I just returned from an awesome weekend at the Mount Airy Fiddler's convention. A great time reconnecting with old friends whom way too many years have past since last visit.
I feel renewed and inspired.
After an ~15 yr. hiatus, I've taken up the fiddle again. This go 'round,Celtic fiddle style as opposed to Old Time. I've started lessons with an awesome fiddler/teacher in Asheville, who is very particular about technique etc. She's exactly what I was looking for in a teacher; one who will help nurture my innate talent, prevent me from developing bad habits and help me undo a few I've brought with me from so many years of playing guitar, all without being too forceful or intimidating.
My teacher has spent a lot of time with me on my bowing technique and the position of my pinky (or smallest) finger on my bowing hand. I tend to be tight, grasping the bow way harder than I need to, over extend my fingers etc. Common issues with a novice fiddler. Each week she reminds me how lightly I should hold the bow, no tension in my wrist, fingers, joints, arm, etc. It's a perfectly balanced dance, the bow and the strings, and the bow, a perfectly balance tool within itself. At this point, your probably wondering what the heck this has to do with yoga?
A lot. In an effort to keep a very deep subject short, here is a brief explanation:
Those of you familiar with Tantric philosophy and Anusara Yoga have probably heard about Shiva/Shakti energies and the play and dance between them. Shiva and Shakti are perfect Divine partners.
My teacher has spent a lot of time with me on my bowing technique and the position of my pinky (or smallest) finger on my bowing hand. I tend to be tight, grasping the bow way harder than I need to, over extend my fingers etc. Common issues with a novice fiddler. Each week she reminds me how lightly I should hold the bow, no tension in my wrist, fingers, joints, arm, etc. It's a perfectly balanced dance, the bow and the strings, and the bow, a perfectly balance tool within itself. At this point, your probably wondering what the heck this has to do with yoga?
A lot. In an effort to keep a very deep subject short, here is a brief explanation:
Those of you familiar with Tantric philosophy and Anusara Yoga have probably heard about Shiva/Shakti energies and the play and dance between them. Shiva and Shakti are perfect Divine partners.
Shiva, represents the masculine energy. Latent, strong, solid, dependable, energy.
Shakti, also known as Kundalini Shakti, which becomes pranic energy (life force energy), is feminine in her nature. She takes on many forms, is playful, flowing, graceful, ever changing in form. There ultimately is no separation between Shiva and Shakti. They are the perfect expression of Divine play. Everything in this Universe is a play and dance between the two interwoven partners. One can't be without the other. Humans, in our purest form, are an expression of the divine cosmic dance of Shiva and Shakti.
In my fiddling learning curve, I'm finding my left hand (noting hand) is my softer side. My fingers dance along the finger board with good intonation, less effort. The left side is our Lunar or feminine side (Shakti side).
In my fiddling learning curve, I'm finding my left hand (noting hand) is my softer side. My fingers dance along the finger board with good intonation, less effort. The left side is our Lunar or feminine side (Shakti side).
The right side is more masculine in it's nature a.k.a. the Solar side. Shiva-like in it's nature. The challenge is the sensitivity of the instrument I'm attempting to play. The fiddle, a very unforgiving instrument, directly resonates one's inner state. Tension comes out sounding harsh, no matter how perfect one's intonation is. The key is finding the balance of effort and surrender. To surrender to allow Grace to flow freely.
Once again, the Universe is trying to teach me softness and sensitivity, (seems to be a constant thread in my life.)
Once again, the Universe is trying to teach me softness and sensitivity, (seems to be a constant thread in my life.)
Ultimately, to surrender on a much deeper level, one has to be pliable, open, malleable like potter's clay, to play such a sensitive instrument such as the violin or fiddle and have it express the beauty and sensitivity that is possible. If I can let go, align with the Divine, beauty untapped is literally at my finger tips, fully expressed through the music. Get it?
It's not unlike working with my animals, the horses in particular. Everything, (especially animals and fiddles!), reflects ones inner tension immediately. It's up to us to recognize the reflection. They are mirrors to our souls. I believe that's one of the many lessons animals are here to help us learn, because they give us instant feedback, if we're open and willing to hear/see their guidance. Fortunately, I have thousands of opportunities each day to self-study with the help of the animals I live and work with.
When I take that concept deeper, to my human relationships, I realize, we too, are constantly reflecting one another's inner states.
It's not unlike working with my animals, the horses in particular. Everything, (especially animals and fiddles!), reflects ones inner tension immediately. It's up to us to recognize the reflection. They are mirrors to our souls. I believe that's one of the many lessons animals are here to help us learn, because they give us instant feedback, if we're open and willing to hear/see their guidance. Fortunately, I have thousands of opportunities each day to self-study with the help of the animals I live and work with.
When I take that concept deeper, to my human relationships, I realize, we too, are constantly reflecting one another's inner states.
90% of our communication is non-verbal. We're always in a play of energy exchanges with each other. What a lesson in mindfulness!
What I ask of myself is to BE, in a state of self-examination for as many moments that I'm able each day. When I'm tempted to judge, criticize or simply having an exchange with someone, what is it that I'm reflecting. What are they mirroring back?
Life is a dance of the ego and our efforts at surrender, as well as a dance of the Divine energies, all playing out simultaneously. I'm learning, the softer I become, how effortlessly Joy and Grace are able to flow in and through me.
Life is a dance of the ego and our efforts at surrender, as well as a dance of the Divine energies, all playing out simultaneously. I'm learning, the softer I become, how effortlessly Joy and Grace are able to flow in and through me.
Life gets lighter. Takes less energy.
I become the light I desire to reflect.
Funny how life continues to bring forth the lessons that are most imperative in our personal journey. It's fascinating how the Universe totally supports us and nurtures us along, not unlike the Canada goose I saw with her goslings crossing the road a few weeks ago at the Biltmore Estate. Momma goose marched with total confidence yet with exquisite gentleness and love, nurturing her babies out of harms way.
Funny how life continues to bring forth the lessons that are most imperative in our personal journey. It's fascinating how the Universe totally supports us and nurtures us along, not unlike the Canada goose I saw with her goslings crossing the road a few weeks ago at the Biltmore Estate. Momma goose marched with total confidence yet with exquisite gentleness and love, nurturing her babies out of harms way.
We have that support, albeit, often unseen.
It's simply a matter of surrendering and knowing all will be well if we can just get out of our own way and allow Grace to shroud us in her Glory.
Saprema,
donna
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