Summer 2021: Beauty, Breath, and Movement
June Newsletter 2021
“Beauty brings us back that state of vulnerability, innocence and abandon in which, like a child, we are taken by the hand to disclose the kingdom of wonders and marvels thus putting us in touch with Nature where the miracle of existence is renewed each day.
- Vanda Scaravelli
The beauty of summer is fully upon us, rich in color and beauty. This is an especially busy time with the relaxation of restrictions allowing us to reconnect with others after a long winter of Covid isolation. Here on Madeline Island we are experiencing even more busy-ness with the influx of people arriving daily to enjoy summer on the big lake. The craziness of busy times can cause us to miss the beauty, the waves lapping on the lake, the flowers bursting forth, the caterpillar on the milkweed, or the special people around us. In times like these it is more important and necessary than ever to slow down and take in each moment to appreciate the beauty and clarity that summer can provide.
Yoga and Tai Chi, if practiced in a group, can help us to connect with others, but also connect more deeply with our own inner selves. These practices can help slow us down with deliberate movements that nourish and honor the body. They invite us to experience the beauty of movement in unison like a dance. They can bring the mind and body, breath and soul, into a single, collaborative, working unit. Vanda Scaravelli goes on to explain that “yoga will be accepted by the body when done without resistance. The wave along the spine is like the melody…the beautiful flow of extension in action, this wave will help the body find the right adjustments in the performance of various movements.” The key component to accomplishing this harmony is moving without resistance, moving with grace and gravity. Harmony is health and beautiful. Yoga and Tai Chi invite us to honor our bodies where they are and appreciate what they can do at that moment in time. Not pushing or fighting to “do the pose right.” “Right” is to flow with what your body can do to feel the beauty and comfort of movement and pose.
Movement is health; breathing is cleansing, healing, beautiful and essential. Keeping the body active via gentle motions and focused breathing without resistance feeds the soul. Come join us for some full body nourishment at yoga on the dock at Soul Breeze or at Tai Chi in the library parking lot!
Visit Healing Motion’s Calendar for Tai Chi, Yoga, and more
Honor your practice with Healing Motion Zoom Classes
As a gentle reminder, please remember to give attention to this time you have dedicated to your practice and to honor your body. It is helpful to have a strap, belt or dishtowel, and a block or two (or a couple of big books) to help you achieve the best, most comfortable positions for your body. A foldable chair for the gentle yoga may be helpful, especially if you have difficulty getting on and off the floor.
Why Chant OM
I started ending all classes with the sound of “om” after I read how the making the universal sound activates the vagus nerve, a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system, PNS, also known as our calming system. Singing, humming and exhaling all stimulate the vagus nerve. So if you feel stressed try humming or singing a tune, or exhale with the om sound and see if you can relax your system through universal sound.
The universal sound and sacred symbol has a deeper meaning in Hinduism, starting with creation and essence of the universal reality; the union with the mind, body and spirit. In Buddhism this sound symbolizes compassion and connection.
I invite you to join me at the end of class to offer the brief chant of om and feel the vibrations in your system. If it’s not your jam that’s fine too - silence is welcome as well.
Parting thought
We need beauty around us. Beauty is the essence of life… It opens the heart to love, leads the brain to clarify and invites the mind to comprehend and the body to participate.”
- Vanda Scaravelli
May you know the peace, joy, and relaxation that deep breaths and easy movements of your body and mind can offer; heal, nourish and love your whole self together with us or on your own at some time this week or in the coming month. May you feel the beauty of practice.
Light and love, Marnie