In the zone

I love this quote from our Bodhi Yoga Restorative Partner Yoga manual:

"When our body, mind and spirit are working well together, our light-body is more activated. During the times this is happening, life seems lighter or easier; we are able to do more with less effort, time flies by, and things just seem to fall into place. We have a greater sense of value, well-being and how we belong in the world, without getting bogged down in the heavier parts of it. People who's light-bodies are more active, are able to effect a greater change in their world, body, mind and soul."

This is how I want to live my life and I see this state of being most readily in children. Yoga, in general, can assist us in  achieving this.

 

Marma Points

Ayurveda includes a type of acupressure that uses "marma points" as pressure or energy points. These points are located throughout the body and some people believe they are related to Chinese acupuncture points.

Our Bodhi Yoga Restorative Parnter Yoga manual explains it this way:

"A marma is a vital life force/energy point located on the surface of the body. Marmas are considered vital because they are infused with Prana (life force)...Within the physical body energy flows along an intricate series of channels called nadis, chakras, etc...the marma points are larger pools from which Prana both collects and springs out. "

There are marma points all over our bodies, from the toes to the top of the head. They are divided into 18 regions.

Palming releases tension and aids circulation.
Rubbing rebalances the Prana and doshas.
Holding soothes and grounds the energy.
Kneading, patting and cupping release buildup of Pranic congestions.

Marma work restores balance to the autonomic nervous system and can release endorphins.

My experience is that children love Marma point work.

More Practicing

At my second weekend of Restorative Parner Yoga at Bodhi, I learned about Sen lines. Every adult I have worked with (including myself) loves Sen line work, so very relaxing and energizing at the same time!

Soon after, I went to visit grandchildren once again, the same ones I had begun my practice sessions with. Once again they were very eager, "do yoga on me, Abi, do yoga on me!" was heard everynight and sometimes throughout the day! They were ok with my slowness, and the fact that I had to keep referring to my chart. They learned the sequence before I did, and would remind me what came next and if I forgot to do any of their favorite parts!

Something that was very interesting to me, the children didn't seem to appreciate the Sen line work as much as they liked Marma points and the various yoga poses and stretches. This is very curious and I will do some study to figure out why that might me.

Practicing Fun

Soon after I began my Restorative Partner Yoga training at Bodhi Yoga, I went to visit my son, daughter in law and their 4 beautiful children. When I told them about what I was studying, the children wanted to receive Restorative Yoga sessions! Their eagerness encouraged me to get going right away on giving practice sessions. I also worked on my son, but nothing compared to working with the children! It was fun, joyful, playful and they immediately had "favorite parts". It made learning the moves and steps much easier. 

Even this very funny 3 yr old clamored  "Abi, do yoga on me"! 

FLOATING

Today I got to go to the beach and float in the ocean, one of my most favorite things to do in the world! As I floated, allowing the water to hold me up and move me gently side to side, I looked up at the sky and realized how completely relaxed I felt. There was no effort required from me, just the willingness to relax and be carried and moved, and receive and be healed. I was transported as I watched the clouds in the sky,  felt the warm sun and the soft waves, listened to the children playing and the birds, smelled the salt and felt complete joy.

Being the receiver in a Restorative Partner Yoga session, feels somewhat like this. Especially at Bodhi Studio.

Restorative Partner Yoga

Practicing with my friend Renae

Restorative Partner Yoga, or Ayurvedic Restorative Marma Point Partner Yoga.  Or something like that. I will figure it out in time. 

This is the next adventure I've decided to pursue at Bodhi Yoga. Not sure why, I'm sure it will become clear at some point during the quest, but for now it is enough that we had an amazing 3.5 days of learning and enlightenment. With an amazing group of women. The first of 3 weekends. There are many, many hours of study and practice to come. I'm excited to learn to deepen my practice and assist others in doing the same. 

After this first workshop I felt physically tired and a bit overwhelmed with all the information. However, I experienced a clarity I had not expected. Some issues that had felt burdensome, became less important and I was able to see things with a new perspective. Participating in Restorative Partner Yoga cleared and balanced my chakras. Thank you, Syl and Bodhi Yoga!