Each Morning You are Born Again....

"Each morning we are born again,
what you do today is what matters most." Dalai Lama  

     This past week has been most difficult. My mother-in-law of 41 years past away suddenly. Though she was 93 (three days shy of her 94th birthday) years old, her passing was not expected. My husband and I were with her the day before and had no concerns when we waved goodbye to her; as she seemed to vacantly stare out the window. I answered the phone to my sister-in-law saying, "she is gone." My response, "no, she can't be, we were just with her yesterday." And yet, she was.
     This is the time of life for my generation, the time when our parents leave us. It is the time when we recognize that our parents bodies have weakened and their minds struggle to remember what day it is. My father's famous quote brings it all into perspective,  "getting old is not for sissies." Al lived to the ripe old age (though I never considered him "old") of 97. Did we expect him to pass? Was it a surprise, yes. A bit because he had been sick, but he always seemed to pull through. The man did not take medications. His way of curing what ailed you included a shot of brandy and a sock smeared with Vicks wrapped around the neck.  Do we ever really expect our parents to leave us? I always thought he would live to 100 and die at home. Neither happened. We can not plan, no matter how hard we try to, to really prepare for the inevitability of death.  My mother, who was not in the best of health, during my upbringing and into adulthood may have been expected, and yet it too was a surprise.
     Genny's passing affected the way I taught this week. I found myself going inward, focusing on my breath, and taking each asana slowly and deliberately. I wanted to feel my breath in each movement. This sequence reflects my journey.

OPENING (10)

Seated Meditation: 
Pranayama Breathing: Nadhi Shodana/ Alternate Nostril Breathing 

Rub Hands/rub eyes/Energy Ball (hands) essential oils in palm

TABLE TOP (6)

Puppy/Anahatasana- Thread the Needle

Cat n Cow 

Hip Circles/Leg over & Behind 

SUN SALUTATION (14)

Goddess Breath Sequence

Add

Low Lunge Series w/twist 

_______________________________________________________

STANDING (15)

Tadasana

Warrior I

Warrior II

Reverse

Side Angle/Extended Side Angle
DO EACH INDIVIDUALLY.... THEN DO AS A FLOW

Wide Legged F.F./add variations: twist-hands clasped overhead 

Pyramid w/block

Goddess Breath/ Repeat

Child’s Pose (3)

BACK (5)

Clam Supine Twist w/block between knees 

Happy Baby
Knees In

SAVASANA (4)

SEATED (3)
 Bumble Breathing Technique 
Place hands across heart/place finger in neck hollow to feel vibration

Inhale
Exhale: lips together & make humming sound like a bee

Inhale

Repeat