I’ve never had an interest in yoga, though as it turns out, several of my morning stretching exercises are yoga poses. But now I’m hooked and mostly because of a single pose called Warrior. (I can’t even pronounce the Sanskrit name: Virabhadrasana.)
The pose seems to open me up to the universe and myself, makes me feel strong and potentially invincible, as if I’m tapping into hidden sources of power. I have no idea why the pose has this effect on me since the others in the class don’t have the same affinity for the pose that I do. All I know is the effect it has on me. I feel the power even more when I am out in the desert, alone with the sun, facing the mountains.
“Warrior 1” is shown here, with the arms extended over head. In “Warrior 2”, the right leg is foremost, the right arm is extended straight out in front and the left arm is stretched out behind in line with the legs, and the head pointing toward the right thumbs (You can find images of the pose by Googling “Warrior 2.”) You also do the pose in reverse, with the left leg foremost.
It will be interesting to find out what happens over the course of the months by doing this exercise. If the effect isn’t an illusion, and I’m really gathering power, then watch out! Who knows what I will become.
Bertram's Blog 
October 15, 2012 at 9:00 pm
I know how you feel: when I meditate or I’m in really intense prayer, I feel connected to the Universe and to my God and just to everyone else on this planet. It’s a wonderful, relaxing, heady feeling, isn’t it?
October 15, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Oddly, I only feel it with that one pose. I never feel it any other time. In fact, I’ve felt generally disconnected for a long time, which is why I’m doing whatever I can to find some sort of connection.
October 16, 2012 at 5:39 am
maybe it takes time for the other poses.
October 16, 2012 at 12:02 am
love it Pat! Opening ourselves to new experiences equals opening ourselves to new possibilities. Doesn’t matter what happens later…it’s happening now and it’s cool 🙂
October 16, 2012 at 12:30 am
This makes me want to give it a go! Looks like the stance of my Indian ancestors. It also looks like the exercizes that Worf taught the other members of the staff on Star Trek.
October 16, 2012 at 9:05 am
Years ago when I was trying to quit smoking, something strange happened. I used to go through a whole yoga routine once a day and while holding a pose I suddenly got in tune with my circulatory system–well something circulating–and had a strong sensation as if nicotine was surging around. It was really unpleasant. I don’t know why I thought it was nicotine but for some reason I was certain. I never smoked again.
October 17, 2012 at 12:39 pm
It probably was nicotine. Some people believe our bodies talk to us, but I’ve never heard mine say anything I can understand.
October 16, 2012 at 9:15 am
I started T’chi when I was at the university and was hooked fast. I’m just lazy or I’d do yoga too. You’ll notice a difference if you stick to it. It grounds you, settles your spirit so the now is more prevalent, if that makes any sense. I know all this, but i get down and can’t motivate myself to get up. Not good. So, I’m writing, though, which is better than walking talk shows, eh?
October 16, 2012 at 9:16 am
can’t type. Meant watching not walking. Walking talk shows, hmm.
October 17, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Tai Chi is on my list of things to do. In fact, I’d planned to sign up for a class when this yoga opportunity arose. Someday, I’ll learn. Hey! Maybe that will be my excuse to come visit you — so you can teach me.