Whew.

The earth heard our collective prayer to take it easy on Hawaii. Everyone can take a deep breath and maybe get some sleep now that the darn sirens have been turned off all around the island. Every isle dog is eternally grateful that this highly effective high-pitched alarm system has now been set to rest.

Our alarms seem to be up. The full moon has some of us flying. Like the winds of spring, come the whirlwinds of thoughts of beginnings. The beginnings of an age old cycle, where the turning of the Earth coincides with our latitudinal movement turned towards the light. A Blustery birth of Warmth, of the promise of blooming flowers, young couples in love, a cycle of new energy. Fiery, fierce, passionate.

To quell all this action within myself, I find myself craving restorative poses including chest openers of all kinds--restful and held for a long time. Then I lean towards gentle forward bends and Halasana or supported Karnapindasana followed by a long Savasana that is well-supported and restful.

As I find the best possible balance in my spine and in my breath, I observe. I adjust. I breath. I look for that spaciousness within. Where am I constricted and why? What can I do to create more freedom, more strength, more quiet, more breath?

Can my breath become my chant? Can my breath become my “om”? Is there a rhythm there? Can I recognize the rhythm of the breath while maintaining a deep body relaxation that does not include collapse? Can I be still, quiet, strong and free?