Root & Anchor
I always ask my students what they would like to work on before starting every Yogea group class. Lately, the focus has been on “grounding in change” while making space for “composting” the lessons from winter. It has been a moody winter with swinging temperature amplitudes, an upsurge in influenza and a resurfacing of chronic conditions rooted in outdated karma that needed to release. Together with the rather disruptive curve of shedding our limited sense of self there was a renewed rush of conscious creativity and a venturing into innovative collective solutions for personal growth.
Early March is perhaps the most introspective time of the year, when under the blanket of winter we nestle and reflect back upon our life. All is contained within us – all future possibilities, all growth, all knowing. It is the time of hibernation before bursting forth and sprouting our ideas profusely. It is a moment of gestation and circumspection. The light grows and shadows take forms as the darkness recedes. Stirring in our seed sleep we envision our next stage of unfolding and refinement. We reconsider what aspect of our life needs more illumination, what desire needs to project more clearly, what quality is dimmed and needs brightening. As we gather the energy from the cosmic vortex we naturally spiral with the seasonal cycles, growing more luminous.
In the Tantric tradition of Yoga this cosmic vortex, the focal pillar of universal resonance is called SPANDA. Tantra Yoga, which entails a full immersion into the fabric of creation refers to connectivity and amplifies the relation of the inner soul with the vastness of the cosmos. This supreme vibration that we root in every time we experience the pull of gravity reflects different meanings consisting of vibration, an explosion, an arising, a throb, a source of spontaneous expression or a reflection. Spandaneeds clarity of thought and purity of intention to manifest into authentic action and spawn waves of creative consciousness. In the Tantric texts Spanda is described as a desire to live according to the innermost urging of the soul, while attending to the rhythm of the nature of the body as it harmonizes within the greater scale of natural life, seasons and cycles. Losing the spark of Spanda can lead to the disconnection of vitality of the self and can cause loss of energy, focus and a sense of fulfillment. As we swing more grounding poses through our asana sequence, we learn to honor the presence of Spanda and plug into the entire matrix of energy pulsation. As we root into constant change, we attune to the inner rhythm of aesthetic spiritual experience. An idea dawns upon us, or we have a serendipitous encounter with an enlightened soul. Grounding in Spanda releases the pressure of constant achievement in the individual’s pursuits and reveals the necessary steps towards contentment and harmony. Next time you feel the grip of worry or anxiety engage, or you experience the Earth beneath you shifting, ground in some rooting yoga poses and practice with certified Yoga teacher Alexandra Kramerova, who designed and performed this inspiring yoga sequence for you.
Yogea Intermediate Grounding Routine: Root & Anchor
This Yogea sequence brims with “earthing” tools (mudra, asana, pranayama techniques) and grounding postures to root you in your creative element. Utilizing balancing mudra and binds in standing postures the routine cultivates a sense of connecting to the Earhtly flow, while tuning to the fabric of Universal vibrations. A smooth warm-up generates heat evenly through all muscle groups, while promoting circulation and enhancing flexibility. A series of externally rotated standing hip openers is coupled with belly-toning semi-kneeling poses to ensure a solid base and awaken the transverse abdominals. The middle section raises the complexity of standing, reclining, sitting and kneeling poses in a gradual progression and builds into a peak pose. Seated hamstring openers and bound twists, as well as reclining forward bends are introduced in the winding down. A brief visualization marks the closure and offers space for reflection and reconnecting to the sacred self. The pace is moderate to-fast. The transitions are fluid and naturally ascending or descending as they create a sense of undulating with the waves of vibration and conscious breath. Brief pauses interspersed throughout the practice provide moments for the mind to calm down and for the body to absorb the benefits of the grounding practice. Designed and performed by certified yoga teacher Alexandra Kramerova.
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