A Poem for Tortoise Pose (Kurmasana)

"I reach my chest forward and slip my arms / beneath my legs until there is nothing else / to do, but close my eyes against the floor / and breathe...." - from Tortoise Pose by Corie Feiner

Me practicing Tortoise Pose at a Diwali Festival at Princeton University.

Even though it is April and it is spring, I still feel like a turtle who wants to retreat into my shell.

Although it is warming up around here, and the daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms are in full bloom, there is still a chill in the air, and in my bones and I have the urge to stay in my shell just a little bit longer.

Maybe you feel this, too—

Or maybe you are feeling anxious in this time of volatility, transition, and possibly transformation.

Or maybe you have had a tough go at it or are having a tough day and your outer shell is feeling thick and hard, but beneath it is a soft heart or seeking soul waiting to be seen.

This is why I was called to share my poem for Tortoise pose this week because the tortoise represents patience, wisdom, longevity, and taking a steady, grounded approach to life. And this is what I think we need right now.

Breath, steadiness and grace.