I had the privilege of visiting Croatia again recently, to see a dear friend from way back when I lived and worked in Bangladesh.
Her talents and generosity seem boundless and, along with her partner, they produced this lovely video for me.
This is a ten minute sequence filmed by a lake amongst the olive groves that abound in Dalmatia. The overall effect reminds me of practicing yoga in a Renaissance painting.
My friend, Mejrema, composed the music herself and it is from an album she produced while working with people with autism as part of an art in therapy project. It fit perfectly with the mood. It also fit perfectly with me since my full-time work is with people with autism.
I did not plan this sequence. We saw a beautiful scene. We set up a camera. I stood for a moment, took a few calm breaths, and practiced what came to me in the moment.
The sequence consists of some strong standing balances, but if you were practicing it you could modify it so you either kept your toe on the ground or you hugged your leg to your body, rather than straightening it as I do.
There are also some standing twists and side bends. Again, you could modify these to your capacity.
When I reviewed the footage I loved how my knobbly arms and legs seemed to blend with the branches of the olives.
The olive is sacred to the people of this area. I love how their silvery leaves sparkle in the breeze.
I smile when I see this video. I hope you will too.
Happy and safe practicing!
Much metta,
Samantha
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