Gone Fishing
This past year, with everything going on worldwide, I have had the opportunity to spend more time at the family cottage. This gave me the opportunity to rediscover my love of fishing, something I have done since I was a child. My first fishing rod was plastic, made by Fisher Price. My dad and I would spend hours sitting on the dock or in his 12-foot aluminum boat, talking and watching the river go by. I had no trouble putting a worm on my hook but had to wear gloves to take a fish off. Sadly, as I got older life got busy with school and then starting a career, I found less time to spend at the cottage. Thus, less time to fish.
By spending time at the cottage during the Summer of last year I was able to escape, leaving behind the stress and anxiety of work and everything going on in the world. I spent many weekends there by myself, bringing everything I needed with me and only going into town when it was absolutely necessary. During this time, I was able to reconnect to both this place that was a huge part of my childhood and to a favourite pastime that I didn’t realize how much I missed. There’s nothing like floating down the river in a boat, casting out and reeling in, hoping to feel that tug of a fish on the line. Now, being in a similar situation as this time last year, I am trying to be optimistic focusing on the positive things in my life. For as long as I can remember, my family has opened the cottage on the May 24 Long Weekend. And fishing season opens in Ontario on the third weekend in May. Things to look forward to in the month of May.
If it isn’t already obvious, the focus this month will be on Matsyasana, or Fish Pose. This energizing pose, for both the body and mind, promotes self-confidence, well-being and emotional growth as well as reduces fatigue and anxiety. All of which are things that are beneficial, especially during the current times. Classified as a backbend and a heart opener, Matsyasana, or Fish Pose, opens and stretches the neck, throat, chest, intercostal muscles and lungs as well as the abdomen and hip flexors. This allows for increased spinal flexibility and deeper breathing. The upper body is strengthened with practice of this pose, this helping to improve posture. It has been claimed that you are able to float like a fish if you come into this pose when you are in water.
Starting in Savasana, or Corpse Pose
, *This pose should not be done if any neck or back injuries are present, or that have occurred in the past*
Finding a comfortable position lying on your back with arms at the sides of the torso. Shoulder blades slide down the back, allowing shoulders to lower away from ears. Legs are both extended out long.
Bending the knees, bringing the soles of the feet flat on the ground. Arms remain at the sides of the torso, palms facing the ground.
Hips lift as hands slide under the buttocks. Pressing into the forearms, elbows and shoulder blades as the chest begins to lift.
The head lowers back down to the ground, either onto the top or onto the back depending on the intensity of the back bend. There should be very little weight on the head either way.
Option here to place a folded blanket or a block under the head to bring the ground up to the head.
If feeling stable, and comfortable to do so, extend one leg out and then the other. Press through the heels and rotate inward slightly in the upper legs.
Taking 5 or more deep breaths here, breathing into the chest and ribcage. Holding the pose for no more than 3 minutes.
To come out of the pose begin to press through the forearms and elbows as the head lifts off the ground, blanket or block. Torso lowers gently back to the ground and hands come out from under the buttocks. Arms come back to the sides as you return to Savasana, or Corpse Pose. Take a few moments to do whatever feels good within the body to counter the pose. An option to bring the knees to the chest, Apanasana or Wind-Relieving pose, to release the lower back. Matsyasana, or Fish Pose, can always be modified by placing a block, bolster or rolled blanket under the back as well as a block or folded blanket under the head to provide support or to give it a more restorative feel. Take some time to experiment with props and see which, if any, feel good for your body.
As we find ourselves in these strange times, we need to remember what brings us joy, calms us and helps to relieve stress. Fishing may not be your thing, it’s different for everyone. Take some time this month to rediscover what allows you to reconnect with yourself. Then you will be able to find strength to keep moving forward.