By Debbi K. Levy
In many ways, the seat on my yoga mat at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center feels a lot like a bimah, with the “congregation” sitting on their own mats all around me. The lights are lowered prior to the start of the practice, a bit of lavender spray is misted in the air to draw the senses in for focus and, alongside the subtle energy of a slower breath rhythm, we are transported. Eyelids soften, shoulders lower away from the ears, hearts begin to open to the awareness of a bigger world around us that invites an opportunity to reach for the Architect of it all. “But what of our differences, or even our politics?” you may question. After all, very few weavings of diverse groups of people are without tension in these current days fraught with strongly held views and perspectives. Believe it or not, we have found a path at the J that begins with B’tzelem Elohim (each made in the image of Hashem) and ends with a deep exhale releasing all that feels too heavy to carry.
Are you not quite convinced but still willing to remain interested as I provide more details? I am hopeful that your curiosity just may motivate you to join us.
Prior to bringing the physical body into poses or movement, my class will find stillness in any very comfortable pose. Many of my students lie on their backs to feel a strong earth beneath them with no curves. They are then invited to ask their minds to simply follow their breath pattern. This may sound like a very simple cue but can often be challenging, particularly with a busy day ahead, yet they press on and follow the breath, noticing whatever may come up for them. Frequently, I have students report that this three-minute meditation practice is the most complete rest time they have recently experienced. I bring them back with a soft voice and there is no rush to do anything but notice their responsiveness to the stillness. A prompt from me to formulate a kavanah (intention) for their practice comes next. In my observations as their guide, this is the moment when I see facial expressions change and a positive and peaceful deepening of the moment occur, like that of a prayer — and sometimes it is just that for the practitioners.
The students are then given a cue to make their way to a soft seat at the top of their mats and I begin the work that is sacred to a teacher, or guide, whose job it is to build community. Eyes gaze down to the ground at first, slowly blinking open to become aware, once again, of where they are, then slowly shifting the gaze to take in their whole surroundings, the entire space. The studio is not fancy or adorned in any way and I invite my “congregation” to enjoy the simplicity of passively using their observation skills without figuring anything out or coming to conclusions. In yoga, we define this simple way of taking in as “no judgment.”
The cue that follows literally smashes protective barriers to bits, as they are asked to notice and take in the community members around them, meeting the eyes of one another. No silos, no isolation, but, rather, human beings endowed with that spark of the Divine we recognize and assert as we behold each other within that Biblical framework. It is uncomplicated, but it is everything Torah teaches, as we welcome the stranger into our heart with abundant kindness.
The physical practice continues with twists and planks held for longer periods than we may like as we strengthen the core of the body, move into downward-facing dog and linger in stretches from the crown of the head to the tips of our toes. Blood is circulating and oxygenation is multiplying through the deeper inhales and exhales and the flowing postures. We are slow, but mindful and steady. Our daily wearing of armor has fallen away. We feel fresh and new, with affection for each one of us in the community, filled, perhaps, with gratitude for choosing to join in and put aside task lists, calendar requests and responsibilities for one hour of this soul-polishing practice. We are like-minded in this shared practice.
Friends, this is yoga Through a Jewish lens. I have been very excited to describe it to you here. I would very much appreciate and enjoy the opportunity to practice with you, introduce you to our amazing and cohesive community at The J and let you determine if you find it the way I do. Shalom and namaste!
Kohenet Debbi K. Levy wishes to make your entry into her practices at The J even easier, so she is listing her class times here and is always available by email as well at Debbiklevy@gmail.com. Monday, 1 p.m.; Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.; Wednesday, 1 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m.