Strong back, supple heart

On a recent walk, I noticed heart shaped leaves dancing on a mostly barren tree. It reminded me of how when we face life's immense challenges and hardships, we can feel stripped, raw, and bare. I used to tape layer upon layer of preverbal duct tape over my heart when life served me heartache; not to shut it down, but to contain the pain long enough to function. Since I've made the connection that movement, meditation, and breath-work help me metabolize, and move through emotions, I've put away the duct tape (most always), and use these tools.   
  
In WOW class this week, I shared the following message from Joan Halifax:  
Cultivating a strong back and soft front, “is about the relationship between equanimity and compassion. A strong back is about equanimity and our capacity to uphold ourselves, especially during difficult times."  

“All too often our so-called strength comes from fear not love; instead of having a strong back, many of us have a defended front shielding a weak spine. In other words, we walk around brittle and defensive, trying to conceal our lack of confidence. If we strengthen our backs, metaphorically speaking, and develop a spine that’s flexible but sturdy, then we can risk having a front that’s soft and open, representing choiceless compassion. The place in your body where these two meet — strong back and soft front — is the brave, tender ground in which to root our caring deeply.”

“How can we give and accept care with strong-back, soft front compassion, moving past fear into a place of genuine tenderness? I believe it comes about when we can be truly transparent, seeing the world clearly — and letting the world see into us.” 
— Joan Halifax  

Mindful Movement classes contribute to building a strong supportive back, while inviting you to connect with your soft, supple heart.   ​