Come Back to Earth
Earth Foundation: Grounding Through the Legs and Feet, 3-5 p.m.
As Americans we tend to take a lot for granted. We're politically and religiously free. We have an abundance of everything: nice homes, nice cars, and healthy food. But is it possible that all of these conveniences we have at our disposal could be taking away some of the most basic, natural aspects of living?
Rodney Yee thinks so. "It's sad that we need yoga to connect us with the Earth," he said. In India people spend a lot of time in a squatting or seated in cross-legged positions. As a result, they have more open hips, Yee said. Americans, on the other hand, sit in chairs all day. Not only does that make us tighter in the hips, but it also distances us physically (ande probably mentally) from the Earth. Add to that the fact that we drive around for 30 minutes looking for a close parking space because we don't want to walk, and you have a recipe for a staggering disconnect from the Earth.
We spent the rest of the time learning how to re-connect. Yee took us through a series of standing poses, pointing out how correct alignment will help us connect with the ground beneath us. We swayed, swiveled, and circled until we found the perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and groundedness. 
Then Yee led us in something that I consider to be even more important for gettting in tune with the Earth. He led us in a few minutes of seated meditation. Nothing brings me back down to Earth like meditation, and nothing prepares us for meditation like a mindful yoga experience.
Comments
He was utterly inspiring, I expanded further and shined brighter than ever - more the closer he walked to me!
I can still hear the humour, resonant joy and guidence of his instructions / remarks
wow
What a great session. What a freely expressive and diciplined spirit!
Thank you Rodney
Posted by: Anjel | January 18, 2006 05:42 PM