I choose this somatic practice for the gray morning.  What a treat for myself.  At practice end I had the most sustained mass of energy within my back.  It's still there as I type this.  So often a sutra fits so perfectly and as I flipped the page and read #13...  

Lift your hands, and with a gesture,

Turn aside all the forces of the outer world.

Attend to the vibrancy within.

Let the fingers lightly touch and bless

Eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth,

All the entrances to the head.

Invite attention to be within the skin, and

Cherish the quiet shimmer of vital energies.

When you notice an inner gateway,

Enter with love, as one coming home.

As the surge of light-substance rises

Follow it up into the space between the eyebrows,

Where it breaks out as an orgasm of light.

This made me think how for a couple of years in my current home I provided my lower floor to a musician that had fallen on hard times due to covid, rental, etc..  I had just enough space in my bed room for the mat and used my phone and a small tripod to practice.  The moments on the mat were just as rewarding.

Really loved doing the practice while watching your silhouette against the beautiful backdrop.  I admit that moving to and from downward dog so often is not my favorite, as I think I am always a bit apprehensive of my wrists and knees.  I really feel the energy and blood pumping through me during the rebounds.

My room faces Southwest and there are two large picture windows looking over the bay and the Olympic Mountain Range, which are framed by evergreens and madrone trees.  There is a bird bath in view as well.  The room gets no light from the North and East so it is always dark in the mornings, when I practice.  I have a row of plants by the window and have just moved my hammered dulcimer near as a reminder to practice.  It stays cool.  I have mat and props nearby.  My dogs take the couch to monitor my progress.

First loved the colors of the desert and all the birds calling.  This was a more fast-paced practice, so after my over sleeping, a revitalizing wake up.  In our recoveries I could feel the energy surging through me and felt the strength building in each pose.  I'm spoiled now, wanting to hold poses for much longer, but this will be my go-to vinyasa practice.

Looks beautiful!

I won't reminisce about my injury in 2017, but will say that is practice searched out even nook and cranny of the amazing healing that time and practice has provided.  It's so rewarding to find movement where needed.  I love having the playlists.  This will be one I go to often.

Although I’m sure I’ve practiced restorative methods throughout the past decades, the first true Yin training I recognize was yours, a little over a year ago, when you offered 30 days of practice, each day accompanied by a reading from the Radiance Sutras. You shared a deeper understanding of how the poses could work with my body, and you also opened a daily, richer appreciation of life for me. I now meditate with my Yin practice, which makes the experience feel complete and perfect.

My first yoga teacher, Lilias Folan of Lilias, Yoga and You on PBS television, several decades ago, somehow instilled a point of peace within me, which I carried forward throughout my life. You illuminated that point for me once again.

I’m so sorry. That kind of loss runs deep. Twelve and a half years is a lifetime of loyalty, love, and quiet companionship. It sounds like Annie was more than just a dog, she was a true partner, right by your side through so much. Guiding her over the rainbow bridge is one of the hardest and most selfless things we can do for those we love. Wishing you comfort, and hoping you feel her presence in all the places she once curled up near you.

Great practice, although I felt at first it might be too gentle it ended up "taking me there", where I needed to be.  I noticed reaching behind to grab a foot while on stomach puts a strain on my knees which feels of concern, however if I proceed from the position on my side its fine and I can develop the stretch more gently from there.  I could have laid in star at the end a little longer, say a half hour...😁