My So-Called Yoga Life

So I sat down with my husband to watch the new movie, The Arrival. All I knew was that it was about aliens coming to earth and they made contact. I wasn’t expecting much. The movie quickly swiped my attention and enveloped me with interest.

As I watched how the ink rings of communication used by the aliens were slowly deciphered, and an understanding of how they communicate became more clear,
I was overcome with emotion. And maybe it was the underlying story of the main character Louise (Amy Adams) and the unfolding story of her future daughter, but learning that the alien race communicated through the experience of emotion with each ring was an astounding concept. I began to think about what our world would be like if people could do this instead of fumbling through a finite list of words that language is able to express. How would our world look? What would it be like. The profound feelings that emotion can invoke are overwhelming at times. The power and conviction of our feelings drive us. If these were not misconstrued by the cumbersomeness of language, so much could be understood, shared and achieved. There would be deep understandings among people. Race, religion, politics, culture, family, everything would be so much more. We would connect to each other the way we were always meant to, realizing that we are all one and the same gorgeous energy and force of life.

It made me remember a practice I learned some time ago. It was even featured on the Big Bang Theory in one episode with Penny and Sheldon. The practice is to sit with someone you know (or even don’t know) and stare into each other’s eyes for five minutes or more. At first, it seems weird and almost intrusive. As you continue, peering into the soul of your partner starts to feel emotional. Thoughts of understanding, kindness and connection begin to permeate your mind. Your partner is no longer an “other”. They are just like YOU. It’s a beautiful reminder really, of the depth and allure of our ethereal nature. Yoga has been found again, this time in a movie. I love it.

Want to take some time to reconnect with someone?

Try this:

-Start by putting on some incense or if you are an oiler like me, diffuse a complimentary oil blend like Joy or Humility

– comfortably seat yourself across from each other on the couch or floor

– gaze into each other’s eyes while remaining quiet and focused on your partner. It’s okay if you giggle;) Do this for about 5 minutes or more if you like

– when you are complete, it may feel right to hug your partner, do whatever feels right. Then talk to each other about your experience. It is sure to be a meaningful time.

Much Love ❤️