Catching up with posting for #inktober2017 (3/4) #furious : Koormasana aka turtoise pose. Beside its physical benefits like toning abdominal organs and circulation, increase in the spine soothing nerves, relieving head and neck ache, it induces introversion and mental relaxation, composure, a sense of security, and surrender. Passion, fear and anger subside. Body and mind are refreshed. It is said in the Bhagavad Gita that when the senses can be withdrawn from association with other objects (like the turtoise withdraws its limbs from external danger) one is fixed on the path to wisdom. This asana is dedicated to Koorma, the turtoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu, maintainer of the universe. Even though I can only do this asana half way I do feel the benefits of it. The thing is, we cannot meditate when we’re infuriated or brooding over revengeful thoughts. At least, I cannot. That is when breathing, chanting and bending the body helps. Koormasana or the easier to practice Shashankasana are good remedies for anger. With time, determination and practice we can catch anger at its source and make it pop like a tiny bubble before it becomes a tsunami that destroys everything on its way. Despite all these exercises, anger still happens on occasion. But, I’ve noticed a change in how I go about similar situations that used to normally trigger anger. And although it has taken me years of practice for a minuscule shift where I do not let emotions enslave me as they used to, it still feels like a big victory every time I do not succumb to this emotion. With gratitude I am then encouraged to continue doing what I am doing (no clue what I am doing, though 😂 because it doesn’t follow an exact recipe) in this undirected direction. Most importantly, keeping in mind that emotions are a complex thing to master - let’s just take it one baby step at a time. Speaking of which, it’s before bedtime yoga time! Nightinight 🌟 🌟 🌟 🙏 • • • Before we say good night, do check out the lovely artwork from my wonderful fellow ink artists for #inktober They are the fabulous three! • • • #artist #illustration #yogasana #shashankasana #koormasana #harepose #tortoisepose #angermanagement #mantra