For example, several months ago I motivated my children to prepare for school by referring to them as warriors. I was not envisioning physical warriors but rather, spiritual warriors making their way through an often harsh world while honouring and upholding all that is good. I decided to call my children Warrior I, Warrior II and Warrior III in the order in which they came into my life. As I demonstrated each pose, it struck me that these asanas were applicable to my views and wishes on how they should live their lives, based on their personalities.
For John, my oldest, who has always been wise beyond his years:
In Warrior I (Virabhadrasana A) our bodies face forward confidently. We look to the future as there is no need to look back. We strengthen one leg and then step the other forward, flexing our hip and bending our front knee in preparation for what is ahead. Our arms are raised straight up above our heads in preparation. Yet, both feet are firmly grounded. We are strong, prepared and ready. We have the power and determination to move forward with success.
For Austin, my "core" child who is unwavering in love and willingness to help others:
In Warrior II (Virabhadrasana B) we sweep one arm back towards the leg on the same side, and bring the front arm down towards the bent knee so that both arms are parallel to the ground. We need to work a little harder to ground that back leg, but this enables us to bend forward a little deeper. Our arms are stretched in both directions, so that we have a hand in our past and our future. Our core is centered in the present, and both feet are grounded, but we turn our gaze just over the front hand, towards the future.
For Katelyn, my lovely angel who glows with inner beauty that shines through:
In Warrior III (Virabhadrasana C) we require the most strength, presence and balance. We place our palms together at our heart and confidently balance on one leg. We slowly use our strength to lift the other leg back and up. As the leg comes up our hearts and minds are able to move forward and slowly lower until they are parallel to the ground. Finally, we draw our arms out past our heads. Our arms provide balance, and we must remain in this balance in order to maintain strength and presence. Ultimately, we need balance, strength, and presence at the same time to stay in this pose. Once we have mastered it, our reward is that we are gazing down in the present, but reaching with anticipation to the future. Our heads and hearts are in perfect balance with the raised leg, but our gaze and opposite leg are firmly grounded in the present.
Katelyn asked, "Why do I get the hardest one?". I welcomed another opportunity to pass on my profound wisdom and spiritual knowledge to my only daughter. I bent down close so only she could hear, and explained, "Because you are a girl, and girls can do anything!".
To John, Austin and Katelyn, my head, my heart and my soul:
I bow to the light, love and all that this divine within you.
Namaste,
Kathryn