Fire.......ode to dandelion

Yogis on Fire,

This week in class we pushed ourselves………… turning up the heat and fueling our practice with strength and passion.  At times coming to uncomfortable positions and becoming still to watch how we respond to stepping outside our comfort zone.
 

In the water energy we found our desires, but without the focus and passion of fire they will only remain wishes.   
 

This week Madam Dandelion has been speaking to me.  She is one of the purest incarnations of the fire energy.  My, she has a lot to say………..

 

 

At least here in the DC area, we are in the heart of dandelion season.  She is everywhere!    But often her mere presence sends humans scurrying to home depot to load up on “weed” killer.    She seems to somehow threaten our sense of being in control. 

But this week I really got to know her and can now see clearly that she contains so many of the characteristics that we all want.    That unshakable sense of self with no need to change only to suit others.

First, she is confident.   No hiding in the shadows for Dandelion.  She simply finds the sun, settles her long roots deep into the earth and looks upward.    Not hoping to be a tulip or a rose, just being her.  She stands tall.

 

Dandelion will not let obstacles change her vision.  Even a good lawn mowing will simply remove current blossoms, but she will just dig down and find her inner strength to create more.  Her focus is unwavering.

She is just as comfortable alone in a crowd of those quite different from her……

 

As she is amongst friends…………..     

And oh my gosh is she adaptable!!!!!    You will even find her in the streets of NY city!

Dandelion is also dependable.  You can count on her.  Once she has found her spot you know she will remain there through thick and thin.  Opening to the sun in the morning and closing as dusk arrives, only to do it all over again tomorrow.

………she is the kind of friend we all hope to be.

Finally, Dandelion has been a digestive tonic for hundreds of years.  Her young leaves are bitters that help to reduce the stress of everyday life.  She helps us “digest” life.  Her roots can be roasted and ground to be used as a healthy coffee alternative.  And her flowers brighten up our day and any salad.

 My lawn salad - Yum!

   

So this week as you are out, introduce yourself.  Get close and see her for what she is with new eyes.   Maybe just maybe she will have something to teach you!

Seeing Madam Dandelion as a slice of the sun,

SARAH