sewing yoga
Healing Grief With Story And Yoga
Copyright 2009 Sydney Solis
I’ve been fascinated with fairytales lately. It had been childhood since I last delved into their fantastic images, symbols and magical journeys. I’ve rediscovered them all over again for their incredible power of healing.
Recently I worked on the Grimm’s fairytale The 12 Swans, which I renamed based on various sources I researched. I worked on this story this August with storyteller Laura Simms at her annual residency in Philo, California.
I was drawn to tell this tale of a young woman who is responsible for the fact that her 12 brothers must die because of her birth, and must restore her 12 brothers who have been enchanted and turned into swans. Her task is difficult, to spin, weave and sew 12 shirts for her brothers to break the spell, but to add to difficulty, she must not speak or laugh for 6 years and she must make everything from stinging nettles. A king falls in love with her but by trickery of the queen mother, gets the girl accused of witchcraft and dragged to the stake to be burned. She finishes the shirts just in time, sans one last sleeve and restores the brothers, breaks the spell and can finally speak and defend herself.
We are drawn to stories such as fairy tales for the symbols and images they present and how they point to our personal experience on a deep level. Mythologist Joseph Campbell said that the purpose of the symbol is for the witness to experience the transcendent within himself. The physical symbol points past itself and toward the transcendent. One then can have yoga, or union, with that divine within.
When offering a story for telling, Laura said the listener will create their own meaning from the symbols alone, rather than if this story “fits.” As a storyteller my job is not to project my own personal interpretation onto a story but allow the listener to participate in his own experience of the story and its images and make relationships to it.
Aristotle said that the soul speaks in an image. Our task is to listen deeply to the interior landscape of the body, feel it, experience it, uncover the symbols and stories and express it in order to bring a deep awareness of ourselves, undo blocks and uncover resistance and find our ultimate freedom, union of yoga with the self, that is always there, unblemished. It is through yoga, chitti vritti narodaha, by ceasing the fluctuations of the mind, that Patanjali says in the Sutras 1.2, that we can see clearly beyond the mind and perceive the soul. Only after removing this mind’s film of distraction off the shower door with the scouring power of yoga can we identify with the soul rather than the mind and achieve heaven on earth.
A member of the Shambhala community, Simms had us sit twice a day in meditation. The practice forced me to watch my mind and as she suggested, be curious about what and why I am thinking. What is the thought/story going on here? Why am I always retelling this thought/story? And then bring it back to the present. It forced me to become clear about what was really happening in front of me, as well of what is actually happening in the fairytale.
Additionally, Simms gave us little, “mail,” of tasks to do. For me, she recognized through hearing me tell my own stories that there were aspects of myself that I had repressed over the years. There was something lost that needed to be restored and grieved over. Indeed, I had much to grieve - the sudden death of my husband 2 ½ years ago, a traumatic childhood and other sorrows and losses. She had me list 12 things that I had lost and needed to restore. I spent the week picking up things off the forest floor and meandering along the Navarro River in search of lost aspects of myself. Stories arose out of that deep searching that tied back to the story and my attraction to it. How I didn’t speak until I was 4 years old, how I held my creative, expressive self back to perform the duty of a polite and dutiful corporate wife. Those stories became clear in my sitting meditation and walks.
Simms had me tell the story as if I were the mother of the grieving queen who in the story the 12 brothers were to die. Telling my story of experience and expressing my grief through the fairy tale helped me express and become clear of my grief. There was recognition and a naming. That clarity of mind sets us free, to distinguish what is real and what is a delusion of the mind. Delusions like that there were ever weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. A false perception and belief can lead to unnecessary suffering and strife. Our minds are the biggest weapons of mass destructions. To give into fear, guilt, and to believe in other people’s stories imposed upon us. But if we stop and look at the story in the mind, we can get clear, name it and heal it.
The ultimate healing came through forgiveness. I forgave myself for making terrible mistakes in handling my husband’s estate or choices I made throughout my life that had hard consequences. It was a healing reclamation of my authentic self, which culminated in a forgiveness of myself repressing my true self. I mourned the loss. I made peace I did the best I could. I moved on. I have a story to tell.
The Hebrew tradition says God made humans because he likes stories. It’s as if that’s what our whole ego is, a story, offered up for God. So I practice yoga. I tell stories. I share with my family and friends. And life is beautiful.
WORKING WITH THE STORY:
Work with this fairy tale much like you would do a dream. Make a list of the images and symbols that impressed you in the story. Work with the girl, the 12 brothers, the swan, etc.. What do they mean to you? What associations can you make with them? Ask questions such as, what in my life now or in the past is similar to the heroine’s experience? What misfortunes have befallen me? What difficult task have I had to perform? How am I like the Queen mother, making false accusations, internally and externally? How is my life under pressure? What lost aspect can I find of myself? What memory is now healed but lives on as a memory, a symbol, such as a swan wing?
Draw, paint, write a poem or make a personal symbol to represent your relationship and journey with the story.
Contemplate this story throughout your day and in your asana practice. Discover if certain parts of the body and chakras resonate with the story and its symbols. Let it sit in the back of your psyche composting for a while. Journal around any dreams or insights you have. Draw a symbol to represent this task and period of contemplation and work and the out come. Describe it in a few adjectives. Place it under your pillow and ask it to bring you a dream.
About the Author
Since 2000, Sydney Solis has been spreading the joy and wisdom of yoga and story with classes, performances, trainings and workshops internationally. From her children's show on PBS to The National Association for the Education of Young Children to the Estes Park Yoga Journal Conference, Sydney enchants audiences of all ages with Storytime Yoga.
|
|
McCall's Sewing Pattern - Yoga Mat Carrier, Quilt, Cushion, Neck Roll & Baskets $3.75 |
|
|
Rhinestone Hotfix Iron On Transfer Lotus Flower Yoga $15.30 |
i ripped my pants in yoga. what do i do.?
so yeah. buy new ones? or sew it? or never go back? this really happened, im mortified.
and why does everyone hate on me?
how is it a stupid question? there is no such thing as a stupid question. i really ripped my pants. look chump i don't know you, don't aggravate me.
im not a baby beater! i love babies.
it says KISS not KICK lol
buy a couple pairs and throw the rippd 1s away
and awww i dnt hate u even tho idk u like that but still sad
|
|
BLACK Stretch Microfiber Headband, Beauty, Fitness, All Head Sizes, for Any Activity, They Are comfortable, stylish, fine and absorptive. Hight quality of material. Very pleasant to touch. Head Band, Sweat Band, Sweatband $8.90 Panda Headbands are a new brand of headbands from high-quality material - brushed microfiber. Origin: 7 cm width, 46 cm circumference (65 cm when stretched). For all head sizes. Not only FOR WOMEN but also MEN and CHILDREN (from 4 years old) All Panda Headbands are made from f... |
|
|
ROSE Stretch Microfiber Headband, Beauty, Fitness, All Head Sizes, For Any Activity, They are comfortable, stylish, fine and absorptive. Hight quality of material. Very pleasant to touch. Head Band, Sweat Band, Sweatband $8.90 Panda Headbands are a new brand of headbands from high-quality material - brushed microfiber. Origin: 7 cm width, 46 cm circumference (65 cm when stretched). For all head sizes. Not only FOR WOMEN but also MEN and CHILDREN (from 4 years old) All Panda Headbands are made from f... |
|
|
BLACK Stretch Microfiber Headband, Beauty, Fitness, All Head Sizes, For Any Activity, They are comfortable, stylish, fine and absorptive. Hight quality of material. Very pleasant to touch. Head Band, Sweat Band, Sweatband $8.90 Panda Headbands are a new brand of headbands from high-quality material - brushed microfiber. Origin: 7 cm width, 46 cm circumference (65 cm when stretched). For all head sizes. Not only FOR WOMEN but also MEN and CHILDREN (from 4 years old) All Panda Headbands are made from f... |
|
|
Standing Collar Neckline Wear Khadi Short Kurta Shirt mens fashion kurta $35.00 We offers Kurta for men. The Kurta that we offer are ideally fabricated for leisure time but can also be worn on auspicious rituals and ceremonies. This can be teamed with a jeans and pajama. In some regions it can be worn with dhoti also. We offer these in Lining patterns and also fabricate them with khadi fabric.... |
|
|
One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects; Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric! $13.45 WORKMAN PUBLISHING-Storey Publishing: One Yard Wonders. One-Yard wonders will delight anyone who has ever fallen for fabric: from the novice to the lifelong seamstress. This book features a delightful array of simple yet stylish projects that can be made with just a single yard of fabric: from apparel to accessories; plush toys to pet beds; baby items to bags and home decor projects; have a hip co... |
|
|
Gaiam Wisdom Yoga Mat Bag $13.25 A chic, functional spin on a classic essential, our Wisdom mat bag is roomy enough for your yoga, Pilates or fitness mat. This 100 percent cotton mat bag also sports a zippered front pocket to hold all of your essentials to tote back and forth from class or the studio. The dimensions measure 24 by 6 inches. About Gaiam Gaiam was created as a lifestyle company with the vision that, given a choice,... |
|
|
Banglz Wrist Weights- Set of 2, 1/2 Lb. (with our unique removable, inspiring covers) The BEST weights available to Add to your workouts or wear during daily activities! Add to BARRE, YOGA, PILATES, ZUMBA & Burn More Calories, Tone the Body and Feel Energized in Banglz! $24.95 Banglz are comfortable, inspiring wrist arm & leg weights for exercise or any activity. ADD to YOGA, ZUMBA, Walking, sports training or any activity and burn more calories while getting stronger!... |
|
|
GOGO™ Indian Pattern Hemp Roomy Yoga Mat Bag / Big Yoga Mat Bag / Yoga Bag, Yoga Accessories $12.99 Model: 2HATM-U28Size: 28-inch(72cm) in Length x 20-inch(52cm) in Circle Color: NaturalMaterial: 100% Hemp FabricFeatures:**Traditional Indian patterns, solid colored cotton fabrics, lush cotton velvet**Environmentally friendly, comfortable and durable.**Roomy design accommodates all sizes of sticky yoga mats.**Outside pocket for small articles such as keys or wallet.**Designed for carrying your ro... |
|
|
McCall's Sewing Pattern - Yoga Mat Carrier, Quilt, Cushion, Neck Roll & Baskets $3.75 |
|
|
Rhinestone Hotfix Iron On Transfer Lotus Flower Yoga $15.30 |
|
|
McCall's Sewing Pattern 4896 Yoga Gym Swim Clothes 18" Dolls American Girl New $5.25 |
|
|
McCalls Pattern 6372 FABRIC BASKETS CUSHIONS YOGA MAT CARRIER $4.99 |
|
|
McCall's4896 18" NEW doll clothes pattern American Girl beach yoga swim suit $5.65 |
|
|
McCall's 4896 American Girl 18" Doll Clothes Pattern Yoga Soccer Ballet UNCUT $5.99 |
|
|
McCall's Pattern 6258 Clothing for 11 in Barbie Doll Wedding dress, gown, yoga $4.99 |
|
|
MODKID SEWING PATTERNS ~ MAYA ~ SIZES 2T-8 ~ RUFFLED SHIRT & YOGA SKIRT/DRESS $7.00 |
|
|
MODKID SEWING PATTERNS ~ MADELINE ~ SIZES XS-XL ~ 4 SKIRTS W/ YOGA WAISTBANDS $7.00 |
|
|
4535 Simplicity Pattern Totes & Organizers Reuable Shopping Bags Floor Yoga Mat $9.99 |
|
|
Yin yang tao taoism trance retro boho hippie yoga applique iron-on patch new G-3 $2.79 |
|
|
Hindu aum om infinity hindi yoga peace trance applique iron-on patch new G-9 $2.79 |
|
|
Hindu aum om infinity hindi yoga peace trance applique iron-on patch new G-12 $2.79 |
|
|
Hindu aum om infinity hindi yoga peace trance applique iron-on patch new G-8 $2.79 |
|
|
Hindu aum om infinity hindi yoga peace trance applique iron-on patch new G-7 $2.79 |
|
|
Eyes of Buddha buddhism yoga peace trance applique iron-on patch new G-13 $2.79 |
|
|
QUILTED BAGS Tote Backpack Yoga Bag Wine Tote Sewing for Dummies Pattern S4936 $6.95 |
|
|
Hindu aum om infinity hindi yoga peace trance applique iron-on patch new G-10 $2.79 |
|
|
Uncut Gym Bag & Yoga Exercise Mat Sports Accessories Sewing Pattern B6621 $10.22 |
|
|
Eyes of Buddha wisdom buddhist trance yoga nepal applique iron-on patch T-12 $2.98 |
|
|
Aum om infinity hindu hinduism yoga indian trance applique iron-on patch new T-1 $2.98 |
|
|
PATTERN WOMENS YOGA/EXERCISE WARDROBE XS-S-M $12.50 |
|
|
Aum om infinity hindu hindi hinduism yoga indian applique iron-on patch new S-4 $2.98 |
|
|
2-Piece Yoga Pant pattern (#30)- Silhouettes $14.00 |
|
|
New & Uncut McCalls Sewing Pattern 4261 -size Z (Lrg-Xlg)- Yoga Pants, Jacket $5.00 |
|
|
McCall's Pattern 6372 Quilt Cushions Yoga Mat Baskets $4.99 |
|
|
Dog Humor - Yoga #13 - 8X10 Tee Shirt Iron On Transfer $3.50 |
|
|
McCall's 4261 Misses' Yoga, Workout Clothes Pattern. Choose Xsm-Med or Lg-Xlg $5.29 |
|
|
McCall's 4261 Misses' Yoga, Workout Clothes Pattern. Choose Xsm-Med or Lg-Xlg $5.29 |
|
|
PATTERN 18" DOLL CLOTHES JACKET PANTS SHORTS TOP SWIMSUIT YOGA BAG MAT M4896 $6.99 |
|
|
Aum om infinity hindu hindi hinduism yoga indian applique iron-on patch new S-3 $2.98 |
|
|
ZEN lotus rays EMBROIDERED PATCH buddhist buddhism yoga $9.99 |
|
|
NEW & UNCUT McCalls Crafts Pattern 4896 for 18" Doll CLothes - Yoga/Gym Clothes $5.49 |
|
|
SEW NEWS Mag Easy Sew execise gear, sew yoga, sew to entertain Jan2007 $1.50 |
|
|
Aum Om Omkara Chant Yoga Sew Embroidered Iron On Patch $4.43 |
|
|
McCall's Pattern M4896 18" Doll Clothes Yoga Tutu 4896 $4.79 |
|
|
Aum om infinity hindu hinduism yoga indian trance applique iron-on patch G-11 $2.98 |
|
|
McCall's sewing pattern - Yoga wardrobe - Size XS-S-M $11.95 |
|
|
Dog - Yoga #13 - 8X10 Tee Shirt Iron On Transfer $3.50 |
|
|
Aum om infinity hindu hindi hinduism yoga indian applique iron-on patch new T-2 $2.98 |
|
|
McCall's American Girl 18" Doll Clothes Sewing Pattern $6.99 |
|
|
18" DOLL Ballet, Swimsuit, Soccer, Yoga UNCUT Sewing Pattern American Girl, Gotz $3.99 |
|
|
Blue OHM om aum ~CANVAS PATCH~ lotus Buddhist Hinduism yoga meditation art punk $3.49 |
|
|
Tan OHM om aum ~CANVAS PATCH~ lotus yoga meditation symbolism buddha art punk $3.49 |
|
|
Green OHM om aum ~CANVAS PATCH~ lotus yoga meditation symbolism buddha art punk $3.49 |
|
|
Hindu aum om infinity lotus hindi yoga peace trance applique iron-on patch G-62 $2.89 |
|
|
Hindu aum om infinity lotus hindi yoga peace trance applique iron-on patch G-60 $2.89 |
|
|
Eyes of Buddha peace trance boho hippie yoga applique iron-on patch G-64 $2.89 |
|
|
Hindu aum om infinity lotus hindi yoga peace trance applique iron-on patch G-59 $2.89 |
|
|
Yin yang tao taoism peace trance boho hippie yoga applique iron-on patch G-61 $2.89 |
making your favorite yoga pants into your favorite yoga shorts (no sewing)