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I See the Moon




This week of May 24, 2021 will enjoy a beautiful full moon - a supermoon.  The moon is at or near its closest location to earth, and thus appears larger in the night sky.   

One thing that I find precious about yoga is that the practice is all about connection.   The word yoga means yoke or union.   The union of body, mind, and spirit.  The link between the inhale and the exhale. The connectedness between ourselves and the wonders of nature all around us.  The relationship of the individual to all living things.

Many yoga practitioners are familiar with the Surya Namaskar - the Sun Salutation.   Just thinking about the meaning of those words can fill the heart.   We salute the sun with our breath, our focus, and our movements.   

Less familiar to many, perhaps, is the Chandra Namaskar, or the Moon Salutation.   The Chandra Namaskar itself is a relatively recent practice - late 20th century - but the practice of honoring the moon is an ancient tradition among many peoples and cultures.  

The Chandra Namaskar is my favorite practice, with sinuous flowing movements.   We flow from side to side and we sink and lengthen into lunges.   It's a soothing practice - quieting, nourishing, gentle.

Let's take ourselves outside at night to pay attention to the darkness.  The stillness.   The stars.   The moon.  The sounds.  Let's give our eyes time to adjust to the darkness so that we can better see that which is only dimly lit.  In your comments, please share your experiences.

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I'll be releasing some short videos including gestures and movements from the Chandra Namaskar to my YouTube Channel this week.  Here's one that spotlights the Pushpaputa Mudra, a beautiful gesture of giving and receiving - of taking in and letting go. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x54q96VhdJs   Please visit my Channel and subscribe. Debbie Kell - YouTube

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