Feb 27, 2012 ONE YOGA CLASS

February 27, 2012 - Class one of  Series Two :  ONE YOGA with Yusuf Quddus Erskine DO

Tonight, we started the series with an exploration of our FLUIDIC bodies. Drawing on the Water Element Breath, (inhaling through the nostrils and exhaling through rounded open lips); we began exploring freedom of movement from within, which we can access when we identify with our fluidic bodies. In contrast to traditional yoga movements which often have a distinct linear quality and in which an endpoint is achieved and maintained for several moments, with this fluidic (Continuum movement inspired ) bodily expression, we explore deeply the fluidic qualities of movement within our bodies. 

After comfortably entering into this zone of fluidic awareness, we began to explore pendulum movements through the movement of the head and upper back; exploring the area within and around the body radiating from the neck's vertebral column.  Image the circumference which would be drawn by the chin if we completed a wide circular movement of the neck. Now, that this circle has been drawn, envision 360 points along the circumference of this circle. Furthermore, see the area of the circle as comprising of four quadrants.   Explore pendulum movements through these four quadrants starting in one quadrant for example left anterior quadrant and move in a pendulum like flow through the left and then right anterior quadrants and explore the right posterior quadrant, finding a resting point with the back of your head on the circumference.  After pausing, begin to move like a pendulum in the opposite direction, from right posterior to right anterior through to left anterior quadrant but pausing at a different point on the circumference then where you initially started. 

Explore further pendulum movements, going with the flow, incorporating rotational and side-bending motions as you move your head and neck.  Pausing intermittently to feel a pause and await the wave within to move in a graceful unwind.
When ready, expand your reference point from within the neck area to include the upper thorax, especially between the shoulder blades.  Allow your body to flex and extend, forward and backward as you further explore pendulum movements. Continue to explore making contact with the circumference projected around your body. 

When you start to feel it is time to come back to center, take your time, continuing with the water breath, to move through your center and pendulum until you feel at ease and still within your center.

Breath!