This journal entry concludes day 7 of the master cleanse. I think of it as a rejuvenating ritual and today I focused on the nourishment completely. After taking care of my bones with weight resistance exercises, I relaxed with an eye compress. Leisurely bike ride to Kailua town was next, during which all of my senses were engaged. Then I entered a truly beautiful yoga studio space. There were three students and the teacher, Matilda who brought women’s yoga philosophy from Sweden. Our mats were arranged in the circle, with a large candle in the middle. The lights were dimmed and there was gentle music playing. It was an hour of restorative poses, yummy feeling stretching and support.
We started with rose water spray and ended with a cup of chilled tulsi, holy basil tea. Throughout Matilda coached us in empowerment and provided very physical support. Our eyes were closed for the majority of the practice. In child’s pose, I sank into the bolster. She placed her hands on my feet and back and her instruction to imagine being completely at peace in the womb really resonated with me. In the tree pose, I was struggling to lift my leg, she stood behind me pressing her body against mine and I felt completely supported. She guided my breathing. She reminded us that support does not mean we are not strong, but that we are meant to be there for each other. Laying on my back stretching my hips, she massaged my head and my face, opening the spirit within me. Finally in the deep relaxation pose, as I placed blankets over my entire body, she placed oil on my shoulders and gently peeled away the tension. The other two students received the support of her touch and presence and we were all happy to have come to her last class in this calendar year.
With the beautiful gift of practice dedicated to grounding, I felt light as I rode the bike to a bookstore, where I browsed many subjects. There is a book on football I want to read and a German lentil soup recipe I want to make for G. And there is Osho, whose words close this day for me: “Live a life of expression, creativity, joy”. With the light of the fourth night of Chanuka, I celebrate the joy of my body and my spirit.