Surviving the Storm and Staying Grounded

Being a yoga instructor in LA has many benefits. Throughout the week I have the opportunity to commute to various parts of LA to teach yoga. I love exploring different areas of this diverse city!

On the evening of December 9th I was teaching at a country club in Pasadena. After class I remember my students and I stepping outside. We were practically blown away by the crazy wind. On my drive home I was saying to myself, I don’t think I should be driving, this wind is really kicking up! There was tree bark all over the streets and freeways. The following morning I read that Los Angeles had an intense storm of hurricane-force winds of up to 120 miles per hour. Pasadena was hit the hardest, sustaining nearly $20 million in damage. According to several news reports, more than 1,200 downed trees crushed cars. Power lines were knocked down, many homes and businesses were damaged. Numerous of my students who live in Pasadena and the surrounding areas lost power for a week. Most are still dealing with home and or car damages.

Sometimes after I teach in Pasadena I enjoy walking and jogging at the Rose Bowl. Last time I ventured to the Rose Bowl I was craving a hike. I prefer dirt over concrete when working out. On the outskirts of the concrete path I discovered a hiking trail. Throughout the hike I saw many cacti bushes, cool rocks, and various birds. Suddenly a broken down tree from the wind storm literally stopped me in my tracks. I had to duck under the tree to continue with my hike. Before I ducked under the tree I really took it in. I was even compelled to touched and smell the tree. I thought it was incredible, as damaged as the tree was it still had life. The foundation of the tree was strong. Here are several pictures of the tree showing its destruction, power, and new life.

The similarities that occur in nature, human life, and on our yoga mats are all connected. Like this tree if our foundation is strong, even when life is tumultuous we will survive. Trees have to be able to withstand not only wind storms, but dry spells and cold winters. I know from experience that when the weather or life gets chaotic, one must stay grounded. If not, we will be uprooted and the possibility of losing YOURSELF in the eye of the storm is high. Staying grounded in a chaos takes bulldog determination. When we are practicing difficult yoga poses we may sway, our bodies may shift, we may even shake, and cry. If you are grounded, you will be ok. Look, even though this tree is mangled and cracked in half, there is new growth. In human nature, this represents creativity, new ideas, and new beginnings.

Although Tree Pose would be an obvious choice for this article, I wanted to feature a pose where both feet were on the ground. I chose to work on Low Side Lunges. I actually have taught yoga outside during very windy days in Los Angeles. When my die hard students show up in-spite of the cold and wind, I need to make sure I teach poses that keep them warm, grounded, and motivated. To receive the maximum internal and external benefits, it is essential to practice yoga in balance with the seasons.

Once I started practicing Taoist and Shadow Yoga 5 years ago, I learned the importance of working my legs dynamically. One of my yoga teachers, Matt Schwartz, often says, “People need to know how to stand on their legs before they stand on their heads.” I couldn’t agree more.

Starting from the ground up, let’s look at the similarities between the lower parts of trees and our Legs.

Trees
Roots- provide an anchor and stability. They absorb and distribute nutrients to the rest of the tree.
Trunk- a structural support that stores nutrients for leaves and branches.
Bark- Offers protection

Low Side Lunge Feet- Our foundation, our connection to the earth.
Ankles- Support our legs. They represent moving forward in life.
Legs- a. Bones (carry calcium and collagen), b. Muscles (toning) c. Arteries (supply rich oxygen throughout the body) d. Nerves (sending and receiving signals from muscles) e. Veins (circulate blood to the heart)

Need to get grounded? Let’s lunge.

Move By Move 
1. Take a wide legged forward fold. Bring your feet 45 degree angles towards the sides of the room.
2. Walk hands to the inside of your right foot on the floor.
3. Bend your right leg deeply, both feet remain flat on the floor, do not lift your heels. Left leg is straight. If your left leg is bending, do not bend the right leg as much.
4. You may only be able to bend your right leg a few inches in the beginning, be patient.
5. Keep the outer edges of your feet on the floor as well.
6. Your core muscles are engaged so you do not collapse and get flimsy.
7. If you need a challenge, bring your hands to prayer at your heart.
8. Hold the lunge for 3-5 breaths, switch sides. Repeat 3-10 times on each side.

Benefits of Low Side Lunges

• Strengthens leg bones
• Stretches hips, groins, hamstrings, achilles tendons, ankles , and calves
• Sperm building for men
• Increases heart rate
• Improves Stamina, Balance, and Coordination
• Tones the entire body particularly the thighs

Helpful Yoga Tip
While practicing Low Side Lunges you will physically build internal heat. Emotionally you may get angry because this is a deep hip opener. Let your movements follow your breathing, focus on your inhales and exhales. No matter what the universe has in store for you, use this pose to stay grounded in your mind/body on your yoga mat and into the world. For more information of Taoist and Shadow Yoga please visit here and here.