Yoga has 8 stages . Theses steps are not linear. The term petal is more suited to describe the 8 parts. Social Observances: Non-violence, honesty, non-stealing, continence, and non-hoarding Personal Observances: cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study, and surrender. Physical Postures Breath Expansion Withdrawal of the Senses Concentration Meditation Complete Absorption
Time is a concept created by the human mind. We live in the present moment although the mind fluctuates between ideas of the past and future. How can we stabilize the consciousness and exist only in the eternal now? With the practice of yoga we can become observers to change with each moment.
Stoke the sparks of inspiration to practice yoga today by standing tall and looking straight ahead onto the horizon. Let the eye gaze be soft but alert. In our practice of physical postures known as asanas the eyes are meant to be open. The eyes have the element of fire. Once the flame of yoga …
Remember the last day of school before summer vacation? What was your feeling as you walked through those school doors ready to throw your books in the air and not look back? When you stretch your arms overhead and reach for the sky do you feel a sense of elation and exhilaration? Yoga can bring …
There maybe dreams present in sleep or no dreams at all. Dreamless sleep is the ideal as it is the most restful. To promote healthful sleeping a couple simple yoga poses can be performed before bedtime. These include placing the legs up the all or laying down flat with arms and legs out stretched but …
Yoga is more than physical postures. The way we interact with the world is part of our practice. Do you we mean what we say and say what we mean? How close does our communication come to the truth? How often are we tested with our own truthfulness? Being honest in speech and actions is …
Being kind to others helps to ease our own consciousness. It takes less effort to create a smile on our faces than it does a frown. Take the the initiative to chose kindness even when it may feel tempting to act otherwise especially if you are tired or agitated. The first external vow or “yama” …
Valentine’s Day often brings the idea of hearts and love into the consciousness. How do we access our hearts from yoga? During your day take your hands over your chest and heart and feel the movements of the rib cage as you exhale and inhale. Become aware of your heart beating and the vibrations from …
Practice yoga from the heart not the brain. Surrender all mental energy to the heart. To go beyond the mind the heart must be penetrated. This place is worth seeking out and yearning for as it goes beyond the realm of pleasure and pain. Yoga can guide the way to the heart.
Practice time on the mat outside of class is important to make progress in yoga. Even just 5 minutes in a few different poses can change your outlook and your mood. Give yourself time each day and come to the mat and see what happens. What does the beginning of practice feel like? What do …