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All Humanity Newsletter | May 2022 |
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Greetings...
Inflection Points and the Sprouting of Spring
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An inflection point is when a shift of direction occurs. Take walking as an example. When you take your next step, notice your foot falling, your heel hitting, the rolling toward the ball of your foot, the launch upward by your flexing calf, and finally the lift of your chest that allows for the next step. The movement of weight across your foot is an infection point.
Recognizing inflection points is central to our work at Mind Body Solutions. Can we stay aware through both sides of an inflection point? When sitting, can I raise my arm over my head and realize that the ‘down’ is part of the ‘up?’ The realization of both sides of the inflection point is a transcendent realization for someone living with trauma, loss, and disability. It ultimately means that the struggles they live with every day is exactly why they have the potential to be an extraordinary yoga student.
Of course, inflection points need not happen in an instant. In fact, in life, they rarely do. Changes of direction take time. I am reminded of this every spring as I watch things sprout from the earth. Something falls into the ground as the air gets colder. Everything but what’s essential – the seed - falls away. Time passes. Conditions change. Warmth, water, and sunlight take hold and the restlessness that precedes growth begins to vibrate. Something bursts and suddenly green emerges from the dirt. Do the seeds have to push against the earth to sprout the green? I doubt it. They are part of a larger process. It’s the realization of the larger process that inspires, not just to push to emerge.
At Mind Body Solutions, we strive to support both sides of the inflection point. It’s how transformation happens.
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Matthew Sanford
Founder, Mind Body Solutions
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Pose of the month...
Space
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Space is the conduit of the inner body - Matthew Sanford |
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In asana, the body teaches the mind through movement, alignment, and adjustments. Yoga poses create space, channeling physical and mental sensations that can be salient or subtle, vitalizing or calming. The sensations of space are inflection points which guide the symmetrical and asymmetrical places in the mind and body.
From a stable seated position, ground down to feel and sense the feet and sit bones, then extend up beyond the top of the head. Extend the arms, palms, and fingers towards the floor and lift under the collar bones. Inhale and place the hands shoulder-distance apart on a wall or solid surface. Open the palms and spread the fingers, connecting the hands to where you can feel or sense the feet. Keeping the hands and feet engaged, lengthen the back. Notice the relief. Continue grounding and engaging the arms to press down through the legs and bring attention to the space between the shoulder blades. Soften that area, imagining it diffusing in every direction. It takes awareness and effort to access the mid-back. However, it is worth the practice, as it is the sweet spot behind the heart. Pause in that space and invite it to gradually connect the loud and quiet places in the body.
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Options:
- Have partner place their hand lightly between the shoulder blades for a few moments. Release and repeat. Notice the effects
- Play around with the distance between, and the height of the palms. Determine which position offers the most well being
- Create inflection points by slightly rounding the back into a concave position, followed by slightly extending up to a convex position.
- In lieu of extending the torso forward, place a vertical thin rolled blanket against the back of the chair. Sit back, allowing the reference of the blanket to create opening across the chest
- Practice sensing space in the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder joints
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Benefits:
- Space in the low back is essential for everyone, especially for people who sit often.
- Encourages spinal clarity and activation
- Integrates awareness and sensations throughout the body
- Bringing attention to the back body is calming
- Effort and ease, rooting and rising take place
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Foundations of Adaptive Yoga |
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After 2+ years, the mothership opened it's (physical) doors once again! This past week we welcomed yoga teachers and caregivers from around the world for our Foundations of Adaptive Yoga training. In a word, it was FANTASTIC.
We extend our deepest thanks to the adaptive students who generously shared their time and insights. It was so good being together and sharing the work in person!
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That's a Wrap!
What a great week of practice with purpose!
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Together, yogis from around the world helped us surpass our goal by raising $58K!
Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and helped us raise awareness and vital funds for our adaptive yoga program. Your generosity of time and money will help keep our adaptive yoga program FREE and available to anyone living with a disability.
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