Kissing the Ground,

Musings from the Heart of Yoga

Winding down Watering Pond time bends around the curves
Hard edges dissolve in a sylvan lake

Massive stepping stones lead to an arboreal entrance
Shoes removed, bare feet ascend a candlelight stairway
On the landing a lotus bearing Buddha bids peaceful pause

Then more stairs open onto a serene glass-enclosed tree house
Yoga mats mindfully placed flank left and right
In the center vibrant flowers excite the soul
Soft music graces the space

I arrive near the hour, only a few spaces remain
Namastes are exchanged, palms join at the heart
Pretense melts, persona falls away

Here is Sanctuary, safe and free to simply be, fully present
Coming into our bodies we settle into quietness
Linking breath to movement, breath becomes companion
Holding a challenging posture, we remain fully committed

Once the weight we carry is realized, we can discard it
and enter into the beautiful spaciousness of the body.

Each inhalation deepens the pose

Grow the body with the breath, Feel what you feel
Soften your face . . . the back of eyeballs

Take your time . . . Let e v e r y t h i n g go
Experience tension unraveling . . . the quality of mindful release
Edges are temporary . . . There is always more to soften

Breathing in, I calm my body — Breathing out, I smile

Hands come to heart, Head bows...

May all beings be safe, May all beings be happy
May all beings be free from suffering, May all beings be free

Om-m-m-m-m
Golden light bathes my closed eyelids

Practice becomes a blissful pathway to
t r a n s f o r m a t i o n

Ann West, 2010