hostmelissa
12-27-2008, 04:56 PM
I've never really understood or felt attachment to the standing postures in yoga. Well, I love tree pose and natarajasana, but the warrior poses, I could do without. The metaphor of the warrior is never one that has sat well with me. The idea of going to war, fighting, and using weapons makes absolutely no sense to me. I just could never figure out why yoga with its emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence) would be interested in elevating the warrior in practice.
When I decided to create a yoga class based solely on the standing postures, I was forced to examine this more closely. Warrior pose in yoga is about the way of the spiritual warrior. In fact, Virabhadra is a fierce warrior born from a hair on Siva's head. Siva, the compassionate Lord who destroys obstacles, focused his divine power into creating Virabhadra to achieve certain goals and to defeat certain enemies.
In yoga, the warrior poses create strength and power in the legs. They are about strength and power and they ask us to reflect on where we gather our strength and power for living or even more deeply, what we need our strength and power for. What is your divine mission? What is worth fighting for in your life?
As spiritual warriors we are called upon to face life's most challenging moments with courage and determination. We are asked to face our fears and stay the course. How can we stay centered and stand in our power in in the face of obstacles to serve our highest purpose?
Warrior I
In Warrior I we stand facing forward our arms raised victorious. Warrior I asks us to face our fears head on. To stand up for what we believe in. It means confronting our "demons" even when it is uncomfortable. It means being truthful with ourselves and looking at things "straight on." There is an honesty and integrity in Warrior I. You stand in your power and you face the music.
Warrior II
In Warrior II you stand centered in your power while stretching one arm back into the past with the other reaching into the future. Here we can reflect on what we have learned in the past. What strength have you gained from your experience? What knowledge have you gleaned from your past experiences that can help to provide a foundation for action? With the arm that reaches forward we ask what do you see in the future? What is your vision for life? Where do I want to go? What are the obstacles I face. What does victory look like for me.
Warrior III
In Warrior III we move forward and balance on one foot. Warrior III is about taking action and moving forward. Warrior III also causes us to reflect on what happens when the rug is pulled out from underneath us? What happens when we don't have a leg to stand on? Do we push on or do we retreat? Can we rally the troupes and call in our support?
The warrior poses are challenging, yet strengthening. They build courage and teach us that we can stand up for what we believe in. As I looked out into my classes last week, I looked with admiration at all the spiritual warriors. I looked with eyes of compassion at the challenges you face, both known and unknown. I admire you, your strength, your courage and your will to fight the good fight. It is an honour and a privilege to serve with you as you dedicate your warrior energy to your highest spiritual purpose.
Namaste,
Melissa
When I decided to create a yoga class based solely on the standing postures, I was forced to examine this more closely. Warrior pose in yoga is about the way of the spiritual warrior. In fact, Virabhadra is a fierce warrior born from a hair on Siva's head. Siva, the compassionate Lord who destroys obstacles, focused his divine power into creating Virabhadra to achieve certain goals and to defeat certain enemies.
In yoga, the warrior poses create strength and power in the legs. They are about strength and power and they ask us to reflect on where we gather our strength and power for living or even more deeply, what we need our strength and power for. What is your divine mission? What is worth fighting for in your life?
As spiritual warriors we are called upon to face life's most challenging moments with courage and determination. We are asked to face our fears and stay the course. How can we stay centered and stand in our power in in the face of obstacles to serve our highest purpose?
Warrior I
In Warrior I we stand facing forward our arms raised victorious. Warrior I asks us to face our fears head on. To stand up for what we believe in. It means confronting our "demons" even when it is uncomfortable. It means being truthful with ourselves and looking at things "straight on." There is an honesty and integrity in Warrior I. You stand in your power and you face the music.
Warrior II
In Warrior II you stand centered in your power while stretching one arm back into the past with the other reaching into the future. Here we can reflect on what we have learned in the past. What strength have you gained from your experience? What knowledge have you gleaned from your past experiences that can help to provide a foundation for action? With the arm that reaches forward we ask what do you see in the future? What is your vision for life? Where do I want to go? What are the obstacles I face. What does victory look like for me.
Warrior III
In Warrior III we move forward and balance on one foot. Warrior III is about taking action and moving forward. Warrior III also causes us to reflect on what happens when the rug is pulled out from underneath us? What happens when we don't have a leg to stand on? Do we push on or do we retreat? Can we rally the troupes and call in our support?
The warrior poses are challenging, yet strengthening. They build courage and teach us that we can stand up for what we believe in. As I looked out into my classes last week, I looked with admiration at all the spiritual warriors. I looked with eyes of compassion at the challenges you face, both known and unknown. I admire you, your strength, your courage and your will to fight the good fight. It is an honour and a privilege to serve with you as you dedicate your warrior energy to your highest spiritual purpose.
Namaste,
Melissa