Hanuman is also known as the ‘Monkey God’. You may have heard his name mentioned in yoga class when you practice (…or watch in awe as someone else practices) ‘the splits’. There are actually three poses associated with Hanuman: Virasana (Hero Pose), Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge), and Hanumanasana (the Splits). More important than the poses themselves are the qualities that the Monkey God possessed.
In one of his many adventures, Hanuman leaped across the ocean (hence being know for ‘the splits’) to save his friend Lord Rama’s wife Sita. Because of this leap and circumstances leading up to and after that – Hanuman is a symbol of love, devotion and true friendship.
Every so often I lead a class dedicated to the Monkey God. The physical asana’s mentioned above are great to weave into a vinyasa flow. This practice enables you to embody the spirit of the Monkey God, but it is even more important to embody his qualities off the mat and see them in your everyday life!
Consider the love, devotion and friendship that surround you to truly live in the spirit of Hanuman! Here are some of the ways I see the Monkey God’s energy manifest in my world:
I have had the honor of spending the last 16 months with a beautiful group of Yoga Mamma’s and Tiny Born Yogi’s. We meet weekly at ‘Stroller Fit’ or ‘Mom and Baby Yoga’ for some exercise, connection and bonding time with our friends and babies. The group changes a bit every eight weeks, but one thing stays the same – I am always blown away by the love, compassion and strength I see in their hearts. Although many of the women have just met, there has been an unsaid commitment to support, lean on and care for each other that is very touching. I am blessed to call them true friends.
When I think of devotion – my heart and mind goes right to my family. This last year has been a painful one. We lost my dad in April and as I reflect on our year together leading up to his death – I hold close the times we stuck by each other and dedicated our hearts, prayers and love to him. Tonight we all went to the golf course that is home to a plaque honoring his life and favorite pass time. The picture at right is of our family – devoted to our father (husband and papa) that was taken away too soon.
It may sound cliche – but although times can be tough and there is always ‘bad stuff’ going on – I FEEL THE LOVE! I feel it from my family, in my yoga community, even from my new friend at a local coffee chain (that will I will not name) who often surprises me with a free coffee at the drive through! If you focus on all the ‘good stuff’ going on – it is hard NOT to FEEL THE LOVE.
Make a list of the love, devotion and friendship that seeps its way into your life! Think consciously about how you can embody these qualities yourself and spread the spirit of Hanuman!
To hear a hip hop tale of Hanuman by MC Yogi – download ‘Rock on Hanuman’ from itunes! A great track to accompany your practice or groove to in your car!
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LEARN TO TEACH THE YOGA OF CONNECTEDNESS AND LAUGHTER!
Join me for 2UNITE Partner Yoga Teaching Training at Balanced Life Yoga Ajax
Saturday, October 29th from 10:00 – 5:00
CLICK HERE for more info or to register!
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Krista Bromfield
