September Newsletter: Linchpin

All Humanity Newsletter | September 2022

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Greetings...

A linchpin for our time, for all of us.

Linchpin is the theme word for this month’s newsletter. When I googled it, two definitions popped up. The first, is a person or thing or sensation (my addition) that is vital to an enterprise or organization. The second is a pin that passes through the end of an axle to keep a wheel in position.

This got me thinking about the uncertain state we are all living in, at least in this country. I started wondering what might be a linchpin for something better.

This morning I heard a version of Cat Stevens’ iconic song Peace Train. (I hope you can already hear it in your mind’s ear.) I love his version for its deep melodic hopefulness. The song is spectacular while also carrying a touch of wistful sadness. This morning, I heard it sung by Natalie Merchant of 10,000 Maniacs. Their version builds off the original and offers a more uplifting, activating rendition.

All too often, we think of the sensation of peace as an absence or a ceasing…peace as a stillness, rather than an action. What if the sensation of peace could be reversed? Peace at the beginning of action, not just an aftermath?

This underscores the genius of Cat Steven’s lyrics: peace is presented as a moving train, something on which to catch a ride, not something we need to create. The vision is that the peace train is already rolling and has its own momentum. It is a reason to celebrate, maybe even sing out…which is exactly what Cat Stevens did.

Unfortunately, this peace train is not for free. As Stevens writes, “For out on the edge of darkness, there rides the peace train.” Dang it…you mean I have to allow the fear and uncertainty on the edge of darkness to hop the peace train? Yes, the sensation of peace is an earned journey of self-exploration. But thankfully, Cat Stevens reminds us that it is also a reason to celebrate. At Mind Body Solutions, we aim to share this hopeful peace train, the transition from uncertainty and stillness into hope and wholeness in both mind and body.

Cat Stevens’ song reminds us that peace is a train moving through all of us…an accessible linchpin indeed.

Matthew

Matthew Sanford

Founder, Mind Body Solutions

Pose of the month...

The Spine is the Linchpin

Feel the 'happening' in the pose. Don't just focus on the physical effort ~ Matthew Sanford

We all possess one, but it’s an affirmation of our courage and determination if someone points it out. Yet while many sayings denote its metaphorical meaning, it is literally the linchpin that helps us sit, stand, walk, twist, and bend. It is “the backbone” from which the experience of asana emerges.

Lie on your back on the floor or a comfortable steady surface. Have a yoga strap or similar close by. To your ability, bend the knees and place your feet flat on the floor, tuck the pelvis, and straighten one leg while trying to maintain the tuck. Providing support as needed, bring the bent knee to the chest and place the strap around the foot, holding one side in each hand. As you are able, slowly raise and straighten the leg of the bent knee, creating a lengthening sensation in both legs. Direct the sit bone of the raised leg to move away from the waist. Keep the shoulder blades on the floor while broadening across the collar bones and front and back ribs. Embrace and feel the “happening” from the tailbone to the top of the head, and then through the arms, legs, and all aspects of the pose. Relax the throat while holding the pose for several breaths. Bend the knee of the raised leg and bring the foot to the floor. Pause, feel, and repeat the pose on the other side.

The underlying sensations of this asana are the same, regardless of differences in physical effort and appearance. The pose allows for a deepening in the back body presence, while the simultaneous vertical and horizontal extension directs inner body awareness. The legs, hips, and low back interact, and the alignment effortlessly integrates the mind and body.

Options:

Same set up as above, adding a bolster/similar placed next to one hip. Bring both sides of the strap into the hand on that side, and slowly turn that thigh outward and to the side. On an inhalation, bring the leg back up, bend the knee, and place the foot on the floor. Repeat the pose with the other leg
Have a partner (standing in a safe upright posture) gently but securely pull on the fascia/skin of the heel on the raised leg. This aids in the extension of the leg with the calves moving toward the heels (and feels fantastic).
This one can be cumbersome, be cautious. Lie on the floor near the entrance of a doorway or hallway. Extend the first leg through the door, with the opposite hip close to the doorframe. Take the second (opposite) leg up on the wall near the doorframe/wall. In lieu of the strap holding the leg up, the wall holds the leg up.

Benefits:

Can balance both sides of the back, and also relieve tension and compression in the low back.
Safely stretches hips, hamstrings, calves, and inner thighs.
Space is created in the abdominal cavity and may aid in digestion.
Removing gravity helps experience the pose rather than only “ achieve” the pose.

Mary Pat

Mary Pat FitzPatrick

MBS Teaching Faculty/Outreach Coordinator

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Calling All Yoga Teachers!

Registration is NOW Open for our 3-Day Online training

LIVE TRAINING FOR YOGA TEACHERS

Continuing Studies

DEC 6-8 / 12NOON-4PM Central Time / ONLINE

This workshop (formerly Advanced Studies) builds on learning acquired in our online Intro Series workshops. Come back for more interactive learning with Matthew as you revisit concepts such as being an effective yoga teacher, learning how to translate mind-body principles in online classes, and refining poses without physical reference.

Day 2 takes you deep into Mind, Consciousness, and Activation while Day 3 explores the many facets of pain with Matthew and special guests.

After the workshop ends, keep the conversation going by enjoying a 90-minute follow-up session with Matthew and the MBS crew on December 14, from 2-3:30 pm CT. Sessions will be recorded and free to view for 90 days.

Scholarships are available