learns about their selves. In life, most of the time we are judged by how quickly we can get things done; because of this, it's hard to develop the opposite mindset of slowing down, becoming centered, and relaxing. Learning to build awareness of the body and breath in order to prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually for practice is very important in gaining the full benefits of yoga. Taking small steps to slow things down in life, one day at a time will be helpful. Change can be a hard thing to accept and adapt to but we can rest knowing that the word of God tells us “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Simple Seated Pose is a great posture to practice when mediating and focusing on bringing awareness to the present moment and the physical body.

SIMPLE SEATED POSE DESCRIPTION

Sitting cross-legged is an important part of yoga practice and is commonly used for breathing and meditation practices. It requires flexibility in the back thighs, back of the pelvis, and inner thighs, as well as external rotation of the hip joints. These are all large muscles and take time to stretch; developing the flexibility to sit easily is a gradual process. Seated and meditation postures are generally calming and nurturing, although some produce significant opening of the hip and require greater effort. When practiced with proper alignment of the spine and pelvis, they promote energy, improve circulation, reduce fatigue,soothe the nervous system and center the mind.

-Starting on the floor, cross the legs, widen the knees, and slip each foot beneath the opposite knee

-Relax the feet so their outer edges rest comfortably on the floor and the inner arches settle just below the opposite shin. There should be a comfortable gap between the feet and the pelvis.

-Focusing on the alignment of the:

o   pelvis, in a relatively neutral position

o   chin,  parallel to the floor

o   head, erect

o   shoulders, straight but relaxed and away from the ears

o   tail bone, lengthening towards the floor

-The hands may sit in the lap palms up or clasped, placed on the knees palms down or held in prayer position

~You can sit in this position for any length of time, alternating the cross of the legs may be beneficial if sitting for extended periods. To relieve any tension in the knees or lower back sitting on a cushion may help.

*If you’ve experienced any knee injuries please take caution when attempting this pose.