Yogahhhh

I just got back from my first class of Anusara yoga. Wow! My body feels light, happy, peaceful. I know almost nothing about this yoga except it is designed to help you find joy. The teacher, Chris, looks joyful. So I'm buying it. Actually my daughter bought the class for me as a Christmas gift and I'm so grateful. The gift card gave me that extra nudge.

Here's the chant with which we begin the class:
OM

Nama Shivaya Gurave (I offer myself to the Light, the Auspicious Lord, who is the true Teacher within and without,)

Saccidananda Murtaye (Who assumes the forms of reality, consciousness and bliss,)

Niralambaya Tejase (Independent of His existence, He is the vital essence of illumination.)

OM

I've done just a little yoga and know the names of the basic poses such as down dog, happy baby, warrior, and sun salutation. Each one a paradox, grounding and reaching, stretching and contracting, pushing and pulling, both existing in the body at the same time. At the end, the dessert of the strenuous session, he had us lie on our backs in the dark, surrendering to the earth and doing nothing. Chris quietly entreated, "Rest. Rest. For separation from God and from Love is very difficult work."