Tuesday, February 14, 2014
In my last article I wrote about how we human beings are a microcosm of the macrocosm . We are made of the same elements that are found in nature (earth, water, fire, air and ether). The fire element in the yoga practice is about generating heat (getting hot while we move, while we hold postures for longer periods of time) to transform or transmute our inner being which then has an impact on our life experiences. The heat is used to create or fan the flame of whatever we want to create in our lives. Everything we do in the practice puts energy towards that fire of transformation. The heat is also used to purify and cleanse the system. In nature, we need the forest fires for new growth. Without the fire there would be no shifting from one state of being to the next. So in a yoga class we move and sweat and stay with the heat instead of backing away from it. There are many ways to generate heat in the practice including core work, arm balances, breathing techniques and a faster vinyasa flow. A person who has a strong inner fire is dedicated, motivated, hard working and has willpower to use for the things they are passionate about in life. I think we can all agree that it is inspiring to be around people who are passionate and dedicated to something.
My friend, Bob Blake is the poster boy for the fire element in the yoga practice. He is determined, committed, dedicated and has strong will power. He lives a life full of adventure and he is passionate about many things. Bob is a long time cottager in Haliburton County (over 60 years) and he is turning 89 next weekend. He is an amazing man. I have known him for over 20 years and I am continually inspired by his enthusiasm and adventurous spirit. He is always learning and willing to try new things. One example is that this summer he will return to Haliburton and will take the week long ukulele course at the Haliburton School of the Arts. He has always wanted to play this instrument. This past Christmas was his first one without his beautiful wife of 60 plus years and he chose to take a bus from Waterloo to Toronto to spend Christmas with his family (he could have gotten a ride but chose to go a day early). He proceeded to explore the city with his son and daughter – in – law and I happened to see pictures of his adventure on facebook. The amazing part of this story is that he had just had open heart surgery in October and had been recovering for a couple of months. Nothing stops Bob. He has a fire in his belly. He is dedicated to living life fully. He is avid golfer and so is currently exercising daily to get himself ready for the 2014 season. What an inspiration to everyone who comes into contact with him. I hope I am filled with as much light and dedication as him when I celebrate my 89th year on the planet.