This one fit, as I've been dealing with a sinus cold.  Only a couple of hack attacks while on the mat.  I suppose feeling sick is a reminder to appreciate the time that we are not.  My mind has been feeling a bit "inflexible" so this practice helped me to work on that.

Liked the suggestion to hold that calf in the figure 4 shape, rather than the thigh.  Felt I could get a deeper stretch.

A challenging morning and likewise start, this practice moved into a single word, "intimate."  Exploring was deep and wonderful.  A finally with a sutra and my chant in perfect harmony with my teacher.  I turned to the banter versus for the day, the first lines read "What is this power we call Life, Appearing as the play of flesh and breath? How may I know this mystery and enter it more deeply?"  Seems I had the answer before the question, this day...

Feels so good.  I noticed advances in so many places.  As for a quiet practice I did notice my heartbeat at times, which is a meditation tool I use, so that is special.  You take me there Devi and I wish you could just leave me stay. One with the Universe today, what more can I say...

BANTER VERSES 3-4

I have been listening to the love songs of 

Form longing for formless.

What are these energies

Undulating through our bodies,

Pulsing us into action?

And this “matter” out of which our forms are made—

What are these dancing particles

Of condensed radiance?

Every practice is like a gift to open.  I may think I know what is inside, even with your hints, but there is always a surprise.  Today I returned to the mat after only a few days missed, yet it was a return to something so wonderful, and to a friend I have come to know...  Thank you so much for sharing your time and life with us.  Now my words fluttery away as butteries, into this place I have found...🦋

I jumped ahead this week as I have folks visiting and making it to the mat is more challenging (unless I can get them to join me.)  This practice was awesome.  It targeted all my old mended back-together-bones.  It even cleared my sinuses.  Supported Fish is a new favorite.  I finished the Insight Verses so and now starting the Banter Verses.

I like to be reminded to "practice with a beginner's mind".  Even the most basic poses have such value when time and breath is taken therein.  I had the time and awareness to find growth from my first beginnings in college, then all the breaks (practice-wise and anatomically) over the years.  The goal is to find what you can do today and appreciate its benefit.  I took the dogs on a quiet walk afterwards.  I let them linger as I did too.  My body felt good, and so did my mind...there's a lot said for "easy".

I am finding it so easy to drift away in each of the poses, finding my place for the day, existing in each breath.

Breath flows in, breath flows out,

Traveling always the curving path of the Goddess.

Breath flows spontaneously of its own will.

Thus all breathing beings

Continually give reverence to Her.

Be conscious of this unconscious prayer,

For She is the most holy place of pilgrimage.

She wishes for you to enter this temple,

Where each breath is adoration

Of the infinite for the incarnate form.  ~ Insight 154

I'll be dedicating a Gratitude Garden at tomorrow's Full Moon.  A candle there will be in your name. I pass this spot daily, taking time to care for it and letting it be a reminder.  

I was able to get deep into the stretches, after hitting the mat in a low energy morning.  By practice end I felt the Life Force you spoke of, a vibrant vibration within.  You take me there so often...  This practice blended perfectly with the Insight verses 151-152 this day.

I benefit so from the interactions and options of using our blocks.  Focusing on the target area, rather than the perfect form helps me so much.  Nice stretches to counter the new tightness, as I starting bike riding again.  Despite my mood when I arrive, you always leave me with a smile Devi.  A lesson I try to take with me and pass along.🙂