Suki Dalury in Dhanurasana, by Zoe Zimmerman for Sundara Studios 2013
If you are like me, then you know that this month marked an exciting new season of Game of Thrones. The show is based on a novel series written in New Mexico and though the landscape of the story is nothing like this state, I have a deep affinity for any beauty that conjures up inspiration, be it New Mexico or Westeros. Beauty inspires more beauty — this seems to be the way beauty is. The nature of humans to create more beauty in a world of beauty amazes me. To write stories just for the sake of having them told, to carve statues and paint paintings just to look at them, to make food and wine and love just to enjoy it.
Much like an artist, the yogi and the archer are also skilled craftsmen participating in the cycle of the creation of beauty. In Game of Thrones fighting with medieval weapons is the norm, the bow and arrow common. And in the yoga, though our battles are different, there is a sweet similarity in the use of bows to slay the dragons, monsters, and great misusers of power.
Begin lying upon your belly. Take a deep breath to connect to your heart, the seat of your truest self, and remember that as you are you are enough. Connecting to the deeper awareness of your heart, shine light into your shadow being as you bend both knees and reach back to grab your ankles or the tops of your feet. Inhale to engage your abdominal muscles, drawing back toward your spine and up toward your heart. Exhale to kick your feet up and back, letting your head and heart follow as they lift away from the floor and shine brightly into the caves and caverns of your fear.
Breathe deeply and enjoy.