Hey there Yogis!
As you all know, Memorial Day is intended to remember, honor, and salute the nation’s fallen service members.
But not all of those we should recognize fit neatly into that definition.
What about the veterans who lose their lives after returning home?
In 2020, more than 6,100 veterans died by suicide.
Memorial Day should be a time to remember not only those who lost their lives due to physical wounds, but also those who continued fighting invisible battles long after leaving the battlefield.
Mental injuries can be just as devastating as physical ones.
In a country where, as we mentioned in a previous post, more than one in five adults lives with a mental illness, this day is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of compassion, awareness, and support.
Perhaps more than anything, Memorial Day can remind us of the value of peace.
I. Remembering the meaning of Namaste
"I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells.
I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace.
When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one."
II. Pigeon Pose
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, commonly known as Pigeon Pose, is a deep hip-opening posture that many practitioners find both challenging and deeply relieving.
The hips are a central hub of movement in the body.
When this area is tight, mobility becomes restricted, often causing discomfort not only in the hips but also in the hamstrings and spine.
Opening the hips can improve circulation in the lower body, increase range of motion, and create greater comfort during meditation, seated poses, and daily activities.
But the benefits of Pigeon Pose extend beyond the physical body.
Many traditions believe that emotional tension is often stored in the hips and lower back.
By bringing awareness and gentle release to this area, the posture may help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and emotional heaviness.
This pose is also associated with balancing the lower chakras.
The root and sacral chakras relate to stability, security, trust, and connection.
When these energy centers feel balanced, we may experience a deeper sense of grounding and emotional ease.
How to practice Eka Pada Rajakapotasana.
Source: Yoga Journal.
III. Awake: The Life of Yogananda | Biopic
Awake: The Life of Yogananda is a documentary that explores the life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, often considered one of the key figures who introduced yoga and meditation to the Western world.
Filmed over three years and spanning more than 30 countries, the documentary reflects on both ancient and modern perspectives on spirituality.
Through interviews with respected figures such as Krishna Das, Deepak Chopra, George Harrison, and other scholars and practitioners, the film presents a thoughtful portrait of Yogananda’s legacy.
At its heart, the documentary explores a universal human theme: the search for meaning, inner freedom, and lasting peace.
Watch the trailer.
Did you miss our previous newsletters about improving mental health, embracing vulnerability, fresh starts, and more?
Read them now:
https://shorturl.at/cdhW4
We hope you enjoyed today’s reflection.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with us.
We would love to hear from you.
We will get back to you shortly, Yogis.
Xoxo
Treelance Yoga
