Yoga
The practice of Yoga is essentially a practice of self-examination. Yoga helps us cultivate presence. When we are attentive to our actions, we are no longer prisoners to our habits. We do not need to do something today simply because we did it yesterday. Instead, we recognize the possibility of considering our actions afresh and so avoiding thoughtless repetition. This creates freedom! Yoga: The ability to direct the mind without distraction or interruption. Otherwise known as the practice of focus. In life we get what we focus on. The human mind has a tendency to operate from a place of fear, worry and/or stress. “The leading cause of ALL infectious disease is stress.”(AMA) Yoga: To still the fluctuations of the mind. Hence eliminating stress and creating space, an emptiness often described as peace in which all is known, all is accepted, all is perfect, and all is love. Clarity is experienced. With Yoga the impossible becomes possible. That which was unattainable becomes attainable; that which was invisible can be seen.
Pranayama
Breath/life force. There are many different breathing practices that all invoke different states of being. All breathing practices increase our ability to focus and concentrate, induce immediate presence and contribute to a better quality of life.
Asana
Postures or poses that build strength and flexibility in the body temple. Regular practice of postures allow us to sit in meditation with comfort and ease.
Restorative yoga
Yoga poses that use support(props) and time to soothe and nourish us allowing our nervous systems to shift to the parasympathetic nervous system. 20 mins. In a restorative yoga pose is said to be equivalent to 3-4 hours of deep sleep. Restorative yoga is a practice of being that helps us release the compulsion to constantly do and helps us cultivate more balance in our life. Restorative yoga will stretch, release, relive and repair tissues in the body. This may include muscles, connective tissue, or joints in the skeletal system. In addition, restorative yoga can help improve conditions of the respiratory, circulatory, digestion, and elimination, and lymphatic systems. It may even balance the nervous and endocrine systems.
1. Yama
How we relate to the external world
- A. Ahimsa: Non-violence, inflicting no injury or harm to others or even to one’s own self, it goes as far as non-violence in thought, word or deed.
- B. Satya: Non-illusion; truth in word and thought.
- C. Asteya: Non-covetousness, to the extent that one should not even desire something that is not his own; non-stealing.
- D. Brahmachara: Abstinence, particularly in the case of sexual activity. Also, responsible behavior with respect to our goal of moving toward the truth. It suggests that we form relationships that foster our understanding of the highest truths. Practicing Brahmachara means that we use our sexual energy to regenerate our connection to our spiritual self. It also means that we don’t use this energy in a way that might harm others.
- E. Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness; Non-hoarding.
2. Niyama
- A. Shaucha: Cleanliness of body and mind
- B. Santosha: Satisfaction; satisfied with what one has.
- C. Tapas: Austerity and associated observances for body discipline and thereby mental control.
- D. Svadhyaya: Study of the vedic scriptures to know about God and the soul, which leads to introspection and a greater awakening to the soul and God within.
- E. Ishvarapranidhana: Surrender to (or worship of) God.