We
have been talking about Saraswati for
several weeks at Shree, the Goddess of speech, art and music. So it is fitting
that my middle son Kiran, a rising musician, turned 8 this week. All he
asked for for months for his birthday was a keyboard (well, also a ruby ring and a drone, but
keyboard was top of the list!). We went last weekend and bought it for
him and basically haven’t seen him since. What he has been doing, for
hours on end, is playing the pre-recorded songs that are available in the
keyboards computer and improvising along with them. The key and rhythms
don’t always line up perfectly, but about 50% of the time they do and it is
totally amazing to hear. I am a classical musician, meaning really good at
following what is already written on the page. I studied music theory for
years, I understand how the notes work together in different keys and modes,
and yet it has always been a challenge for me to harmonize and improvise so I
admire his skill with a tinge of jealousy.
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| Kiran rocking out on his keyboard with baby brother Rakhi |
Harmony
in music is the "vertical line" of the music, whereas the melody line
is the "horizontal line". In the vertical line notes layer on top of
notes to create lusher, more dynamic and interesting sounds over a melody
already present. Depending on which note gets layered on top the sound
evoked can be more or less happy, spooky, melancholy, etc. I've always
been amazed at how one simple addition or subtraction of a particular tone can
change everything so dramatically, and I love listening to my child figure this
out.
The
word harmony comes from the Greek harmozo or harmonia, meaning to
fit together or join. This is very similar to the meaning of the word
yoga, which is to yoke or unify. So to be "in yoga" is to be in
harmony. And just like in music, things can fit together in different
ways for different effects and results. When our bodies are in
harmony, the bones are integrated into the joints in a way that offers the
biggest range and ease of motion, The muscles are working together to create
balance, stability and flexibility. The vertebrae of the spine are
stacked (like notes in a chord) one atop another to create length and space, and the
overall effect is a congruity on the inside that reflects outwardly in
our posture and the way we carry ourselves in general. In asana practice the
alignment is the “vertical line”, how we layer muscle over bone to create a
clearer and more supported pose, and the vinyasa
or sequence is the horizontal, how each pose builds like a beautiful melody to
a peak pose where all that came before comes together.
The
more introspective practices of yoga give us the means to create an inner
harmony with the Divine. When your mind is in harmony you are at peace
and “joined” with uplifting thoughts and energy that are constantly being
live-streamed by the Universe. When you are harmonious in your heart, you
listen to what is being put forth in the Universe and join in and make it even
better by joining your voice to an already beautiful music. Playing in harmony
is not about what is lasting or permanent, but how you make beauty with what is
being presented to you right here and now. It's about individual voices coming
together for a moment, however brief, to celebrate and bring more beauty to the
world.
May we
all be attuned to the music of Saraswati, and may our song join hers to play
out our lives in divine harmony.
Off the Mat: This week as you are aware of
your reactions to events in your life, see if your reactions to those events
are adding to the beauty of the universe....or not. Notice if your
actions and reactions are in harmony with what is happening, meaning that they
are creating more ease and beauty and grace in your life and in the lives of
those around you. If they are not, ask
yourself what action or reaction would help move you closer to a harmonious
state.
On the Mat: We worked on deep twisting
in my classes this week, creating harmony in the relationship between the elbow
and outer knee (as is done in so many twisting poses), and inviting the
abdominals to the party, to create the deepest and most satisfying twist.
Twists are balancing poses, and their wringing action on the internal organs
helps to create balance within and congruity between the digestive,
cardiovascular, and reproductive systems.
