‘Twas the Night Before Christmas A Cool Yoga Poem

DECEMBER 9, 2015 BY JULIE LUSK and December 15, 2015 by PEG JOHNSON

Adapted by Julie Lusk in 2013 from ‘Twas the Night before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) and from Alex Newport-Berra’s rendition titled Bikram’s Torture Chamber in 2009.

‘Twas the time before Christmas, and in yogi’s place,
Not a muscle was moving, ‘twas all filled with grace.
The mats were lined up on the floor straight, with care
In hopes sweet relaxation would quickly be there.

The students relaxed, all snug on their mats,
While life sped by outside, like some silly cats.
Bodies were moving, they’re this way and that.
Finding just the right pose, not too curvy nor flat.

“Now Tadasana! Now, Chandrasana! Virabhdrasana! and Bridge!
On, Cobra! On, Bow! On Locust and Fish!
To the top of your head! And the bot’m of your heart!
Now breathe away! Breathe away! And please, please don’t fart!”

When up in my brain there arose such a clatter,
I fell out of posture, to worsen the matter.
When what to my wandering mind should appear,
But a big plate of chocolate and a six-pack of cheer!

With a mental mirage so clever and quick,
I knew in a moment, ‘twas a monkey mind trick!
More calmly and deeper my breathing I made,
To ensure that distractions so quickly would fade.

Breathing mindfully now, making ocean sound noise,
I found balance and focus to bring my life poise.
As I turnéd my head, I lost sight of myself.
Caught a brief glimpse behind me, of Santa’s small elves!

She was dressed in an outfit, all green and all red,
A tall pointy cap to cover her head.
Her back-bending looked strained, ‘twas most likely due,
To her crafting and building, ’till her knuckles were blue.

At last they were all stretched out and about,
Their stout little bodies about to break out,
From the crown of her head to her cute little feet,
Her positions were perfect, oh my, she was neat.

Their energy cleared, their circulation was merry,
Their cheeks were like roses, her nose like a cherry.
During downward dog pose, blood rushed to my head,
My brain filled with oxygen, turning me red.

It was then that I realized, that much like the elf,
I created a gift, yes of peace, for my Self.
Yoga postures and breathing, no cell left untouched,
Now the body at peace, and the mind just as much.

Each posture creating a wonderful feeling.
T’was real, yes, I knew that I couldn’t be dreaming.
Each part of my body I learned now to treasure,
A true gift of  love, and far beyond measure.

In final shavasana I heard not a word.
I felt I was soaring, on golden winged bird.
My body at peace, and so too, my mind,
Releasing my Self from the stressors that bind.

Never too poor, and never too sick,
Never too healthy, or fat, like St. Nick.
All life is yoga, it’s certainly true,
Health and vitality is right here for you.

And when as you leave, flown to a great height,
Here’s one phrase I hope that you get just right.
It expresses the feelings of yoga’s great light:
“Peace and Joy to you all and to all a Good Night!”

Adapted by Julie Lusk from Twas the Night before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) and from Alex Newport-Berra’s rendition titled Bikram’s Torture Chamber in 2009.