Every morning we make a practice of breath moving the body in three planes of function, of breath awakening systems of the body, and integrating awareness in form inspired by the formless. We observe the lymphatic system function. We observe the composition of the skeleton, its joints, its connective tissue, and perhaps the “information” of personal history present.

Yes, the practice is about the body but as we move breath consciously, the practice is not mere calisthenics. Our functional awareness, our attention shifts. We unlock habits of perception. We receive with less obstruction. Judgments loosen. Discernments grow. Attachments attenuate. Whether we move or we are moved, we experience subtle shifts. It is the mind. We see the mind move and we see that is not the place from which I see in silence.

The nature of the experience is not what anyone else can tell me or you.

I’ve started my annual cleansing from the treats and delights of the holidays. I’ve gained 11 pounds which is merely a fact of sugar. As I give up apple pie and ice cream, exquisite taste gifts, and snacky treats, I notice the difference in my attention. The yoga breath delivery is the tool that helps me make connections of significance, and that allows subtle shifts. One specific example for me this week? As I care for my aging father I arrived with an equanimity and after more than three hours of unexpected duration I departed from him with the same equanimity. I did not stop to buy a pint or two of Hagen Dazs coffee ice cream for $3.98 each at Central Market. All this chuckles me, turns my nouns into verbs, my science into questions that attach to no solutions.

Well, all that above? A beaut. A real beaut. And after we depart you can say that, “Yeh, a beaut all right. A real beaut.”

Thank you for this connection with you. I could not be here without you.

A beaut. A real beaut.

Happy new year continues. . . . Keep going. Let’s begin again.