Exploring Yoga With Laura

Bryan Kest Master Class Saturday, November 28, 2009

2009-08-20T08:26:00.003-04:00

Hello My Friends.

I will be welcoming Bryan Kest back to the area on Saturday, November 28th. This year I will be hosting him at our new yoga home, Harmony Martial Arts Center in Jupiter, Florida located at 1928 Commerce Drive.

Class will begin at 9:00 a.m. with Bryan lecturing on yoga, followed by a break and about 2 hour asana practice. Those of you who have attended class with Bryan know what an amazing teacher he is. It is no wonder he's invited all over the world to share his unique teachings.

If you would like to attend or have any questions, contact me at lbakercole@yahoo.com. Class fee is $50.00.

Hope you get to attend the event with this exceptional teacher.

A Thought

2009-07-02T09:00:00.002-04:00

What would your day be like if you kept in the forefront of your mind the reminder that your life is a gift?

Keeping Your Yoga Practice Alive During the Summer

2009-06-11T16:30:00.011-04:00

Summertime may bring a change of schedule for many of us. Some of us live by the school schedule, a lot of us travel, while others have visitors or different variations to our routines. When we are used to attending a regularly scheduled class and think of our yoga practice in terms of class time only, these alterations to our regime have potential to interrupt our practice. If you have to be away or are truly unable to attend your class, remember that physically all you need to practice is your body and the earth beneath you.

To sustain an uninterrupted practice while away from your class, try the following. First of all, dedicate some time and space to it. You might set a minimum amount of time as a goal and not allow anything to intervene. Find a place with little distractions and room enough to move your body in.

When you come to your space, begin with quietness. Be still and listen to what your body is in need of. A long flight or car ride and trying new things on vacation will certainly put demands on the body that require undoing. Next, find out what you could use emotionally and mentally. Traveling and being out of your normal rhythm in other ways can be stressful.

After you realize your needs, begin to move in ways that your body is calling for. You don’t have to remember the sun salutation or any particular postures. Explore movements that create openness, length and strength and do it with full awareness. Keep your health in the forefront of your mind

It is important to recall the rewards of your yoga practice as they provide so much incentive to keep it alive. Not only do you receive mental, emotional and physical health from it, but everybody you come in contact with or even think about benefits from your practice.

Remember that it is much easier to keep a fire going than it is to start a new one. Make every effort to maintain a regular practice. When you’re traveling, find local classes to attend or do your own thing right where you are. When you’re back in town, return to your class every chance you can. There is so much to be gleaned by being guided by your teacher and the support attained in the group energy of the class.

With the exception of the week of July 3 – 10, when Harmony is closed, your classes at Yoga in Harmony will be here for you this summer. Set an intention to keep up your yoga practice through this time of potential challenge to it.

2009-04-07T10:32:00.014-04:00

Change is in the air, Friends. I have been invited to initiate and direct a Yoga program at the Harmony Martial Arts Center in Jupiter, Florida. After careful thought and meditation I have accepted the opportunity and am looking forward to building a growing, vibrant Yoga program in Harmony’s beautiful facility. I am inspired by what this opportunity brings to me personally and the positive changes that I feel will come from it for all my long-time and much cherished students.

The disciplines of yoga and martial arts are a natural compliment to each other. The tenets of TaeKwonDo are: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. They are kindred practices and for that reason I feel very positive about introducing Yoga as another facet of this school. The space is beautiful, light and has great energy. I have personally been involved with Harmony since 1997 when my son, Adrian began his journey in achieving his black belt. Harmony Martial Arts is a highly respected institution in the Jupiter community and is consistently run with integrity and enthusiasm.

Yoga in Harmony will begin Monday, May 4^th. The class schedule will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9:15 to 10:30. It is located a 1/2 mile south of Indiantown Road off Maplewood Drive at 1928 Commerce Lane (just south of the bowling alley).

To have a glimpse at our new home for our yoga class, visit Harmony’s website at:

www.yogainharmony.com/yoga.html

I look forward to continuing our journey together.

Namaste.

Laura

There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

-Anais Nin

Thank You From Scott Feinberg of Karma Krew

2008-12-20T06:48:00.009-05:00

Karma Kastles 2008 - Tequesta Rec Yoga Sculpture

Dear Friends,

I'm not sure about you but I'm still lingering in the residue of the amazing experiences of last week (Karma Kastles). It is a testament to the power of community that we could pull off both events with such ease, delight, and success. It awes me that in the midst of so much economic uncertainty that in truth, it is our internal circumstance that dictates our external circumstance and not the other way around. Because of your help, Karma Krew was able to raise $53,000! What a shining example of how what lies inside of each of us is paramount to what lies outside of us and that when those intentions are aligned together and mobilized there is nothing we can't do.

These funds will serve to sustain our shelter program and ensure that even more children who have been abused will now have the opportunity to experience the healing benefits of Yoga. It will also ensure a healthy and vibrant Community Karma Krew program with new krews popping up all over the country. Thank you so much for your support.

It was nothing other than a deep deep joy to be able to manifest this vision with each of you. We each did our part and it equalled something so much greater than we ever could have expected. I offer you my deepest gratitude for your generous contributions of sweat, heart, committment, vision, patience, moral support, and for simply the honor of doing this sacred work together.

With Much Love,

Scott

Bryan Kest Back In Tequesta November 2008

2008-12-11T05:35:00.004-05:00

A heartfelt 'thank you' goes out to Bryan Kest and all who participated in our 4th annual Master Class this November in Tequesta. Bryan led another amazing class filled with his unique style of sharing yoga in a present-day approach. He gave us plenty to think about as he imparted solid teachings on the relevance of yoga in our daily lives through the first third of the class. Then, he kept us smiling (and sometimes laughing) through a challenging asana practice for the balance of the workshop. I believe we all left the session a little wiser, a little happier and a lot sweatier. Needless to say, we're looking forward to his return next year.

A Path to Enlightenment

2008-09-01T20:38:00.003-04:00

Yoga teaches us to go within for fulfillment and to recall, to mind and heart, the union of our individual consciousness with the Universal Consciousness. The path to enlightenment will take many different routes for each of us though there are aspects that will be realized by every soul as we progress. Doubtless conviction that there is one source of creation and belief in reincarnation are paramount in this quest. Though various religions and spiritual teachings will call the source of creation by many different names, the message at the heart of most religions is consistent. It is to love one another and to love thyself.

We are all gradually approaching our inevitable enlightenment. A belief in reincarnation is essential as it may take thousands and thousands of lifetimes of progressive assent toward that goal. There are many qualities that we will develop to the fullest as we drawn in the direction of enlightenment. Some are love, patience, compassion, forgiveness and kindness. Each lifetime presents self-chosen opportunities to cultivate these qualities to their perfected states. Life experiences show us what we chose to work on in the present incarnation. We must accept our life experiences as our teachers empowering us and never feel a victim of life’s lessons.

Meditation is a very helpful way of focusing the being and not wasting time and energy in distraction. And service, in any form is an equally instrumental way of unfolding spirituality. Intention, effort and the power of persistence are of prime importance. “The mind which thinks of the all-pervading divinity which it worships, is ultimately, through long-continued devotion, transformed into the likeness of that divinity.” We are our thoughts. We become what we dwell on.

Careful reading of spiritual texts, studying under the tutorage of wise teachers, quiet reflection, and practical application of the sensed truth and the intuited ideas, will gradually bring enlightenment. A steady, regular, persistent endeavor will carry us along that voyage.

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

2008-05-30T14:49:00.007-04:00

On Monday, May 26th I had the privilege to be a part of the Grand Opening of the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Institute in Islamorada, Florida. Guruji has been teaching the same method of yoga, ashtanga, that he learned from his Guru, Krishnamacharya in 1927. It was an indescribable honor to be in the presence of someone who has walked the path of yoga for the past 80 some year of his life. I'm grateful to Guruji and all the others who have kept this course open for those of us who wish to tread it. And I am equally honored to be in the company of those of you who are taking this passage with me.

Namaste.

Two Wolves

2008-02-27T05:33:00.002-05:00

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all."

"One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which one wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

You Are Your Own Guru

2008-02-17T08:30:00.004-05:00

Have faith in your inner guidance system. No one can teach us what we already know. We are born with the seed of spiritual wisdom planted within each of us. Our divinity is woven into the fabric of our souls. Yet at times we need a pathfinder to shed light on what lies in the darkness of our temporarily un-awakened selves. But know without a doubt that we are wise, loving and peaceful by design and let that actuality serve as our most firmly rooted truth as we progress in our spiritual learning.

Those, like me, who attempt to share spiritual wisdom are merely heralding philosophy we found that moved our hearts and felt true to our souls, and we want others to join in that rhapsody. We’ve run our lessons through the filter of our experiences, upheld what rang true for us and abandoned what did not, just as everyone needs to do for themselves.

I am not implying that time spent with a spiritual teacher, religious leader or guru is wasted. True guides awaken us to and remind us of the truth, but do not take on the responsibility of our progress. A real teacher illuminates the darkened pathway so that we may find our way along it. It is up to each of us to find for ourselves what is authentic and advance along the passageway.

We search outside of ourselves at times for guidance to set us on our course. Different teachers may show many routes, but it is ultimately up to each of us to choose the right one. Though we may look outward for direction, it is our inward gaze through meditation and heart and soul searching where we will find true wisdom. Our hearts and intuition tell us what is true.

We know more than we may have thought and we will discover that fact when we listen to our “gut reactions”. Spend time with the wise, ask questions and listen, but always check in with yourself to find if what is being shared with you is your truth.

Namaste.

Your Primary Responsibility by Alan Cohen

2008-02-10T15:08:00.002-05:00

A friend confided in me that he was struggling to understand his responsibility in a world obsessed with war. I told him the answer is simple: choose peace.

While you cannot control the attitudes or actions of politicians or others, you have total control over the thoughts, feelings, and energy you are exuding. If you are steeped in fear, anger, a sense of victimization, or separateness, you are contributing to the darkness.

If you hold a sense of peace, wholeness, compassion, kindness, and the presence of love, you are contributing to healing. As Kipling nobly penned, “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing their's…”

Mother Teresa was once asked to speak at an anti-war rally, and she refused. “If it were a pro-peace rally, I would attend,” she explained. “But fighting against war, like fighting against anything, is just another form of war.”

Ram Dass recounted that on his altar he has pictures of Christ, Buddha, and many other spiritual masters. He has recently added a photo of George W. Bush. Why? As Ram Dass explains, “Until I can find the same divinity in George W. Bush as I find in other holy beings, I am stuck. When I can see and honor his soul, then I am in a position to protest. Until then, I am ineffective.”

The power of prayer and intention goes a long, long way. At any given moment the world situation is a precise expression of the consciousness of all the people who live here. As you shift your consciousness in the direction of peace, wholeness, and faith, you tip the balance in that direction. You literally become the tipping point for the world you would like to create.

Be less concerned with what you are doing and more concerned with how you are doing it. Actions that spring from fear or hatred, no matter how nobly clothed, create only more of the same. Actions that issue from faith and love, no matter how humble clothed, create only more of the same.

A visionary thrives under all circumstances, for he or she sees beyond the obvious. At this time the world needs good visionaries. If you would save the world, begin with your own consciousness.

The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale

2008-02-04T12:34:00.000-05:00

Samadhi, The Eighth Limb of Yoga

2008-01-27T13:28:00.000-05:00

The final stage of yoga, samadhi, or spiritual illumination, is the goal of the yogi’s quest. At the peak of meditation, the aspirant passes into the state of samadhi, where the thought of duality no longer exists, consciousness becomes one with the experienced object, and the mind becomes still and one-pointed. The yogi’s body and senses are at rest as if he is asleep. His faculties of mind and reason are alert as if he is awake, yet he has gone beyond consciousness into bliss. The person in samadhi has no sense of ‘I’ as if being separate from the Eternal. When in the state of samadhi, the yogi has attained true Yoga where there is only the experience of consciousness, the truth and indescribable joy.

Pantanjali, the compiler of the Yoga Sutras, states that it is no of use to attempt meditation without mastering concentration. Without these first two, it is impossible to progress to samadhi, a state of liberation from reality into a subtle and highly spiritual experience.

It is important to note that Patanjali’s system for reaching enlightenment is in itself an acknowledgement that even if enlightenment has been achieved, once the work is abandoned, enlightenment will slip away. This is our guidance to practice all eight limbs of yoga with devotional regularity.

Namaste.

Dhyana, The Seventh Limb of Yoga

2008-01-17T14:32:00.000-05:00

In Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar likens the analogy of water taking the shape of its container to the mind being transformed into the shape of the object it is contemplating. This elicits an important truth: that which we dwell on in our minds becomes how and who we are.

Dhyana is absolute concentration upon a point of focus with the intention of knowing the truth about it. Therefore, dhyana is meditation or perfect contemplation.

Just as dharana (complete concentration) is tethered to pratyahara (sense control) in that the aforementioned cannot take place without the latter being acquired, we must realize the correlation between dharna and dhyana (meditation). Dharana must precede dhyana so as to teach the mind to focus and contact the object of concentration. In the stage of dhyana, the meditator becomes one with the object of meditation.

In yoga, meditation is devotion to and worship of the Divine. Keeping in mind that we become our thoughts, we should thus strive to keep our meditations focused on the Supreme, the Light, the Universal Spirit…PURE LOVE.

Namaste.

Dharana, The Sixth Limb of Yoga

2008-01-08T17:11:00.000-05:00

Dharana is concentration without any disturbances, creating conditions for the mind to focus all its attention in one direction. It is practiced with the intention of spiritual renewal and recalling our oneness with The Infinite.

Usually our minds are paying attention to many different things at once. As soon as our senses become stimulated they pull our attention in many directions. As our minds wander from one stimulus to another we become reactive emotionally, hormonally and energetically.

The first thing to do in order to achieve meditation is learn pratyahara, control of the senses. The mind must be mastered and senses withdrawn in order to truly meditate. This is not an easy thing as the senses and mind have been our masters for so long.

Next, we work toward being able to concentrate and keep the mind from roaming for some length of time. It is best to be situated in an area with as little distraction as possible. Begin focusing the mind on one object. Our attention will get diverted over and over again. As disturbances arise it is best to just notice and then kindly dismiss them. As with most practices, the more we do it, the more skilled we become.

The purpose of dharana is to steady and gain control of the mind. When we reach the point of maintaining complete focus uninterrupted, we are engaged in dharana.

Namaste.

Pratyahara, The Fifth Limb of Yoga

2007-12-20T07:01:00.000-05:00

Pratyahara is sense control where we withdraw from external objects which nourish the senses in order to still the mind. It is the practice of drawing one’s attention inward rather than toward objects.

When our senses are unchecked and in control of our minds we become enslaved by them. The eyes draw our attention away from what we are doing or whom we are speaking to if we feel we have to see everything and everyone that passes by us. Our taste buds cause us to crave all sorts of foods whether they are good for the rest of the body or not so as to please the tongue. We become addicted to a continual need to stimulate our senses and are then driven by desire. As we become overly influenced by external happenings and sensations we find inner peace and tranquility elusive at best.

In practicing pratyahara we choose what is good for us, not only what is pleasant. We find joy in what we are, knowing that we are divine. We are aware of what is going on around us, but not influenced by it or attached to it. This is the aim of pratyahara, to get the senses to follow the mind, not the mind to be dragged around and controlled by the senses.

The practice of pratyahara frees our minds and brings peace as we become released from desire and the constant pull to find pleasure from external objects. When the mind is focused and purified, the senses follow it and peacefulness is attained.

Namaste.

Pranayama, The Fourth Limb of Yoga

2007-12-11T19:08:00.000-05:00

Prana is vital, life energy. All that vibrates in the universe is prana. Heat, light, magnetism, power, electricity, life, and spirit are all forms of prana. Prana permeates each individual as well as the universe at all levels. Prana is physical, mental, intellectual, sexual, spiritual and cosmic energy.

Ayama means expansion, growth, extension, magnification, and length.

Pranayama is breathing techniques practiced to help us gain awareness of our breath. The breath is an important link between our body, mind and spirit. When practicing pranayama, we are measuring, controlling, and directing the breath and thus energy (prana) within the body in order to restore and maintain health, and to aid spiritual growth.

Our state of mind is closely linked to the quality of prana within. The more content a person is the more prana there is flowing freely inside him or her. Because we can influence the flow of prana through the breath, the quality of our breath influences our state of mind helping us to keep the mind alert and clear. In yoga, we are trying to make use of these connections in order to free the flow of life-enhancing prana within us.

The benefits we receive as a result of increased, free flowing prana include stress relief, increased lung capacity, pain management, mental and physical balance, lower blood pressure, stimulation of the circulatory, immune, and metabolic systems, and the list goes on.

There are many different practices of pranayama designed to induce different effects. There are pacifying breathing techniques, energizing and heating practices, and pranayama for cooling and calming. It is best to study pranayama with a skilled teacher as these practices require much skill.

Namaste.

Asana, The Third Limb of Yoga

2007-11-28T14:37:00.000-05:00

If you’ve been to a yoga class in the United States, you probably have a pretty good idea of what asana is, but for clarity sake…asana is the physical practice of the yoga postures. The poses emulate nature and have a strong physical and naturally occurring psychological effect on us, expanding our consciousness.

There are countless reasons for and benefits to practicing yoga asana. Performing the postures keeps the body strong and supple, stimulates organs, glands and nerves, increases stamina, and disciplines the mind just to name a few benefits. There is not one cell of the body that does not require oxygen to perform its functions and the deep breathing we purposely use while practicing delivers that needed oxygen and increases calmness.

Engaging in a regular asana practice is also a physical ‘thank you’ to everything and everybody that contribute to the making of you, expressing appreciation for the gift of your life. We take good care of this gift so that we may use it for the service of others.

One very good reason to engage in a regular asana practice is maintaining physical health. Observe a 10 year old sometime or remember yourself at that age. 10 year olds run to get from place to place, maybe even doing a flip along the way. Then they hop on a skateboard or bike and cruise on down the street engaging more muscles, tendons and joints, than you could name.

Then watch a 20 year old. They may go out for a run or to the gym several times a week and stretch a little, but there’s a marked difference in the way a 20 year old and a 10 year old use their bodies.

Flash forward to 30 year olds, 40 year olds, 50 etc. and have a good look. By now they’re sitting in seats with their backs supported most of the day and probably moving their bodies much less than they did when they were younger. As you progress along in these 10-year increments of life you notice how much less active we become and how much less range of motion we use in the course of a normal day. Certainly I’m not suggesting that anybody run out, grab a skateboard and hit the streets or that we should aspire to be like a 10 year old in any way. What I am suggesting is to reclaim as much of that range of motion and activity level for the sake of good health, and an excellent way to do that is through an asana practice.

Many of us view the yoga mat as a great practice ground. On the mat we may consider the first two limbs of yoga and try them out. We can try out ahimsa (compassion) by not harming ourselves doing the postures in an excessive way. We may practice aparigraha (non-grasping) by not coveting the loose hamstrings of the person next to us and slowly, allowing our own hamstings to lengthen at their own rate. We can practice tapas (burning enthusiasm) by giving our postures all the energy and focus we have, realizing and accepting that that level will be different every time we practice. Santosha (contentment) shows up while we’re on the mat when we lovingly accept our circumstances and allow change to happen at its own rate. What better place and situation for swadhyaya (self-study) than while practicing yoga as we are so exposed outwardly and inwardly. I personally practice ishvarapranidhana (surrender to God) by performing my asanas as a moving meditation and prayer, thanking God as often as possible. We may also practice non-reactiveness and acceptance when we are in challenging in postures, making equanimity our habitual response to life’s other challenges.

Lastly, we know that asana is a great way to get our ya yas out (expend energy) and build the strength required to sit still for meditation. It is quite difficult to still the body and then the mind when the body wants to move. When we practice asana prior to meditation we are able to calm ourselves and focus without physical distraction.

Namaste.

Niyama, Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender to God)

2007-11-21T07:39:00.001-05:00

Ishvarapranidhana is knowing that God is in every living thing, every place, every event and every thought.

The practice of ishvarapranidhana may take the form of regularly recalling that all is steeped in the spiritual. We may use that thought as a focal point of our daily meditation and root ourselves in the soil of this truth. Keeping this tenet in our hearts and minds, we then go about the day infusing our actions with dedication to our higher source. Daily tasks that may have seemed mundane become permeated with selfless devotion and thus more meaningful and enjoyable. When we lovingly remember that everyone is on their path to spiritual enlightenment, whether they are consciously aware of it or not, we become more accepting.

All situations we find ourselves in are rife with opportunity and choices. We have the opportunity to know ourselves as patient, kind, peaceful, gracious and loving or short-tempered, mean, angry, ungrateful and hateful. How we behave is always our choice. We are constantly offered occasions to recognize the divinity of all and act with that wisdom in our hearts.

Remembering our divinity pulls us towards thoughts and actions of our higher selves. Recognizing the divine leads to a meaningful life lived on purpose, with purpose.

Samadhi Siddih Ishwarapranidhanat. (The perfection of samadhi is due to the perfect alignent of attention with the omniscient seer within.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:45

Namaste.

Niyama, Svadhyaya (Self Study)

2007-11-18T12:16:00.001-05:00

Svadhyaya is studying the nature of the self. We do this by learning spiritual teachings and contemplating their application to our lives. We then go on an inner exploration and question the spiritual concepts, meditating on how they serve our growth to find what rings true for us.

The attainment of spiritual knowledge may take many forms, reading books, time spent with teachers, and through lessons learned in our own life experiences. We should study from all schools of religious scriptures, ancient texts and sacred teachings. Read, ponder and question until you truly absorb the lessons they offer. It is not enough to just read the words and gain the knowledge of them. Time must be spent in loving self-reflection where we apply the knowledge to our own life’s occurrences. Knowledge coupled with loving adaptation becomes wisdom.

By learning sacred wisdom, we are better able to so slow down our reactions to life’s difficulties and deal with them wisely and lovingly when they arise. As this becomes our way over time, we get to experience ourselves as the loving and wise beings we inherently are.

Swadhyayad ishtadevata samprayogah. (Owing to the learning and application of personal mantras, there is union with one's desired deity.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:44

Namaste.

Niyama, Tapas (Burning Effort)

2007-11-13T05:02:00.001-05:00

In Light on Yoga, tapas is defined as ‘the conscious effort to achieve ultimate union with the Divine and to burn up all desires which stand in the way of this goal. A worthy aim makes life illumined, pure and divine. Without such an aim, action and prayer have no value. Life without tapas, is like a heart without love.’

Tapas is burning enthusiasm and effort toward the one true goal of spiritual enlightenment. It is the commitment, consistency and discipline we engage in during every thought and act that brings us closer to attaining that goal. It is the inner heat that burns up distractions that dissuade us from our intent.

We apply tapas by putting devotional energy into everyday living that helps us reach our aspirations. Committing ourselves to our yoga practice and meditation with regularity, mindfully eating what is healthy for our bodies, and studying spiritual books that nourish us are forms of tapas. When we say ’no’ to the second glass of wine or a cigarette and ‘yes’ to time spent in nature or helping a friend, we are practicing tapas.

Engaging in tapas is a form of respect for ourselves to make choices that serve our growth process. Sometimes the choices may seem difficult on the surface or at the present. But when we step back from the moment, pause and remember our one true goal, our choices become less sacrificial and easier to make because the residual effect is more fulfilling.

Kayendriyasiddhirashuddhiksayah tapasah. (The perfection of the body and sense organs is due to intensity in spiritual practice, being the elimination of impurities.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:43

Namaste.

Niyama, Santosha (Contentment)

2007-11-07T05:51:00.001-05:00

Santosha is the practice and cultivation of contentment. It is the ability to be at peace in any circumstances that we find ourselves in. That ability arises out of a knowing that every situation is an opportunity to learn and experience ourselves in ways that foster our growth. Santosha roots itself in knowing that we are always with God and are therefore truly lacking nothing.

Santosha is not synonymous with complacency where we accept or tolerate unhealthy situations. Nor does it mean that we allow our growth to lie dormant. But rather it is practicing patience and making the most of our hardships while striving to better them.

Fully practicing santosha is remaining equanimous even in difficult circumstances that have no semblance of joy. When our joy does not reside in nor depend upon life’s obviously sweeter windfalls, then too are we practicing santosha. Maintaining hopefulness during hard times, finding balance in wonderful times, and being at peace with every stage of our growth is santosha.

Santoshad anuttama sukha labhah. (Owing to contentment, there is an unexcelled attainment of happiness.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:42

Namaste.

Niyama, Shaucha (Purity)

2007-11-04T03:43:00.001-05:00

Shaucha is internal and external purification. It is purifying the body, mind and environment.

Our bodies are gifts and we should show appreciation of that by striving to keep them operating optimally. We maintain cleanliness of the body by washing the outside and taking in healthy food and drink for the inside. Practicing asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) are also desirable ways to engage in shaucha of the body so that we may become lighter, clearer and vibrate at a higher level.

We engage in shaucha of the mind by keeping it clear of disturbing thoughts and emotions such as pride, greed and hatred. By exposing ourselves to inspiring reading, people and music we elevate our consciousness.

Keeping our homes clean, uncluttered and noiseless (not necessarily soundless) is another practice of shaucha. When our homes are dirty and filled with too many objects and clamor it is disturbing and distracting. We become irritated and overwhelmed. We lose our calm. Our homes are our sanctuaries and should be appreciated and maintained as such.

Some of the fruits of practicing shaucha are enjoying a healthy body that is able to help others, having a clear mind that can grasp and appreciate a valuable lesson, and living in an environment that we feel at peace in.

Shauchat swanga jugupsa parair asamsargah. (Owing to purity, there is a desire to protect one's own body, being the non-contact with whatever is adverse to that.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:40

Namaste.

Niyama, The Second Limb of Yoga

2007-11-04T03:42:00.000-05:00

The second limb of yoga to be followed is niyama. It consists of five codes for individual discipline that have to do with choices we make for our own lives. Niyama includes shaucha, santosha, tapas, svadhyaya and isvara pranidhana. Following niyama will lead to a life lived soulfully and peacefully with ourselves. As with yama, we will go over each individually.

Yama, Aparigraha (Not Hoarding)

2007-10-30T12:17:00.002-04:00

Aparigraha is not hoarding or collecting. It refers to taking only that which sustains us or is presently required. It is having faith that God will provide for us and not feeling the need to amass possessions out of fear of not having enough. It is paring down and simplifying our lives.

Aparigraha is akin to asteya (not stealing) in that we do not look at our lives from the vantage point of lack, but rather from a place of knowing that we have enough. It also parallels asteya in that we do not obtain things by unrighteous acts such as deceit or cheating.

In particular, aparigraha refers to not hoarding or collecting objects or food. In terms of food, aparigraha calls for us to eat only that which is essential for healthy survival and has been acquired by just means. By eating only what we need, i.e. pure foods, our bodies are not burdened by having to process unnatural, unhealthy substances and we are able to enjoy good health. If we diligently follow the path of aparigraha, we no longer require a pantry, a second refrigerator in the garage or to go on a diet.

Imagine if we acquired and stored fewer objects. Would we need an attic or a storage unit? When we hoard materials we have to work for them. We dust and polish them. We find boxes and places to store them when we no longer want to look at the objects, but still cling to ownership. We expend so much energy worrying that we may loose our stuff and protecting it, that the stuff we think we own ends up owning us. We become enslaved to it.

The practice of aparigraha requires introspection to discover what we really need, then taking that and no more. Looking at an object or food, asking if there is real benefit from owning or ingesting it, and letting go of that which does not answer the question with ‘yes’, is embracing Aparigraha.

Aparigraha sthairye janma kathamta sambodhah. (Upon a foundation of non-possessiveness, there arises the full understanding of the wherefore of birth.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:39

Namaste.

Yama, Brahmacharya (Becoming One With The Surpeme)

2007-10-25T05:29:00.001-04:00

Brahmacharya is merging all of one’s energy with The One, God, The Supreme. It is using our sexual energy in a way that brings us closer to our spiritual selves.

Some have interpreted brahmacharya to mean the life of celibacy, but it is not exactly that. A celibate life is not a necessary part of spiritual training. Complete abstinence from natural functions is neither correct nor desirable. We know this because man is essentially divine. In every sphere of human activity, man can choose to act divinely; this includes choosing to act divinely in our sexual lives.

If yoga did require celibacy, then how many would truly be practicing it? How could married people practice yoga? Family life is an excellent training ground and thus source of growth for us with its adjustments, sacrifices and adaptations.

Sex is a proper and divine function and should be treated as such. The misuse of sexual energy causes nothing but negativity and hurt. While aspiring to brahmacharya realize that all acts of every kind should be regulated by the endeavor to benefit and aid spiritual progress for all.

Brahmacharya pratishthayam virya labhah. (Upon being established in brahmacharya, there is the attainment of vital energy.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:38

Namaste.

Yama, Asteya (Not Stealing)

2007-10-21T19:50:00.001-04:00

Asteya is not stealing. It’s not looking outside of ourselves for things, other people or situations to bring happiness to us. It is not taking something that has not been given freely. Asteya is not looking at our lives and focusing on what we feel we lack, but enjoying the gifts we already have.

Not too long ago I got the book, "Altars of Power and Grace" (see Books and Inspiring Reading on this site) and learned, among other things, how to create an abundance altar. As I was amassing the essentials, I asked myself what I want in abundance. Love was the first answer. Peace, faith and wisdom followed. And comfortable finances would be helpful too, I thought. A significant piece of the altar is to place a personal symbol that represents the result we’re hoping for. Mine is a symbol representing yoga because yoga encompasses all that I aspire to. Bringing the various aspects of yoga such as contentment (santosha) and the physical practice (asana) etc. into my awareness and practicing them have changed my life in so many positive ways.

Living in the yogic way brings about such abundance in our lives because we want for nothing that exists outside of ourselves. We no longer feel that sense of lack that may drive us to take when we should not. We learn that most of what we need is within.

So my altar has become a reminder of all that I do have. I have a lot of love. I have faith and am acquiring wisdom. I have many times of peacefulness and am comfortable. And when I light my altar, instead of asking for more, I give thanks for what I already have.

Asteya pratishthayam sarvaratna upasthanam. (Upon being established in non-stealing, there occurs the attainment of all prosperity.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:37

Namaste.

Yama, Satya (Truthfulness)

2007-10-18T05:39:00.001-04:00

Satya is being truthful. That is a simple statement, but a very powerful action. Satya is as simple as recognizing that withholding information, fudging the truth, exaggerating, gossiping, or retelling a story that we aren’t exactly sure is accurate, are all forms of misinformation and thus harmful. It is knowing that when we engage in right speech, our words and message will be heard.

If you believe the statement the truth shall set you free then you know how powerful satya is. Being truthful brings about calmness in us because we know we've left no tracks to cover up. We are unburdened by fabrications that need remembering and elaboration. Our conscience becomes liberated because we have not intentionally hurt another with lies.

Practicing satya begins with our selves by being true to our own destiny. We look inward and ponder where we need to go on our journey of growth. Then we need be honest with our selves and follow that path even if it brings some discomfort along the way.

In his book, "The Four Agreements" (see Books and Other Inspiring Reading on this site), Don Miguel Ruiz teaches a powerful code of conduct that when followed leads to a life lived in freedom and happiness. The first agreement that he suggests we make with ourselves is being impeccable with our word. It may be the most important and difficult agreement to follow. Ruiz writes, "The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human; it is the tool of magic. But like a sword with two edges, your word can create the most beautiful dream, or your word can destroy everything around you. One edge is the misuse of the word, which creates a living hell. The other edge is the impeccability of the word, which will only create beauty, love, and heaven on earth. Depending upon how it is used, the word can set you free, or it can enslave you even more than you know."

Honest thought, communication and action are the basis for every healthy relationship. Purposely being deceptive and untruthful only causes harm to your self and others. When we speak only the truth people will listen and give their respect. By being truthful with others we provide them with their much-deserved respect as well.

Satya pratishthayam kriya phala shrayatvam. (Upon being established in truth, there is surety in the result of actions.)

-Pantanjali Yoga Sutras ii:36

Namaste.

Yama, Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

2007-10-16T08:49:00.001-04:00

Ahimsa is not only non-violence, but also a sincere compassion and love for all of creation. It begins with the realization that all living things -- plants, animals, people, the planet, etc. -- comprise a whole. We are all very different yet connected, interdependent and part of that totality. Realizing that truth we know that what happens to one effects all. Cut down the Earth’s trees and the planet becomes inhospitable to oxygen-dependent beings. Poison the water and those requiring it suffer. Behave mean-spiritedly to another and cause hurt to that person at the very least.

Let’s look at our bodies as an example of a microcosm. We have so many varied parts that make up this one entity. A foot is quite different in shape and function than a shoulder. The front and back sides of our bodies are unique yet still part of a whole that we call our bodies. What we do to one part surely effects the whole.

When we practice postures where we are bending backwards for example, we open the front side of our bodies. However, the rest of the body will be changed. We cannot solely concern ourselves with the opening of the front side, but must also compassionately consider the effect it will have on the back side as well. We must practice non-violence with each side, as we know both are affected. If we go into a back bend and compress the low back, right then or eventually we will cause harm. The benefits of opening the front side of the body will be diminished if we hurt the back.

Ahimsa is a practice, which requires us to remember our connection to all of creation. Let the well being of all be in the forefront of our thoughts when we think, speak and act.

Ahimsa pratishthayam tat sannidhou vairatyagah. (Upon being established in non-hurtfulness, there is a relinquishing of hostility in the presence of that.)

-Patanjali Yoga Sutras ii:35

Namaste.

Yama, The First Limb of Yoga

2007-10-16T07:49:00.000-04:00

Yama is the first limb of yoga to learn and integrate into our being. Yama comprises 5 ethical precepts that when practiced in thought, word and deed bring about a moral society. Yama requires cultivation by means of thinking about the precepts, meditating on them, and putting them into practice. Noticing when our thoughts and actions are counter to yama, we then gently realign ourselves with it. The yamas are namely ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha. We will look at each individually.

What is Yoga?

2007-10-12T14:52:00.000-04:00

There is no concise way to answer that question in a manner it deserves. In its most simple (and incorrect) terms, Yoga has been described as a form of exercise. It can also be simply, and correctly defined as a means of delivering our souls from the cycle of birth and death. In Mahadev Desai’s introduction of the Gita according to Gandhi, he succinctly and beautifully defines yoga as ‘the yoking of all the powers of body, mind, and soul to God; it means the disciplining of the intellect, the mind, the emotions, the will, which that Yoga presupposes; it means a poise of the soul which enables one to look at life in all its aspects evenly’. That may be the most concise definition I have read.

Many of us have different experiences with our Yoga practice and would partially describe and define it according to those experiences. Without quoting every definition of the practice that I’ve come across to date, allow me instead to share with you some of my understanding of what Yoga is.

Yoga is a way of living to be explored by studying, internalizing and practicing the 8 limbs of Yoga. The 8 limbs consist of the living principles (the yamas and the niyamas), the postures (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama), turning the senses inward (pratyahara), drawing complete attention and concentration on a single point (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and full consciousness and alertness (samadhi).

Yoga is a personal journey through all the 8 limbs, trying and testing each, feeling the effects they have on your self, noticing the effects your practice has on those you come into contact with, and asking yourself at each step of the way: Does this serve my spiritual growth?
I use the terms, ‘exploration’ and ‘personal journey’ because yoga is a very personal and unique practice. Once you begin your study, you will feel changes as you awaken more. You will feel powerless NOT to continue forward, like a moth being drawn from the darkness toward light.
It is instinctual that we grow spiritually. That is not to say that it comes without effort. We all struggle with different aspects of Yoga, but we continue because it resonates truthfully within us. Sometimes we find that it is the more challenging stuff that packs the bigger lessons. Facing those challenges can yield a bounty of good feeling and internal harmony when we think we’re "getting it".

As you study, learn, change and grow, run your experiences through this filter:
"Am I a better___________ (friend, brother, sister, spouse, stranger to meet, etc.) because of this practice?" If you find yourself answering yes to that, I think you are well on your way to answering the question of what yoga is for yourself.

Namaste.

Where to Begin? Begin with Gratitude.

2007-10-09T09:19:00.001-04:00

As I was pondering what to share first, I asked myself what the most important aspect of yoga is. There’s the Yamas, which are ethical disciplines and include such endeavors as being compassionate and truthful, not stealing nor grasping, and the spiritual use of our sexual energy. The Niyamas would also have been a good starting point as they encompass ideals for living with soul through individual discipline. The Niyamas include living purely, with contentment and enthusiasm, self-study, and dedication to and celebration of the spiritual. All of these are important parts of yoga and we will have a more in-depth look at them individually soon.

Of course there is no one ‘most important’ aspect of yoga. But what kept coming back to me over and again was how great it is to be able to recognize the gifts that life gives us and to sincerely feel grateful for them. The other component to that is the realization that every event and everybody in our lives serves our growth. Be it something as little as our car keys being easily found when we’re pressed for time or as large as loving people in our lives, everything deserves our gratitude and we are all the more fulfilled when we realize and acknowledge that on a regular basis.

Regular feelings of gratitude may require cultivation. One way to do that is to set some time aside in your day to solely focus on what you have to be grateful for. It may start with something as seemingly minor as not being late for you class today and then remembering that person who showed you a kindness by making room for you. That might lead you to the appreciation of yourself for your efforts that you put into your health and well-being by practicing yoga or what ever else you do to take care of yourself. Those thoughts may then cause you to realize how grateful you are to be able to practice because you have the time, the physical capabilities, and the commitment, etc.

As you go along, you begin to realize that the things that you have to be grateful for are endless. The more often you set time aside for cultivation of gratitude, the keener your awareness becomes of the fact that you are the recipient of an abundance of wonderful gifts all day, every day.

So let us begin with gratitude, each day. Let us end with gratitude, every night. And let it permeate our day. Nothing but good can come from it.

Namaste.

2007-10-08T10:56:00.000-04:00

A heartfelt thank you to CB for selflessly and generously giving your time, wisdom and energy to helping me with this endeavor.

"Generosity brings happiness at every stage of it's expression.
We experience joy in forming the intention to be generous.
We experience joy in the actual giving of something.
And we experience joy in remembering the fact that we have given."
-The Buddha

2006 Bryan Kest Workshop in Tequesta, FL

2007-10-06T09:15:00.001-04:00

Bryan Kest, Laura Cole, Jasmine Pierre Kest