LIGHT ON YOGA by B.K.S. Iyengar published in 1966 is the definitive publication about the poses (called asanas) practiced in hatha yoga. This book opened my eyes and my practice to the possibilities of what the human body can do to exercise and heal itself. Many people have looked at the pictures of a barely clothed Iyengar and stopped there instead of looking at the anatomy and the skeletal beauty of his yoga. This book explains the how and the why of the strange looking poses. Before modern day westernization of hatha yoga, the body and the earth were the only exercise tools available. Today our blankets, props, straps, etc. (many developed by Iyengar to aid the less flexible student) make the benefits of a wide variety of yoga poses available to almost everyone. The props compensate for a lack of flexibility and allow a yoga student to learn beginning versions of the perfection depicted in LIGHT ON YOGA.
“By performing asanas, the sadhaka (seeker) first gains health, which is not mere existence. It is not a commodity which can be purchased with money. It is an asset to be gained by sheer hard work. It is a state of complete equilibrium of body, mind and spirit. Forgetfulness of physical and mental consciousness is health. The yogi frees himself from physical disabilities and mental distractions by practicing asana. He surrenders his actions and their fruits to the Lord in the service of the world.” (LIGHT ON YOGA, B.K.S. Iyengar)
There are five primary areas of practice to the Writer Wellness plan. Every other week I will post an idea for relaxation (Monday Meditation,) creative play (Tuesday Tickle,) fitness and exercise (Wednesday Workout,) journaling and misc. (Thursday Thought,) and nutrition (Friday Feast.)
Meanwhile, remember to look for a digital or print copy of Writer Wellness, A Writer’s Path to Health and Creativity at Who Dares Wins Publishing, http://whodareswinspublishing.com.
And check out these great blogs for ideas to keep your writing and publishing healthy and prosperous.
http://writeitforward.wordpress.com/ Bob Mayer
http://jenniholbrooktalty.wordpress.com/ Jenni Holbrook
http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/ Kristen Lamb
http://inspiration4writers.blogspot.com/ Inspiration for Writers, Inc.
http://pentopublish.blogspot.com/ Natalie Markey
http://amyshojai.com Amy Shojai
Check out my new website Joy E. Held
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