Showing posts with label yoga philosophy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yoga philosophy. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Day 29 - Already???
Just kidding. This has been the longest yoga challenge I have ever experienced. I am unable today to generate a positive attitude. I am not optimistic today. My mood sucks, my body hurts, I am frowning,. . . wait! Okay, no - still nothing good showing up here. Well - dang - whatever!!!! I am going to go out and BE love, light, radiant smiling and inspiration anyway. Deep breath in. Ahhh... Smiling now.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Day 27 Procrastination can be a good thing.
I procrastinate. I put things in piles I will get to later. Sometimes I don't get to it for a year, then it is something that no longer is something I can address, so it goes in the recycling or helps light a fire in the fireplace. There are too many things in this world to do, to read. This is the information age and there is TMI - too much information. As human beings, we are not meant to be constantly doing. We are meant to be "being".
Today we cleaned our home. I saw all of the things, again, that I have put aside to deal with later. So many things. Once a year, it seems, I put things into bags, do mass recycling, give things away. How does it all get there? Where is it all coming from?
The office supplies I have - I helped my aunt & uncle move and they had those office supplies they didn't want to store to take with them to Washington. The music CD's I have - a collection that has grown over the years. I have been around for over 50 year now. There are floppy discs from old computers, supplies for my daughter's wedding that she changed the plans over. The books people gave me. All of these things weigh on me, they fill up my head. I will deal with that later. It continues to accumulate in the attic.
After Christmas holidays or before, I'll have a give away. I don't know yet when I'll do it. I'll think about it later. I take a deep breath. Let it go. Ahh, that's better.
Whenever I do deal with these things (once a year), I realize how abundant life is. You see it in nature, you see it in your attic. I am reminded how wealthy we are and don't even realize it. I also realize how little we really do need. I am also grateful - when I worry about not having enough or being enough, all I have to do is visit my attic space. Then I stop worrying - because I can give away what I have - I do have enough - I am enough.
When practicing yoga and meditation, we see these things more clearly. The practice opens our awareness and has us looking at our life, our thoughts, our relationships and gives us the motivation to clear out the stuff. This is what yoga is : Patanjali (in the yoga sutras) says “yoga is the restriction of the fluctuation of
consciousness” (yogash-citti-vrtti-nirodhah). The goal of yoga - is ultimately stilling the mind, clearing out the junk (fluctuation). There is nothing to do but "be".
Today we cleaned our home. I saw all of the things, again, that I have put aside to deal with later. So many things. Once a year, it seems, I put things into bags, do mass recycling, give things away. How does it all get there? Where is it all coming from?
The office supplies I have - I helped my aunt & uncle move and they had those office supplies they didn't want to store to take with them to Washington. The music CD's I have - a collection that has grown over the years. I have been around for over 50 year now. There are floppy discs from old computers, supplies for my daughter's wedding that she changed the plans over. The books people gave me. All of these things weigh on me, they fill up my head. I will deal with that later. It continues to accumulate in the attic.
After Christmas holidays or before, I'll have a give away. I don't know yet when I'll do it. I'll think about it later. I take a deep breath. Let it go. Ahh, that's better.
Whenever I do deal with these things (once a year), I realize how abundant life is. You see it in nature, you see it in your attic. I am reminded how wealthy we are and don't even realize it. I also realize how little we really do need. I am also grateful - when I worry about not having enough or being enough, all I have to do is visit my attic space. Then I stop worrying - because I can give away what I have - I do have enough - I am enough.
When practicing yoga and meditation, we see these things more clearly. The practice opens our awareness and has us looking at our life, our thoughts, our relationships and gives us the motivation to clear out the stuff. This is what yoga is : Patanjali (in the yoga sutras) says “yoga is the restriction of the fluctuation of
consciousness” (yogash-citti-vrtti-nirodhah). The goal of yoga - is ultimately stilling the mind, clearing out the junk (fluctuation). There is nothing to do but "be".
Friday, November 25, 2011
Day 25 Boycotting "black Friday" - Aparigraha
Here is a challenge for me today. Today is "Black Friday". I am a business owner, and I am first a yogi. I live my life through and from yoga. I have said many times that yoga is not just exercise. It is a way of life and a philosophy as well. There are 8 limbs of yoga, 2 of the limbs: yamas and niyamas. As a dedicated practitioner I make my choices in life based on these 10 observances. When I feel a little flutter in my chest around something, all I have to do is look at the situation (that is causing the disturbance in the force within me) from one of these yamas or niyamas.
Today it is aparigraha. Aparigraha challenges us to not accumulate things that we do not need. Already I have too many things in my home. Everyone I know says the same thing. Greed - wanting more - wanting more for less - this has been the downfall of many a society. I believe it can be found at the root of what is happening in our economy today. I acknowledge the many thousands of people - worldwide - who have said and are saying "enough is enough". Who make a stand for what they believe in. There are "occupy" protests in many major cities because of this greed. There are businesses failing, people losing their jobs, their homes. But there is another way emerging. Another voice.
I boycott black Friday for these reasons and more. I do not need more things, I don't need to be out shopping in crowds, seeing greed with my own eyes, and I don't like to support events that do not support a sustainable local economy. If things are being sold for 1/2 price all of the time, who is taking the loss? You know it is not the large corporations best-paid people. It is the people who are asked to show up to work at midnight, for a low hourly wage, they are losing sleep, their respect. They show up to work not because they can't wait to see all of the shoppers at midnight. They show up to work because they are afraid that they will lose their job if they do not show up.
I am boycotting black friday because I must take a stand, now. For a future that is sustainable. I want a future where all people have access to what they need: food, shelter, health care, freedom, a career they love, passion and freedom of self-expression.
Today it is aparigraha. Aparigraha challenges us to not accumulate things that we do not need. Already I have too many things in my home. Everyone I know says the same thing. Greed - wanting more - wanting more for less - this has been the downfall of many a society. I believe it can be found at the root of what is happening in our economy today. I acknowledge the many thousands of people - worldwide - who have said and are saying "enough is enough". Who make a stand for what they believe in. There are "occupy" protests in many major cities because of this greed. There are businesses failing, people losing their jobs, their homes. But there is another way emerging. Another voice.
I boycott black Friday for these reasons and more. I do not need more things, I don't need to be out shopping in crowds, seeing greed with my own eyes, and I don't like to support events that do not support a sustainable local economy. If things are being sold for 1/2 price all of the time, who is taking the loss? You know it is not the large corporations best-paid people. It is the people who are asked to show up to work at midnight, for a low hourly wage, they are losing sleep, their respect. They show up to work not because they can't wait to see all of the shoppers at midnight. They show up to work because they are afraid that they will lose their job if they do not show up.
I am boycotting black friday because I must take a stand, now. For a future that is sustainable. I want a future where all people have access to what they need: food, shelter, health care, freedom, a career they love, passion and freedom of self-expression.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Day 21 - what to do with a low energy day
It's cold outside, the skies were gray. What to do with a low energy day? Take a warm bath, slather on the lotion, get dressed warm & meet friends for coffee, conversation and creating.
I looked at my motivation today. I take care of household chores and feel grumbly about it. I realize that I am experiencing a sense of attachment. If I do all the dishes & laundry, I wish someone else would do it, or say "wow - thanks!". I realize that when I am attached to the outcome of doing these things, an outcome like these, I am crabby when it doesn't show up. I forget the yoga mind-set that we are all one and that my work in the world is simply my work in the world. It does not matter what I do, but with which state of mind. My actions can be done with love, they can be done with resentment, or they can be done without thinking about it, just doing it because it is there to be done.
Trying to observe states of mind is a yoga practice, it is a good preparation for meditation.
I looked at my motivation today. I take care of household chores and feel grumbly about it. I realize that I am experiencing a sense of attachment. If I do all the dishes & laundry, I wish someone else would do it, or say "wow - thanks!". I realize that when I am attached to the outcome of doing these things, an outcome like these, I am crabby when it doesn't show up. I forget the yoga mind-set that we are all one and that my work in the world is simply my work in the world. It does not matter what I do, but with which state of mind. My actions can be done with love, they can be done with resentment, or they can be done without thinking about it, just doing it because it is there to be done.
Trying to observe states of mind is a yoga practice, it is a good preparation for meditation.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Days 8-9 - 40 Day Yoga Challenge
Priorities. Yesterday morning I listened to a talk by my spiritual master/teacher Ishwar Puri on You Tube (IshwarPuriSantMat). There are several talks on there. Check them out. Just click on one that appeals to you (there are appealing titles). I saw "priorities" and clicked on it. Once again I heard a message I keep finding everywhere: if you are focusing on your meditation practice, your spiritual life, (as a priority), the rest of life happens around you and you do your everyday tasks with greater ease because your focus is not on those things. You do things (like the dishes or the laundry) in service with love & devotion, and the task is transformed.
Right now I am listening to him talk about Faith. He is making a distinction about faith. That faith is not blind faith. It is something that gets stronger when you see things like miracles and coincidences. You can build your faith - look for proof. I have done this many times and have had so many miracles show up in my life that I no longer get too surprised by them. I am always delighted and excited by these small miracles and coincidences.
How do you know when you have made progress? Ishwar says that when you experience less anger, lust, greed, ego, attachment (symptom emotional pain), that is a measure of your spiritual progress.
This is not something that practicing yoga asana can do for you, not just the exercise. However, engaging your mind and intention into the asana practice can do this for you. How? Set an intention! If you have a concern for someone (like today mine will be dedicated to my mother healing from bronchitis), dedicate your practice to that someone. Focus your love and devotion to that someone while you move through your asana.
There is no asana practice more powerful than the 108 Sun salutations. This is a moving prayer. At the Yoga Prairie studio, we are hosting a 108 event this Saturday afternoon. It is broken down into 3 segments with 15 minute break in between. It is a fundraiser for an organization that offers services to combat veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. One of the services is yoga. I can't imagine a more difficult life event to recover from than being involved in the violence of war and the organization "There and Back Again" is helping these veterans through recovering.
What you have read today...this is my yoga. I keep my body fit, my mind fit, focus it all on serving God and these are results that happen around and within me. I pray that I can make a difference in this world. I'm going to be a grandmother (in June 2012). I envision a world where all people have healthy food, clean water, comfortable shelter and safe, happy, loving, self-expressed lives. Wow! Envision that!
Right now I am listening to him talk about Faith. He is making a distinction about faith. That faith is not blind faith. It is something that gets stronger when you see things like miracles and coincidences. You can build your faith - look for proof. I have done this many times and have had so many miracles show up in my life that I no longer get too surprised by them. I am always delighted and excited by these small miracles and coincidences.
How do you know when you have made progress? Ishwar says that when you experience less anger, lust, greed, ego, attachment (symptom emotional pain), that is a measure of your spiritual progress.
This is not something that practicing yoga asana can do for you, not just the exercise. However, engaging your mind and intention into the asana practice can do this for you. How? Set an intention! If you have a concern for someone (like today mine will be dedicated to my mother healing from bronchitis), dedicate your practice to that someone. Focus your love and devotion to that someone while you move through your asana.
There is no asana practice more powerful than the 108 Sun salutations. This is a moving prayer. At the Yoga Prairie studio, we are hosting a 108 event this Saturday afternoon. It is broken down into 3 segments with 15 minute break in between. It is a fundraiser for an organization that offers services to combat veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. One of the services is yoga. I can't imagine a more difficult life event to recover from than being involved in the violence of war and the organization "There and Back Again" is helping these veterans through recovering.
What you have read today...this is my yoga. I keep my body fit, my mind fit, focus it all on serving God and these are results that happen around and within me. I pray that I can make a difference in this world. I'm going to be a grandmother (in June 2012). I envision a world where all people have healthy food, clean water, comfortable shelter and safe, happy, loving, self-expressed lives. Wow! Envision that!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Day 6 of 40 day challenge
Sunday and the time changed. One more hour of sleep and I woke up refreshed. Rest is such a good thing. R & R. Do we get enough of it? I think I rest enough, but when I take a day to let go of all of my usual work - mentally and physically - the following day I feel so much more rested than if I had worked all day and got enough sleep - even with a nap thrown in.
I intentionally create these "rest days" for myself. I give myself permission to stop working. When I am in the state of being that I don't "have to" do anything, something deeper kicks in. It is hard to explain, but I am trying to. The creative juices just bubble up when I am in that state of being. I become excited once more. I accomplish way more after one of those days of rest, than I would have had I worked through that time.
This is a part of a 40-day yoga challenge. We must take a day of rest each week. Today is the once a month gathering in my home for my meditation group. We meditate for an hour, then eat yummy food. We let go of worldly concerns & life for an hour and contemplate our inner realms. Some call it heaven, or the Master or higher realms. Whatever you call it, step outside of worldly life, stop thinking, close your eyes and listen for the voice of God within you. Namaste.
I intentionally create these "rest days" for myself. I give myself permission to stop working. When I am in the state of being that I don't "have to" do anything, something deeper kicks in. It is hard to explain, but I am trying to. The creative juices just bubble up when I am in that state of being. I become excited once more. I accomplish way more after one of those days of rest, than I would have had I worked through that time.
This is a part of a 40-day yoga challenge. We must take a day of rest each week. Today is the once a month gathering in my home for my meditation group. We meditate for an hour, then eat yummy food. We let go of worldly concerns & life for an hour and contemplate our inner realms. Some call it heaven, or the Master or higher realms. Whatever you call it, step outside of worldly life, stop thinking, close your eyes and listen for the voice of God within you. Namaste.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Day 4 & 5 of 40 Yoga Challenge
Sometimes we have to put our noses down and work hard. Yesterday was one of those days. I love teaching yoga. I had the opportunity to do a sample yoga class to a group of women for a "Ladies Night" last night. I got to tell them about some of the benefits of practicing yoga. It inspires me to talk about it. Simple things like moving all of your joints, paying attention to your breath, and practicing relaxation flat on your back, makes a profound difference in physical, emotional and mental well-being.
It is not easy to commit to a daily yoga practice. It is simple to practice yoga daily. It doesn't have to be complicated. Moving with awareness, intention, focusing on the breath. This is simple. Taking action when your mind tries to talk you out of it. That is the work. You can then take this lesson into other areas of life. Where do you avoid taking action?
It is not easy to commit to a daily yoga practice. It is simple to practice yoga daily. It doesn't have to be complicated. Moving with awareness, intention, focusing on the breath. This is simple. Taking action when your mind tries to talk you out of it. That is the work. You can then take this lesson into other areas of life. Where do you avoid taking action?
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Day 1 of 40 day challenge 11-1-11
Off to a great start! I woke up still in San Francisco because I missed my flight last night. So many things ran through my mind. Remembered the challenge begins today. So I practiced some asana poses in my hotel room, meditated to be connected to my higher Self to find the higher purpose for missing my flight. It became clear then that I was rushing back after my daughter's wedding for a job of teaching 4 yoga classes on Tuesday. I had to cancel the first two classes and Mita and Michael are subbing for the two evenings classes. I know now who would have taught the classes today if I had shown up. My body and my mind. My heart and spirit are still in San Francisco with my daughter. Also with my new grandbaby to be.
I must follow my heart. I love my daughter and want to be a part of my grandbaby's life. To run a yoga studio by myself with my will power won't allow that. To let go and acknowledge it is time to move on to the next phase of business: having the studio be a community-run yoga studio... that is where I want to head the business. I started it for the community and soon will be handing it over to the community. Aahhh, I can really breathe easier now that I wrote this. If you are reading this and want to be part owner,, let me know. I don't know how it will look yet, but that is not up to just me anymore.
I will be home tonight after a good nights rest last night and today alot of Self reflection. I was standing, then kneeling at an aiport computer terminal (no chairs) and a man just now brought me a wheelchair to sit in! I am truly blessed, well taken care of by all around me. So are you. Namaste..
I must follow my heart. I love my daughter and want to be a part of my grandbaby's life. To run a yoga studio by myself with my will power won't allow that. To let go and acknowledge it is time to move on to the next phase of business: having the studio be a community-run yoga studio... that is where I want to head the business. I started it for the community and soon will be handing it over to the community. Aahhh, I can really breathe easier now that I wrote this. If you are reading this and want to be part owner,, let me know. I don't know how it will look yet, but that is not up to just me anymore.
I will be home tonight after a good nights rest last night and today alot of Self reflection. I was standing, then kneeling at an aiport computer terminal (no chairs) and a man just now brought me a wheelchair to sit in! I am truly blessed, well taken care of by all around me. So are you. Namaste..
Saturday, August 20, 2011
40 Days Completed
Yesterday was the final day of the 40 day yoga challenge. This has been a very quiet one. That is perfect, yoga should quiet things down! It did. I have practiced 6 days a week, and have gotten into a deeper practice than ever before. It is ironic that I am talking about something that is such an inner process, I find myself not being able to put it into words, or even wanting to. However, there is a passion within me that tells me to share this experience. Yoga. It gives me such joy, peace, contentment that I want to share it.
The thing about this is you can not hold onto it. It is like a butterfly, you allow it to land on you and do not grasp it. You simply practice attending to the posture, the breath, observe the minds gymnastics, and let go. Continue to practice. That is the key. You practice, and practice, and do not look for the results. It takes patience and perseverance. It takes a commitment to allowing all to arise, never grasping.
What arises is everything: tears, sadness, anger, joy, peace, ugliness, heartache, pain, energy, power. It is all there. If you reject any of it, you are stuck in that which you reject. What you are left with after 40 days...your self. I am still myself. Nothing has changed and everything has. Is my life in a better place because of this? My life is in a better place right now, in this moment, and this too shall pass. Perhaps you could say that my mind isn't so much in control of me. I have practiced not getting hooked into all of this passing stuff. I am a little bit better at it now than I was 40 days ago. And...this too shall pass.
Namaste
The thing about this is you can not hold onto it. It is like a butterfly, you allow it to land on you and do not grasp it. You simply practice attending to the posture, the breath, observe the minds gymnastics, and let go. Continue to practice. That is the key. You practice, and practice, and do not look for the results. It takes patience and perseverance. It takes a commitment to allowing all to arise, never grasping.
What arises is everything: tears, sadness, anger, joy, peace, ugliness, heartache, pain, energy, power. It is all there. If you reject any of it, you are stuck in that which you reject. What you are left with after 40 days...your self. I am still myself. Nothing has changed and everything has. Is my life in a better place because of this? My life is in a better place right now, in this moment, and this too shall pass. Perhaps you could say that my mind isn't so much in control of me. I have practiced not getting hooked into all of this passing stuff. I am a little bit better at it now than I was 40 days ago. And...this too shall pass.
Namaste
Monday, August 15, 2011
Day 36 - Each Day a New Beginning
Monday morning. Only 4 days to go in the challenge. I ask myself, what have I accomplished in this challenge? What have you? For me, I think, some added strength, my ashtanga practice has returned (I am able to do it again), a bit more endurance, a promise of physical vitality & power. That's temporary though.
Letting that thought go....This day can be day one, moment one. We can begin anew in each moment if we let go of the past. I do believe this is one secret to vitality, (the fountain of youth, happiness, longevity, peace of mind). . . Letting go of the past. It can be done, one breath at a time.
Monday morning - the past tells me I must be productive this morning - and all day! I own a business!
Yoga philosophy tells me that any action creates Karma. With that in mind, what reaction do I want? I contemplate that one. What I want is peace. Everywhere. It must begin with me, so what I create in this moment is letting go of the past, the thinking, the I should's and you should's, and just be present to what is here right now: The sun is filtering into my windows....
Yoga philosophy tells me that any action creates Karma. With that in mind, what reaction do I want? I contemplate that one. What I want is peace. Everywhere. It must begin with me, so what I create in this moment is letting go of the past, the thinking, the I should's and you should's, and just be present to what is here right now: The sun is filtering into my windows....
I have created a home that is peaceful, a place of nurturing, love and rest. I can listen to my music & my meditation teacher speaking about the spiritual path (on you tube) and allow my actions to arise from that peaceful place.
It is ironic that students look to me for motivation and want to "change" something - like their weight or flexibility. I struggle daily myself with many things, yet, I am firmly on the path of practice.
Practice is where it is at. Practice in every moment. Observe your thoughts, actions, words, choices, make the choices that create good in your life and let go of the choices that take away from your life. That's all there is to it.
How long will it take? In this day of instant gratification, I don't know anyone who really likes the answer to this question. It takes a life time. It takes a long time. I have been practicing for 27 years. I am still practicing.
Thank you for practicing with me - together, we are stronger and more dedicated to this practice -and we make a tremendous difference in the world.
Practice is where it is at. Practice in every moment. Observe your thoughts, actions, words, choices, make the choices that create good in your life and let go of the choices that take away from your life. That's all there is to it.
How long will it take? In this day of instant gratification, I don't know anyone who really likes the answer to this question. It takes a life time. It takes a long time. I have been practicing for 27 years. I am still practicing.
Thank you for practicing with me - together, we are stronger and more dedicated to this practice -and we make a tremendous difference in the world.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Day 33 Happy It's Not Day 32 Anymore!
If you read my blog yesterday, and thought perhaps my mood changed at some point from practicing yoga, it did - for about one hour. Then the water leaked in the yoga studio from the water heater and the old friend was back - oh noooo!!! It's all horrible. So I finally let go, allowed myself to be miserable. I told my husband what a bad day it was. I didn't make a big story out of it, just listed all of the things I did not like about the day and quit resisting it.
Before I went to bed last night, my husband asked me to read an article he found on the internet. He left it on the computer for me. I finally got out of my chair and slunked to the computer and sat down and read the article. It was written by a woman who wrote a book and submitted it to publishers and was rejected by 40 publishers. Then her book was published. She wrote that if you asked her husband what are her best and worst traits, he would say. 1. She never quits. and 2. She. Never. Quits. She wrote about all of the crazy things she did to get the book written better before resubmitting it. She worked on her book in the hospital while giving birth, she lied to her husband telling him she was going to a girl's weekend out of town and checking into a neighborhood hotel to work on her book.
I got it. Thanks honey, I said before going to bed. I was asleep after reading two pages of my book - Beyond Power Yoga. Yes, I am a lot like that woman - passionate, obsessive at times, about teaching yoga, about running the yoga studio, about studying yoga, about my spiritual practice, about my life being my yoga. And I keep getting those "rejection letters" (in the form of bills that I pray I can pay) and I keep trying again and again and again. I know that my passion will also finally "get published" (i.e. out of the red) because I just will not quit. (now where is the water heater repair guy?!)
Before I went to bed last night, my husband asked me to read an article he found on the internet. He left it on the computer for me. I finally got out of my chair and slunked to the computer and sat down and read the article. It was written by a woman who wrote a book and submitted it to publishers and was rejected by 40 publishers. Then her book was published. She wrote that if you asked her husband what are her best and worst traits, he would say. 1. She never quits. and 2. She. Never. Quits. She wrote about all of the crazy things she did to get the book written better before resubmitting it. She worked on her book in the hospital while giving birth, she lied to her husband telling him she was going to a girl's weekend out of town and checking into a neighborhood hotel to work on her book.
I got it. Thanks honey, I said before going to bed. I was asleep after reading two pages of my book - Beyond Power Yoga. Yes, I am a lot like that woman - passionate, obsessive at times, about teaching yoga, about running the yoga studio, about studying yoga, about my spiritual practice, about my life being my yoga. And I keep getting those "rejection letters" (in the form of bills that I pray I can pay) and I keep trying again and again and again. I know that my passion will also finally "get published" (i.e. out of the red) because I just will not quit. (now where is the water heater repair guy?!)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Day 32 Challenge of Being
I woke up worried. I recognized this mood immediately. It has been a near constant companion since opening my own business. And it has been my nemesis. How to quit worrying? What is the yogic trick to this?
My meditation master says "Worry is praying for failure". Groan. . . I know!!! It just happens! It's August, the slowest month of EVERY year for a Minnesota yoga studio. I know that and still get upset when it happens. I alternate between upset and laughter - ha ha haa! It's so funny that this upsets me exactly the same way for exactly the same reason.
When did this old fear first begin to plague me? I recall experiencing this when I was in my 20's right after purchasing a new home with my first husband. I knew then what I know now. Worry does not help, it actually hinders. However, now I have a tool. I have yoga and meditation. I have the ability to redirect my attention. I have some control over that wild mind that says "oh noooooh!!!!". It is a little bit of control now, but it is just enough that instead of existing in worry for the entire day - I am free of it in less than one hour from waking up. How?
I have things to do!!! I have a beautiful home to take care of! I get to go teach some very enthusiastic yoga students - who happen to be from India too - so I get to practice learning more about their names - "Rupa", "Preetha" - they always come to class. Then after that, I get to work with Lynn on my shoulder stand - she's a master-teacher in my studio - my shoulder is still stuck from my bike accident last year.
The challenge of being - what this means to me is that each day I can choose to "be" anything - no matter what my circumstances. Each day when my mind wakes up take time to shift my being to what I want - to how I want to spend my day. Today I choose being grateful, enthusiastic and loving.
My meditation master says "Worry is praying for failure". Groan. . . I know!!! It just happens! It's August, the slowest month of EVERY year for a Minnesota yoga studio. I know that and still get upset when it happens. I alternate between upset and laughter - ha ha haa! It's so funny that this upsets me exactly the same way for exactly the same reason.
When did this old fear first begin to plague me? I recall experiencing this when I was in my 20's right after purchasing a new home with my first husband. I knew then what I know now. Worry does not help, it actually hinders. However, now I have a tool. I have yoga and meditation. I have the ability to redirect my attention. I have some control over that wild mind that says "oh noooooh!!!!". It is a little bit of control now, but it is just enough that instead of existing in worry for the entire day - I am free of it in less than one hour from waking up. How?
I have things to do!!! I have a beautiful home to take care of! I get to go teach some very enthusiastic yoga students - who happen to be from India too - so I get to practice learning more about their names - "Rupa", "Preetha" - they always come to class. Then after that, I get to work with Lynn on my shoulder stand - she's a master-teacher in my studio - my shoulder is still stuck from my bike accident last year.
The challenge of being - what this means to me is that each day I can choose to "be" anything - no matter what my circumstances. Each day when my mind wakes up take time to shift my being to what I want - to how I want to spend my day. Today I choose being grateful, enthusiastic and loving.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Day 26 Practicing Yoga
Day 26 and I am wondering when I will act on what I really want: to practice yoga every morning - early, meditate and have one day of rest. Surprised? I practice my yoga every day. I do asana practice everyday, I meditate, I practice yoga in action and I still think I should be doing something differently or better - I still think "it's not enough". This is human mind - we all think that way. Maybe some of you don't do that to yourselves, many of us do. When am I enough? Rarely. So my practice is to let go of that each day, to not think of myself, what I am getting out of life - to focus on what I am giving in life and the small acts of love and kindness I am given the opportunity to perform in each and every moment.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Day 22 Hottest summer in Minnesota
Once again the theme of this challenge comes up - patience or perseverance! The heat wave that has hit our country has even been causing suffering in Minnesota. The thing that is difficult for me to take is sleeping in air conditioning, then going outside, the change is incredible. It's like walking into a wall when I step outside into the heat & humidity. It reminds me of how much we complained about our winter this year: it was a very long, cold, snowy winter. Longer, colder, snowier! And I remember back then I said "Minnesotans love to complain about the weather" I think that's why we live here. It is always changing. Life is always changing. In the practice of yoga, we step back and watch the changes as they go by. We remain unattached, not clinging, not suffering. We experience it all and push none of it away. (Ideally!) And if we are practicing yoga in Minnesota, we complain along the way : ). Just for fun.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday, Day 10
Yoga challenge, practicing yoga daily is not only asana, keeping mindful of breathing, how you move through life. That can be the greatest challenge especially when there is alot of business and weather happening right now. July 18th it is in the 90's and humid outside. Driving in a hot car, walking outside in the heat after being comfortable in air conditioning. How does that feel? Do you experience this fully? Do you suffer? I am crabby when it is very hot outside. I looked at the weather forecast for the next several days. No relief in sight this week. It will be hot. How to adapt? I asked my students. They are settling in at home and catching up on inside work. I love staying inside in this weather, planning my days around the weather. We have to do this a lot in Minnesota. Sometimes it is too cold, sometimes too hot. Lethargy sets in when it is hot. We forget to drink enough water, we forget to honor our body. Your body requires more rest, cooler food, more water. Easier yoga. We have to get up earlier to walk our dog, set up the fans in the home to circulate the air. Being present isn't so much fun. In yoga philosophy, the ancient texts tell us that there is always a balance between the good and the bad. I enjoy the bad, like this heat, this weather, because I know there will be good coming again. I am not attached to it. When it is beautiful outside, I enjoy it, knowing that this too will change. Nothing is permanent. Be kind to yourself and others right now. Compassion, gentleness, treating yourself and others kindly. This too is yoga.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Day 6 - Things are not what they seem...
As I spend time with the teacher from India, Nagin Sanghavi, I am renewing my excitement and passion for studying all of life! At age 93, he is currently sitting at my dining room table writing an article that will be published in India. He writes a weekly column.
He studies Sanskrit and translates it. He has read the original text of Patanjali, the yoga sutras, over and over again and says he still does not understand it. Then he explains some concept that Patanjali writes about that I had never heard before (even though I have read a translation of the text several times). Reading a book in the language it was originally written, you get the meaning the author meant to convey. I think it will take too long for me to learn sanskrit, yes, it will however, if I live to 93 or 100 or 120 (yesm possible), I have plenty of time to study. One day at a time, one moment at a time, to practice something. We have an infinite amount of time. How will I use it? A common theme runs through the lectures I hear that move me. . . that theme is patience and practice. I want the results now...I want to accomplish this.... then I am reminded about patience. And acceptance. I reject things I do not want to happen, we all do, however, if you resist life, you will suffer. So this is my practice: acceptance and patience. What's yours?
He studies Sanskrit and translates it. He has read the original text of Patanjali, the yoga sutras, over and over again and says he still does not understand it. Then he explains some concept that Patanjali writes about that I had never heard before (even though I have read a translation of the text several times). Reading a book in the language it was originally written, you get the meaning the author meant to convey. I think it will take too long for me to learn sanskrit, yes, it will however, if I live to 93 or 100 or 120 (yesm possible), I have plenty of time to study. One day at a time, one moment at a time, to practice something. We have an infinite amount of time. How will I use it? A common theme runs through the lectures I hear that move me. . . that theme is patience and practice. I want the results now...I want to accomplish this.... then I am reminded about patience. And acceptance. I reject things I do not want to happen, we all do, however, if you resist life, you will suffer. So this is my practice: acceptance and patience. What's yours?
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Day 4, July 13, 2011
The fourth day of the challenge, I have done my 60 minute practice today. Struggling to maintain a positive outlook and notice that this too shall pass. I know from studying yoga which is the exercise prescribed in Ayurveda (the science of life), that I am primarily a "vata" body-type. When vata moves too much, works too much, this dosha (body-type) tends to get out of balance emotionally. To rebalance, there are some small actions I can take (and will take today) that will bring me back into balance. Eat, rest, take a warm bath, and simply allow in the abundance of my life.
If you are a pitta body-type, you are a driven person. You get crabby when you get too hot, and you should avoid hot foods, even though you LOVE hot foods! How to balance pitta: cool off with watermelon, mint tea (iced), fennel seed, raisins. . . but go ahead a work out, but slow down and be kind to yourself!
If you are a kapha body-type, you may have trouble motivating yourself to move. Know that when you do move, you will feel so much better! Don't give in to the idea of more rest.
You can learn more about your body type at http://tridosha.com/self-test
If you are a pitta body-type, you are a driven person. You get crabby when you get too hot, and you should avoid hot foods, even though you LOVE hot foods! How to balance pitta: cool off with watermelon, mint tea (iced), fennel seed, raisins. . . but go ahead a work out, but slow down and be kind to yourself!
If you are a kapha body-type, you may have trouble motivating yourself to move. Know that when you do move, you will feel so much better! Don't give in to the idea of more rest.
You can learn more about your body type at http://tridosha.com/self-test
Monday, July 11, 2011
Day 2, July 11, 2011
I woke up excited again, and panicking a bit, then I instantly remembered...I am NOT doing life like this! God is taking care of everything for me. Now, I feel great love in my heart as I move through my day.
Only 4 days left before Nagin Sanghavi and his daughter Harsha will be with us. He will be speaking at the studio at 11 am on Thursday. My biggest fear is that only 3 or 4 people show up and I have nothing to give him. Now that I got that out, I remember that our biggest fear is the most unlikely thing to happen in our entire lifetime!
Ha ha!!! So 2nd day of yoga challenge, I want to tell you about the Yamas in yoga philosophy. The first one, the foundation of all of yoga philosophy is: Ahimsa: non-violence in thought, word and action. Notice your thoughts - are they loving? or ? When taking on a yoga challenge, there is always the danger of being too hard on oneself. When taking on any challenge, there is the possibility of being too hard on others. The thing is, we will think these things constantly, yet the first step of ahimsa is to be aware of - to observe - all of the violence - outside of you and inside of you. Then begin to transform it within yourself. That is where the outside violence begins to disappear from view.
Gandhi was the father of nonviolent action - however, he was not the first. Remember Jesus story? He did not fight back when he was taken to be beaten, mocked, and crucified. So when you have an unkind thought about anything today, remember to turn it into a loving thought.
Only 4 days left before Nagin Sanghavi and his daughter Harsha will be with us. He will be speaking at the studio at 11 am on Thursday. My biggest fear is that only 3 or 4 people show up and I have nothing to give him. Now that I got that out, I remember that our biggest fear is the most unlikely thing to happen in our entire lifetime!
Ha ha!!! So 2nd day of yoga challenge, I want to tell you about the Yamas in yoga philosophy. The first one, the foundation of all of yoga philosophy is: Ahimsa: non-violence in thought, word and action. Notice your thoughts - are they loving? or ? When taking on a yoga challenge, there is always the danger of being too hard on oneself. When taking on any challenge, there is the possibility of being too hard on others. The thing is, we will think these things constantly, yet the first step of ahimsa is to be aware of - to observe - all of the violence - outside of you and inside of you. Then begin to transform it within yourself. That is where the outside violence begins to disappear from view.
Gandhi was the father of nonviolent action - however, he was not the first. Remember Jesus story? He did not fight back when he was taken to be beaten, mocked, and crucified. So when you have an unkind thought about anything today, remember to turn it into a loving thought.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Day 1, July 10, 2011
I leaped out of bed this morning! Day 1 of the yoga challenge! Well, not really, I couldn't sleep so I got up before 6 am. My body has an irregular sleep schedule, so I don't fight it. I start moving slowly, my neck, shoulders, and lower back are aching. What? Yes, they are, I start out just like everyone else each day. The body took a pounding yesterday - I'm so excited about Nagin visiting and using that excitement energy to paint the room he will be staying in (that has needed painting for over 3 years now...).
Today my yoga is more painting, mindfully I apply the paint. I observe my mind that has many things to say about the painting process: "I wish it was done"; "what a mess", "it smells bad", "it takes forever", "my time is more valuable than this!". . on and on the mind chatters.
What is yoga: In the yoga sutras of Patanjali, (I have a copy translated by Sri Swami Satchidananda) he says:
"the restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga". Now restraint does not mean stopping all of that chatter, it means holding back or controlling. How do you do that?
Step 1: Know that the mind never stops talking.
Step 2: Know that you are not the mind.
Step 3: Observe your thought patterns as you move through your yoga asana practice and each daily activity you participate in (the manual labor type work is the best time to practice this: doing dishes, folding laundry, painting the wall; wax on wax off....)
Oh, and here's a tip: you can look at this mind chatter as entertainment or redirect your thoughts. You can shift your attention. You are not your mind.
Today my yoga is more painting, mindfully I apply the paint. I observe my mind that has many things to say about the painting process: "I wish it was done"; "what a mess", "it smells bad", "it takes forever", "my time is more valuable than this!". . on and on the mind chatters.
What is yoga: In the yoga sutras of Patanjali, (I have a copy translated by Sri Swami Satchidananda) he says:
"the restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga". Now restraint does not mean stopping all of that chatter, it means holding back or controlling. How do you do that?
Step 1: Know that the mind never stops talking.
Step 2: Know that you are not the mind.
Step 3: Observe your thought patterns as you move through your yoga asana practice and each daily activity you participate in (the manual labor type work is the best time to practice this: doing dishes, folding laundry, painting the wall; wax on wax off....)
Oh, and here's a tip: you can look at this mind chatter as entertainment or redirect your thoughts. You can shift your attention. You are not your mind.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)