GRATITUDE/HUMILITY POSTURE
This one posture communicates many things in one seemingly modest gesture. The original posture, Gratitude/Humility opens up a person to be a more conscious channel. Combining the energies of gratitude and humility at the same time does wonders. Here's why. The expression of gratitude is a function of the motor system. By offering gratitude the way this posture does with the hands outstretched, the presentation and delivery of thankfulness helps acknowledge the unconditional good in the moment. By contrast, the same outstretched hands is a symbol of being open to receive. What are you receiving? You do not know. That's the humility. Whenever you are open to receive, that pathway is a function of the sensory system. It takes the mystery in (sensory) and expresses gratitude out (motor). The connection of the sensory system (open to receive the unknown) with the motor system (expressing gratitude regardless of what it is) does the opening.
The posture has you kneeling on the floor, sitting back on your feet in preparation. Behind you, your left big toe is one top of your right big toe. This symbolizes the motor system supporting the sensory system. Having your hands face up, the right hand is under the left hand, you begin to bring your forehead down to the ground so that your third eye is actually in contact with the floor. While moving down in this way, you are presenting your hands outward, allowing them to be supported by the floor too. Still, your left hand is supported by your right hand, so only the back of the right hand is actually touching the floor.
Pay close attention to this posture. Two things are occuring at once. You are offering gratitude, which is something you are giving out. At the same time, you are blindly exposing your empty left hand to receive whatever you are to receive. Think of this posture as being open to accept the mystery, what you do not know is coming, which is the energy of humility. Stay in this posture for as long as you like or as long as is comfortable for you. This communication through posture is between you and life. Feel free to use other terms in place of life. Some people prefer God, nature, life's wisdom, all that is, the field, spirit, etc. What you call the totality of the energy with which you are communicating does not matter as much as the sincerity of your communication. When you "speak" in such a way that requires you putting your whole self in, that communication is more effective.
While you are in that posture with your third eye on the ground, you may experience an unusal sensation. If the sensation is comfortable for you, feel free to stay with it. If you can stay with it until you get acclimated to it, go ahead. Feel free to remain in this position for as long or as little as you like. That variability regarding length is completely up to you. When you are done with Gratitude/Humility, you may need some time to rest on your knees before getting up, especially if the sensations brought about any light-headedness. Be extremely careful when getting up. Feel free to hold onto anything nearby to make your reentry back into the "real" world as safe as possible. Remember, this posture opens you up to be ready for anything and to handle anything very well, with great gratitude. If that sounds like something you would rather not convey, feel free to leave this posture alone. Like all tools, it has its place. Be comfortable in not using this tool. Maybe it's just not right for you. Whether it is or it isn't, that is something you have to decide. If you decide to try this posture, do it only to the point where you remain comfortable.
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