Flow: Lymph, Interstitial fluid, Meridians, Heart, triple burner, Nancy Rosenberger, Mindful Yoga

In this practice, our theme is FLOW. So much flow in our bodies: blood, lymph, interstitial fluid between cells, which are likely also the pathway of meridians in Chinese medicine and qigong. We do many yoga movements to get these flows moving--through the torso, under arms, in the groin and legs, and so on. We particularly practice movements and sounds that stimulate the heart meridian (featuring the crane) and the triple burner. The triple burner is an "organ" in Chinese medicine: a thermostat regulating moisture and temperature in the torso--chest, solar plexus, and abdomen; the goal is to have even temperatures throughout and lubricate the overall interaction between the organs. We stimulate that evenness with a closing "He-e-e-e" as the hands go down the body, palms down, and come to the lower abdomen. The quote for this week is by Fleda Brown: "Isn't the creative life about folding clothes while crying?" I was touched by that and it inspired a poem that I read in class. Nancy Rosenberger is a 500-hour, Kripalu-trained yoga instructor. She keeps learning new things, and incorporates qigong movements into her practice. Mindful yoga is dedicated to overall good health of heart, body, and mind.