5th Limb of Yoga- Pratyahara
(relaxation, or sense-withdrawl)
The most subtle of the three aspects of Hatha Yoga.
We relax back into our deepest self and rest there.
We relax back from the surface activity/tension in our minds.
Find an inner gaze, such as the flame of a candle at the third-eye point (center of the brow.) As we learn to turn our attention inward and rest there, the mind is well-prepared for the deeper limbs of yoga.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
4th Limb of Yoga- Prananyama
(refinement of breath/life force)
"Through the steady rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, the air and prana circulate within and between the physical and subtle bodies" p. 233
It is said there are three main energy channels in the body though which prana flows: ida, pingala, and shushumna nadi. When the first two are balanced, latent energy can travel up through the central channel (shushumna), which leads to deeper states of consciousness.
Refinement of the breath creates an environment for meditation. Meditation leads to deeper states of consciousness.
Together with asana and relaxation, pranayama is an essential component of Hatha yoga.
"With rhythmical breathing, we align and "comb" the energy; it becomes smoother, calmer, and more focused. The focused energy then acts like a magnet, attracting like polarities to us" p.235
"Asana steadies the body; pranayama aligns the mental and emotional patterns. We will then guide the senses through pratyahara, allowing us to focus and dive deep within" p.238
The yoga sutras say pranayama "lifts the veils covering the inner light". Our true selves are revealed as the prana in the body is enhanced/guided/refined. Things have prana. The ocean, for example, has a lot of prana. Prana is life force.
quotes taken from The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi
(refinement of breath/life force)
"Through the steady rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, the air and prana circulate within and between the physical and subtle bodies" p. 233
It is said there are three main energy channels in the body though which prana flows: ida, pingala, and shushumna nadi. When the first two are balanced, latent energy can travel up through the central channel (shushumna), which leads to deeper states of consciousness.
Refinement of the breath creates an environment for meditation. Meditation leads to deeper states of consciousness.
Together with asana and relaxation, pranayama is an essential component of Hatha yoga.
"With rhythmical breathing, we align and "comb" the energy; it becomes smoother, calmer, and more focused. The focused energy then acts like a magnet, attracting like polarities to us" p.235
"Asana steadies the body; pranayama aligns the mental and emotional patterns. We will then guide the senses through pratyahara, allowing us to focus and dive deep within" p.238
The yoga sutras say pranayama "lifts the veils covering the inner light". Our true selves are revealed as the prana in the body is enhanced/guided/refined. Things have prana. The ocean, for example, has a lot of prana. Prana is life force.
quotes taken from The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
3rd Limb of Yoga- Asana
(physical postures)
Practicing yoga asanas help us to balance the vital energies of the body; masculine/feminine, light/dark, sun/moon.
The yoga asanas were designed to be practiced with breath awareness and deep relaxation. Without these other elements, the postures can cause injury and imbalance.
Each pose should be steady and sweet. Effortless and comfortable.
Our physical and subtle bodies align as we link movement to breath and turn our focus inward.
"As the body finds its ease, the mind and emotions align with it" p 226
Yoga asanas prepare the body for the deeper limbs of yoga, including seated meditation.
"Rhythmical breathing coordinated with this movement releases blockages and allows energy to flow. When it is flowing normally and rhythmically, the breath distributes energy through pathways, which encourage relaxation and the ability to stretch further." p 227
There are countless styles of yoga available to us in the West. Take into account your own temperament and choose a style that will promote balance.
"As the practice is established, it affords flexibility of body, mind, and emotions. With this comes balance and the yearning to be still and know yourself." p 229
(quotes taken from The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi)
(physical postures)
Practicing yoga asanas help us to balance the vital energies of the body; masculine/feminine, light/dark, sun/moon.
The yoga asanas were designed to be practiced with breath awareness and deep relaxation. Without these other elements, the postures can cause injury and imbalance.
Each pose should be steady and sweet. Effortless and comfortable.
Our physical and subtle bodies align as we link movement to breath and turn our focus inward.
"As the body finds its ease, the mind and emotions align with it" p 226
Yoga asanas prepare the body for the deeper limbs of yoga, including seated meditation.
"Rhythmical breathing coordinated with this movement releases blockages and allows energy to flow. When it is flowing normally and rhythmically, the breath distributes energy through pathways, which encourage relaxation and the ability to stretch further." p 227
There are countless styles of yoga available to us in the West. Take into account your own temperament and choose a style that will promote balance.
"As the practice is established, it affords flexibility of body, mind, and emotions. With this comes balance and the yearning to be still and know yourself." p 229
(quotes taken from The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi)
Saturday, July 28, 2012
2nd Limb of Yoga- Niyamas
(5 more ways to cultivate stability of mind in your daily life)
Saucha (the first niyama)- simplicity
Simple yoga sequence
Simple balance between too much and not enough in your yoga postures. Leave the dialogue at that.
Watch how you complicate your day, watch how you complicate your relationships. "The blessings come when we can embrace simplicity, making our lives easier and more joyous" (The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi p. 209)
Simplify your food. Saucha can also be defined as purity. Eat real foods, simply and lovingly prepared.
Simplify your clothing: comfortable, natural. Feel the difference when you dress comfortably.
Simplify your environment, the rooms in your house. Donate things you don't use or need. Get rid of the things that negatively affect your mood.
Simplify your inner dialogue. Letting go means dropping the story line.
Another aspect of saucha is the ability to be emotionally light. We tend to take situations and ourselves much too seriously.
How do you feel when you cultivate saucha in your daily life?
(5 more ways to cultivate stability of mind in your daily life)
Saucha (the first niyama)- simplicity
Simple yoga sequence
Simple balance between too much and not enough in your yoga postures. Leave the dialogue at that.
Watch how you complicate your day, watch how you complicate your relationships. "The blessings come when we can embrace simplicity, making our lives easier and more joyous" (The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi p. 209)
Simplify your food. Saucha can also be defined as purity. Eat real foods, simply and lovingly prepared.
Simplify your clothing: comfortable, natural. Feel the difference when you dress comfortably.
Simplify your environment, the rooms in your house. Donate things you don't use or need. Get rid of the things that negatively affect your mood.
Simplify your inner dialogue. Letting go means dropping the story line.
Another aspect of saucha is the ability to be emotionally light. We tend to take situations and ourselves much too seriously.
How do you feel when you cultivate saucha in your daily life?
1st Limb of Yoga- Yamas
(5 ways to cultivate stability of mind in your daily life)
Ahimsa (the primary yama)- non violence, or compassion for all beings and things
Notice the aliveness of the floor, the mat. Step gently and carefully as if you didn't want to harm it.
Non violence on the level of action. Move through your practice, your day, as if you didn't want to harm the objects around you. Close the car door carefully. Walk gently on the ground.
Notice the state of your mind as you cultivate ahimsa.
(5 ways to cultivate stability of mind in your daily life)
Ahimsa (the primary yama)- non violence, or compassion for all beings and things
Notice the aliveness of the floor, the mat. Step gently and carefully as if you didn't want to harm it.
Non violence on the level of action. Move through your practice, your day, as if you didn't want to harm the objects around you. Close the car door carefully. Walk gently on the ground.
Notice the state of your mind as you cultivate ahimsa.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Another reason we're able to successfully place our mind on the breath is that we have confidence in the reasons why we're meditating. We do it with enthusiasm because we know it will bring us peace. We see the futility of outside concerns, fantasies, thoughts, and emotions. We're willing to give them up at least for the period of our meditation because we see the benefits of doing so. Placement has become a reasonable thing to do.
- Turning The Mind Into An Ally by Sakyong Mipham
p. 118
- Turning The Mind Into An Ally by Sakyong Mipham
p. 118
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