Savoring

Short thoughts this summer while I’m out traveling with family

Last summer we traveled for basically the entire month of July. The intensity of our schedule meant almost a month away from my regular yoga practice and working out.

When we got back I asked my husband how long it would take before he would feel good in the gym again “About two weeks” was his answer “It’s gonna suck!” he said with a smile.

Our conversation reminded me of the Tantric viewpoint that embodiment is a gift. In this view, it’s a good thing to be in a body. Bodies are how the Divine experiences the world - its creation.

So rather than curse it, or try to control, manipulate, or dominate our bodies…..rather than discipline and detach from all of our embodied experiences, the Tantric move is to savor them.

The word is Ashwada in Sanskrit (say it out loud, isn’t it savory?)

Savor being in a body for the time you have. Savor taste, smells, touches, sounds, sights. Savor feeling a stretch or the strength needed to meet a challenge.

Savoring is a way to acknowledge that our bodies are fleeting. They have a sacred duty as a vessel for our spirits while we are here, but their time is short.

Savoring moves us into the moment where our hearts can open. And with open hearts we experience more love, peace, freedom and ease. With open hearts, savoring our embodiment, we experience yoga. (you don’t even need to roll out your mat)