Attune: [uh-toon, uh-tyoon];
verb (used with object), attuned, attuning.
1.to bring into accord, harmony, or sympathetic relationship; adjust:
2. Archaic. to tune or bring into harmony, as a musical instrument.
This is the word that comes to mind when I think about the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. These three components that make up our human form are made to work together in HARMONY. One thing that I like about playing music is that it awakens and invigorates each part in this trio: we use our minds to interpret and create, we use our bodies to give sound and rhythm, and our spirits move and respond as we experience art. Another way of attuning this trinity of self is by simply connecting to our breath. Our breath is what keeps our bodies moving, our minds thinking, and our soul grounded. Our breath is so powerful; it is the essence of our being. Once we learn how to be more aware of our breath and how to control it, we can create so much good for ourselves.
Continuing on this stream of consciousness, I want to bring the focus now to the art of yoga. Yoga is a beautiful art form that brings the mind, heart, soul, and body into sync. It requires a focus of the mind onto the physical demands of the body and the grounding of the breath in each pose. Your heart is focused on creating space for yourself and being accepting of where you are currently in the moment... No judgment... just love. Yoga puts a huge emphasis on the breath, which is called the "pranayama". Breath is the source of our "prana", or "vital life force". No matter what is happening in our bodies or our minds, we can bring focus and gratitude to the inhalation and exhalation of life through our breath. Our breath can be used to calm, center, focus, and create space for love and gratitude.
Yoga also helps open up our bodies so that we may, in turn, open up our hearts and our minds. Finding confidence, strength, and faith in our bodies allows for discovering more confidence, strength, and faith in our mind and spirit. Because of how well yoga complements the goal of discovering one's HEART SONG, I am excited to announce that this fall I will be receiving my certification in yoga instruction and will be implementing yoga techniques into the practice next year! Stay tuned for exciting discoveries and opportunities ahead!
Namaste. (The light inside of me honors the light inside of you.)
Miquel Shanine, LPMT, MT-BC, NMT