Iswara Pranidhana- seeing the big picture, whole-hearted dedication to the Lord
This niyama is the pinnacle of all the niyamas. It requires that we accept there is something bigger than us at work in our lives.
When we think we are the master controller of our lives we get caught up in our own personal drama. We get frustrated when things don't go our way.
This niyama is related to "don't sweat the small stuff."
Take a wider view. See the big picture.
Meditation is a profound way to touch into the vastness of life; it's a great way to feel your connection to all things. "By setting aside enough time to get quiet and clear, we can begin to differentiate between the cluttered thoughts of our ordinary mind and the resonant intelligence that comes through as intuition. Rather than trying to unravel the mystery, we start to embody the mystery of life"- Donna Farhi, from Yoga Mind, Body, and Spirit
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Swadhaya- self-study
Self-study comes in many forms (any activity that cultivates self-reflecion): parenting, playing an instrument, athletics, meditation, etc
Whatever the method, it's important to stay with it even when times are tough. It's often when times are tough that we learn the most about ourselves.
Authentic self-study uncovers are addictions, weaknesses, etc. We must accept all that we find without berating ourselves. We train with the deep intention to know ourselves fully. When we get close to these so-called negative characteristics we became able to see their roots. "The degree to which we can do this for ourselves is the degree to which we will be tolerant of other people's weaknesses and flaws", Donna Farhi.
Self-study comes in many forms (any activity that cultivates self-reflecion): parenting, playing an instrument, athletics, meditation, etc
Whatever the method, it's important to stay with it even when times are tough. It's often when times are tough that we learn the most about ourselves.
Authentic self-study uncovers are addictions, weaknesses, etc. We must accept all that we find without berating ourselves. We train with the deep intention to know ourselves fully. When we get close to these so-called negative characteristics we became able to see their roots. "The degree to which we can do this for ourselves is the degree to which we will be tolerant of other people's weaknesses and flaws", Donna Farhi.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Tapas-burning enthusiasm, zeal, sincerity
"Charging all your actions with zeal and sincerity- whether serving family, the greater community, or yourself- transforms them into spiritual practice. This concept applies to the formal practices as well. When practicing asana, pranayama, or any of the other practices, the main benefit comes from embracing the deep spiritual intention." - Nischala Joy Devi, The Secret Power of Yoga, p. 213
Imagine there is a rolled towel across your hip points and you are folding over the top of it
Round your back like cat pose- a little bit in all the postures
Intensity, devotion, love, joy
Tapas comes from deep within and is fueled by positivity and love
"Charging all your actions with zeal and sincerity- whether serving family, the greater community, or yourself- transforms them into spiritual practice. This concept applies to the formal practices as well. When practicing asana, pranayama, or any of the other practices, the main benefit comes from embracing the deep spiritual intention." - Nischala Joy Devi, The Secret Power of Yoga, p. 213
Imagine there is a rolled towel across your hip points and you are folding over the top of it
Round your back like cat pose- a little bit in all the postures
Intensity, devotion, love, joy
Tapas comes from deep within and is fueled by positivity and love
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