Poses and People

Forward Bends:  Energetically calming.  Bring an inner perspective.  Not easy to do if you are stiff.

Back Bends:  Energetically charging.  Encourage an outer expression.  Not easy to do if you are weak.

Inversions:  Energetically balancing.  Require trust and courage.  Not easy to do if you are afraid.

Twists:  Energetically cleansing.  Detoxify and move the inner structure.  Not easy to do if you are full.

We need an assortment of poses in our practice if we are to be wholly healthy and well-balanced in our bodies and mindsets.  

The same is true about the people in our practice of life.

We need calming people to help us look inward, even if we don't want to.  People who can help us find the flexibility to bend, but not break.  These people are gentle souls who extend patience and tender guidance.  Do you have a Forward Bender in your life?  Who is s/he?

We need energizing people to motivate us, especially if we are under- or over-whelmed.  Back Benders identify specific goals and help us reach them by providing clear directions.  These people are bold and know themselves.  That's why they can help us find our own true, authentic voice.  Do you have a Back Bender in your life?  Who is s/he?

We need balancing people to bring us back to home base, back to alignment, back to center.  That's the only way fresh perspectives can come to problematic situations.  These people give us time to find True North.  Stand beside us in case we wavier or fall.  Help us back up again if we do.  Do you have an Inverter in your life?  Who is s/he?

We need cleansing people who are not afraid of our confessions but welcome them.  People who listen, watch and pray without poking or prodding or judging. People who understand how difficult letting go can be.  Do you have a Twister in your life?  Who is s/he?

And what about you?  

Are you a Forward Bender for someone?  Who do you gently guide into calm?

How about a Back Bender?  Who do you motivate?

Are you an Inverter?  Have you helped someone on the edge find balance lately?

Are you a Twister?  When's the last time you heard a confession and saw the sigh of relief that followed?

Poses and People.  So much we can learn from them.  So much we can offer.