Love Changes Everything
Devarim
KOSHER SUTRA You have dwelt long enough at this mountain (Deut 1:6).
SOUL SOLUTION Get motivated and bring healing to the world
BIBLIYOGA POSE Camel
BODY BENEFITS strengthens backs, releases thighs
 

 

Meditation and prayer are a crucial part of life because they connect us to our higher selves, to the source of our creation and help keep us from getting lost in the mire of everyday life.

Moses gets ready to motivate the people by reminding them that God spoke to them on Mount Sinai and said “You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn and journey…” (Deut 1: 6-7). Whilst it is important to spend some time on our metaphorical mountains, and even to revisit them on a regular basis, we cannot heal the world if we stay on the hilltop.

One of the core principles of the Bibliyoga philosophy is that we practice ethical ideas on the yoga mat, such as embodying peace/Shalom within our body, and then take it into the world. Whilst it may be admirable to develop a strong yogic practice or meditation technique, those around us will benefit when we are able to put these principles into practice.

Moses had a very clear message, and Rashi offered another interpretation, suggesting that in reminding people that they had spent time on the mountain, they should also reflect on the things they had achieved and how far they had grown. The spiritual energy of this week culminates with Tuesday’s 25-hour fast of Tisha B’Av, which remembers the destruction of the Temple and a host of other man-made tragedies. The mystics teach that Tisha B’Av will eventually be turned from a day of mourning to a day of celebration, once we’re able to flood the world with ‘Ahavat Chinam’, unbounded love.

If we take a moment to remind ourselves of what we can achieve when we set our mind to it, how hard can it be to find peace within our own body and mind, and to share this peacefulness with the worl

 

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THE KOSHER SUTRAS © MARCUS J FREED/BIBLIYOGA 2010/5770

Marcus J Freed is the creator of Bibliyoga, USA & North America Director of  Yoga Mosaic – the association for Jewish yoga teachers, and yogi-in-residence for JConnectLA and Jewlicious Festivals.

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CAMEL

This is a great posture for freeing up the shoulders, the hips and the spine. Camels are the ultimate vehicle for freedom, whether you’re fleeing Egyptian persecutors through the desert or if you’ve got tight shoulders through too much time on the computer….

i. Come up to a kneeling position with your shins in parallel position behind you. Tuck your toes underneath.

ii. Place your hands on your sacrum and inhale your chest upwards, stretching your head to look back.

iii. Slowly exhale, dropping backwards and take hold of your ankles.

iv. Continue to keep the energy flowing through this position.

v. Eventually come up to a straight position on an inhale and when you’ve completed the posture between three and five times, take Child’s pose.

Variation: Keep your hands on your sacrum and flatten your feet, only taking a more gentle backbend. You may find it easier on your knees to place a folded blanket or cushion beneath them. You can also do this in from of a wall and bring your hands over your head, pushing against the wall.


 

 

Camel