Yoga is a living practice and a lifestyle which will, over time clearly re-acquaint the student with their authentic heart. With practice, we study svadhyaya, the knowledge of our selves with clarity and confidence. With practice, we communicate powerfully and gracefully and confidently contribute to our society, living our heart's true virtue.
Why Hatha Yoga
is the Friend of the Mystic
By Max Strom
Sufism, Buddhism, and Yoga are three great rivers that carry
so many people toward the light. But it is Yoga that is
booming, exploding, and surging across the globe. In a
February 2005 Harris poll commissioned by Yoga Journal, the
leading American Yoga magazine, found that 7.5 percent of
U.S. adults, or 16.5 million people, now practice Hatha
Yoga. That's an increase of 43 percent from 2002. What is
profoundly more interesting is that many people are turning
to this ancient regime as an alternative not only to
exercise, but also as an alternative to the experience of a
spiritual gathering they cannot find in a church, temple,
synagogue, mosque, or website.
Yet a common criticism of Hatha Yoga is that it is not
really a spiritual practice unto itself. That it is solely a
body/health regime and therefore the serious aspirant on a
spiritual path need not bother with it. To the cynics I ask
you to consider this viewpoint; the Yoga tradition teaches
us that our bodies manifest our samskaras - (inherent
tendencies) carried into this life from our previous lives,
and these samskaras predetermine much of our behavior, both
helpful and detrimental. But by consciously manipulating the
body with breathing practices and postures in Hatha Yoga; we
can guide the crooked course of our samskaras straight -
like the tail wagging the dog, altering the course of our
life.
Also, equally significant is that we hold our personal past
emotional experiences, energetically, in our bodies. So many
of us become unexplainably stuck on our path, not from lack
of effort, but by the chains of the past known as anger,
grief, and fear. These buried emotions, like splinters in
the heart, can be ultimately crippling to our spiritual
practice. It is as simple as this; when people are in pain,
they become self-centered and myopic. When people heal, they
become more empathetic, self-less, and sympathetic to the
pain and welfare of others.
Through the practice of Yoga, in particular the breathing
practices, we can liberate these buried emotions and
experience a rapid and meaningful transformation.
Our God Intent, fueled with breath and powered by our will,
ultimately realigns an emotionally misaligned body.
When I stumbled upon Yoga in my own life nearly two decades
ago, I knew well what spiritual practice was, and I knew
what exercise was – but I had never seen a system that
combined the two, except for martial arts. But martial arts
usually involved a fighting mindset, and that was
purpose-defeating in my eyes. For my aim was peace within
and unity with all. After a month of practicing yoga three
times a week, I finally connected the dots and understood
Hatha Yoga as an integral part of spiritual, and even
mystical practice. At its simplest, hath Yoga supports the
body of the seeker on his or her spiritual quest. Why ruin
your back and knees in meditation? What if you could mediate
without damaging your body? Why suffer from internal
disorders when they can be avoided? Why die prematurely
after suffering years of chronic pain when through conscious
work it can be avoided? Why prematurely shorten your
life/transformational practice through passive neglect of
the body? The vehicle we travel in (the body) must be kept
in order, or travel on the road of internal transformation
becomes difficult, then painful, then impossible.
Sufism, Buddhism, and Yoga schools have their own
partiality, their own leaning toward work primarily in the
mind, emotions, or body. When I was the director of Sacred
Movement Yoga in Los Angeles, California, we often hosted
luminaries from a variety of spiritual lineages. We had
leaders from various branches of Buddhism, Sufism, and of
course Hatha Yoga. On the evenings of the events I would
watch as over a hundred people would file in to be in the
presence of these excellent and rare teachers. It was most
interesting to notice certain commonalties in the posture,
level of bodily health, and mannerisms of the audiences of
these different lineages.
For example, the Buddhist audiences seemed calm and quiet.
Their discipline of meditation was apparent, as they were
able to sit quietly on the floor for long periods of time.
But also, as a whole they tended to be subdued and aloof.
Physically, their bodies seemed inflexible, even hardened,
with a slouching posture. Those over 40 years old revealed
generally poor health.
The Yoga students tended to have excellent posture and
excellent health, but were more restless and less well
mannered than the Buddhists. The yogis could sit without
discomfort, but because their minds were restless this
caused their bodies to fidget more. Their minds were not as
disciplined as their bodies.
The Sufis appeared noticeably more joyful and friendly than
the yogis or Buddhists. But the Sufis seemed to be the most
restless of the three groups, and like the Buddhists, they
were not in optimal health. Many had trouble sitting on the
floor at all and required chairs.
It was clear to me that these three rivers of spirituality
have much to learn from each other. What was also clear is
how important Yoga is to enable and empower our other
practices: breathing, meditation, ritual, daily life itself.
Without health we are or will be in a perpetual state of
suffering. If it is within our power to heal then we should
make all effort to do so. If your mind is a jet engine, but
your body is a run-down 1969 Volkswagen bus, then the jet
engine will be unable to make you fly.
Integrating and balancing is one of the seminal purposes of
Hatha Yoga. This requires us to develop strength where we
are weak and flexibility or openness where we are congested
– in body, mind, and emotions. As long as we are imbalanced,
our lives and our spiritual path will be hindered by our own
nature. Hatha Yoga it could be said is the foundation of the
temple. This is because Yoga takes one’s spiritual life and
embodies it, healing it, removing stress and pain. After a
time, the drugs one may have depended on to battle
depression, sleeplessness, and ulcers, are thrown in the
wastebasket. No matter what you believe or disbelieve
spiritually – it doesn’t matter. Yoga works, regardless of
your belief system. Try it three times a week for one month
and see for yourself. Health comes as a side effect from a
grander intent - the intent to breathe in God and to
ultimately embody God. ~
Yoga, Meditation and Compassion
The Keys to Meditation
By Aaron Hoopes
In true meditation there is none of the nonsense about
emptying the mind or stopping your thoughts, or even
contemplating your navel. That having been said, the Buddha
listed roughly forty different methods of meditation and
other ancient texts speak of over one hundred different ways
to practice. There are more than enough books that go into
the details of meditation methods, so I will refrain from
doing that here. Just be aware that if you are having
difficulty meditating, there are methods that might help put
you into the ideal frame of mind.
Everyone is different and the methods of reaching a perfect
state of meditation differ for each individual. It is
important to find a method of quieting the mind and relaxing
the body that suits you particularly, but remember not to
get caught up in the method itself. The act of sitting
quietly and breathing is what is important. Set aside
whatever time you can spare (five minutes in the morning and
evening is plenty to start). Remember you are not doing this
for anyone but yourself. It makes no difference to anyone if
you sit for five minutes or five hours. It is the state of
existing that matters. Awareness of the thoughts in the mind
and the breath in the body is all you need to be concerned
with.
The Keys
The body and the mind reflect each other. As one calms, the
other relaxes and vice versa. Sometimes it helps to have
some keys to concentration in order to bring the mind in
tune with the body. These keys are general qualities of the
breath that we want to have as a framework for our
breathing. They work in two ways. First, by bringing quality
to the breath within the body, we relax and enhance our
breathing practice. Second, by focusing on these keys to
concentration, we calm the mind and bring our thoughts into
harmony with our breath.
Deep and Long
Breathing that concentrates on the keys of deep and long
draws the air fully and completely within the body - not in
the sense of inhaling to the maximum and tensing up the
muscles, but in the sense of actually feeling the breath
reach all of the deepest recesses within. Keeping the chest
and surrounding muscles relaxed allows the breath to fill
the lungs to their ideal capacity. Then inhalation and
exhalation should be lengthened, allowing the body time to
become used to the deep expansion within. The longer and
deeper the breath, the more in tune with the natural world
around us we become. Deep and long breathing relaxes the
body, calms the mind, and focuses the spirit.
Silent and Slow
Breathing that concentrates on the keys of silent and slow
allows even more relaxation. The silent breath is felt with
the whole body instead of being heard. We become aware of
the feeling of the lungs being filled. Slowing the breath
relaxes the entire breathing process and extends the length
of the breath to a point where it reaches a calm and natural
state. Silent and slow breathing calms the body, relaxes the
mind, and brings peace to the spirit.
Soft, Even and Continuous
Breathing that concentrates on the keys of soft, even and
continuous brings completeness to the breath. Soft breath
loosens the mind’s control over the breath allowing it to
reach a more spiritual level. Keeping the breath even brings
the mind into a meditative state where thoughts flow with
the breath. Continuous breath is like a circle. Inhalation
creates exhalation which in turn creates inhalation. Soft,
even and continuous breath brings the body and mind together
in a pure calm and relaxed state that allows the spirit to
open up and expand.
With the tranquility that meditation brings, comes an
appreciation for life as you begin to truly observe the
world around you. You also begin to experience improved
health as your body relaxes and functions naturally without
the blockage that stress and tension bring. Meditation is
simply the practice of existing in a quiet place and turning
the attention inwards. By concentrating on your breathing
and letting your thoughts flow of their own accord, you can
find a deep inner stillness that will help you deal with the
stresses and tension of life.
Personal Ritual, Creating Your Meditation Practice
By Maryann Laraia
When beginning to meditate, it is good to have a routine or ritual. Routine and ritual will key the mind into what is going to follow. The routine / ritual can be simple or elaborate, whatever suits your personality. A basic routine is deciding to relax and meditate every day at the same time and in the same setting.
Time
What time of day is best for meditation? Decide on what time slot fits your schedule best to meditate. For beginners to make meditation a habit, it is recommended to set a definite time each day. This way if you miss your meditation appointment you are aware of the omission and can reschedule with yourself before the day is over.
Setting
Meditating in the same place when starting is also helpful to develop habit and focus. The optimum setting is one that is comfortable and quiet with minimum distractions obviously away from telephones, TV, adults or children interrupting. Some meditators have to compromise on comfort to gain quiet. I know people who meditate in their bathroom or garage to access quiet time. You might want to try several locations before settling on your favorite. If you are interrupted, just acknowledge what is happening and return to your practice when possible. Eventually you will be able to be in a light meditative state anywhere, even with your eyes open.
Ritual can be as simple as just knowing it is the time that you decided to meditate and going to your meditation place. Or, you can elaborate and use candles, incense, crystals and other background objects that aid your sensation of peace or power. I do not recommend using music during meditation as your mind will listen to the music instead of focusing. Keeping brief notes or a journal on your daily sessions is also recommended.
Clothing
It is best to wear non-restrictive clothing with as much natural fiber as possible. Loosen belts, ties and if possible remove shoes and socks for some styles.
Posture
Sit however is comfortable for you. If you enjoy sitting with a pillow on the floor, go for it. It is also perfectly acceptable to sit with a straight back in a chair and let the chair support your back. (I sit in a chair with my back supported and my legs crossed under me.) Your legs do not need to be crossed and the feet can rest on the floor. Observe the position of your shoulders, neck and head. Relax your shoulders down and lengthen them straight out. Relax your neck muscles. Feel that your head is balanced and centered on your neck. Image that your head is a fish bowl and if it is tipped forward or back, you will spill water and fish out! Check if your jaw is relaxed by allowing the lower jaw to drop slightly.
Breathe through your nose. Begin each lesson observing a few breathes expanding the abdomen on the inhale and contracting the abdomen on the exhale.
How long to meditate? A ten to fifteen minute meditation session will give you results. If you choose to meditate longer, it is because you enjoy the activity (or should I say non-activity). Greater results are not necessarily achieved by time spent in practice as much as your consistency and concentration during practice. Decide how long your meditation will be. Choose whatever works best for you to time the session. Set a timer to ring when your session ends or tell your mind to alert you when the set time has passed. Eventually your mind will know precisely when your set time is up. Do not use this method until you have perfected it if you are on a tight schedule.
During meditation and visualization you will be aware of any outer physical situation that requires your immediate attention. Remember, meditation is a state of heightened awareness, not of unconsciousness. Most important, enjoy yourself as you explore your meditation practice.
Yoga & Joy
On Yoga & Joy By Dr. Kev
without yoga, it would be worse.
With it, everything becomes possible,
and that is my limitless spring of joy!
www.yogaclass.com
The Joy of Yoga
By Trudy at Rainbow Yoga
Why do I do yoga?
Yes... I understand that yoga enhances the metabolism and helps to regulate weight.
Yes... I am aware that I do everything better when I am true to my yoga practice. I have more patience, endurance and a clearer mind.
Yes... I know about the therapeutic side of yoga, I myself have experienced the healing power of yoga in so many ways.
Yes... I realize that regular practice can often prevent the illnesses or aches and pains of daily life. I am living proof, after over 30 years of practicing yoga, I feel physically and mentally stronger than many people my age around me. I carry wood, cook on a fire, walk long distances, teach yoga, teach 14 4 year olds and work 14 hour days but I am rarely sick and almost never really sick. I put it to yoga.
But I do not practice yoga for any of the above reasons.
I practice yoga because it gives me joy! I never fail to feel better after my yoga practice, I walk with a feeling of lightness, I feel at one with my body, I feel glad to be alive, I feel a tingling all over, I radiate joy and feelings of well being. Ah, the joy of yoga!
"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.
These are but trifles, to be sure; but, scattered along life's pathway,
the good they do is inconceivable." - Joseph Addison
This Work is Very Fun
By Mark Lilly
One of the joys of this work that I didn't foresee was how fun it is. On Friday I was teaching at the Community Transitional School. We did crow pose, half hand stand and the other usual poses, and then everyone lay down for Savasana. We were in a cafeteria, since they were removing insulation from the gym where we usually have class. Ten seconds after our group of ten to fourteen olds let go into the relaxation, a troop of five, six and seven year olds came barreling down the stairs for snack. They stopped abruptly, surprised to see the big kids lying on their backs where the snack tables should be. I told the big kids to lie back down and appreciate their breath and I walked over to the group of youngsters and told them we were doing yoga. Then i asked them to raise their arms as high overhead as they could. They all did.
For the next few minutes, I talked the big kids through an appreciation of the hard work they had done that day, a mindfulness of their breath and uniqueness, all the while miming to the little kids to rise up on their toes, to quietly sweep their arms out to the sides, to be still but strong. They got it, and didn't make a sound.
We ended soon thereafter, and while the big kids moved on to kickball, the younger ones helped me fold neglected mats, move the tables back, push chairs into place. They were way into it!
I left that day feeling so touched to have connected with so many young people, and so grateful to have been able to share this practice of yoga with two dozen of tomorrow's adults.
Another day I was blessed to watch nine youth at Outside In practice sun salutations in unison. It was a spiritual choreography. Another class a young woman at the White Shield Center told me she couldn't do shoulder stretches because she had an injury, only to have her tell me ten minutes later that she had been lying and she could do it. She trusted me and herself enough to tell the truth. It was beautiful.
We're working on putting together
a plan to directly help the youth with critical issues,
issues that go beyond the yoga mat. Details are still
sketchy, but a peek at
Home Boy Industries will give you a heads up to some of
our ideas.
In closing, thanks for your sustaining interest in Street
Yoga. All the emails and phone calls, with ideas and support
are wonderful. Blessings to you all! Mark Lilly, director of
StreetYoga.
http://www.streetyoga.org
Yoga and Joy
By Jan Throndson
Joy...A very glad feeling, happiness, great pleasure,
delight. Sometimes I feel I know so little about this
topic. Other days joy just springs upon me unbeckoned.
It just is. I love when that happens. I probably
take it for granted while it's happening, though awakening
to it first thing in the morning definitely gets my
attention. I bounce out of bed, head into the day, and
everything just falls into place, flows beautifully, feels
amazing.
On the days, and sometimes it's been weeks, or even years,
that joy seems hidden, hard to find, impossible to reach,
I've got to pull out my life tools. Yoga is one of them, a
very big one. As soon as I get down on the cool floor
and spread out on my back, resting my weight, it's like a
huge surrender. I let go of my weight, physical,
mental, emotional, even spiritual, and begin to
feel the relief of not going or doing. Just being on
this floor, my back on the earth, my chest spread open, my
heart relaxing, my lungs opening, my eyes sinking deep into
my skull is IT!! IT is bliss, joy, all-pervading
happiness through every muscle, bone, cell and point of
awareness in my Being. Oh my God, I'm actually just
being, and it's feeling really, really good. I could
do
this some more, and I even feel a little smile creeping into
my body.
Yes, my body is actually smiling now, and by and by this
smile even reveals itself upon my lips, cheeks, forehead and
eyes. My face is smiling now and only a moment ago I
was so caught up in getting my ducks in a row, doing things
right. But this just feels right. Just being
becomes joy, and I let go some more and here comes another
mega-wave of the joy stuff again!
Somehow, as I relax into this, I get the picture...the
Bigger Picture, that all is ok, right, even good with
everything, everyone, and most especially with me.
This makes me very happy, and then the feeling of gratitude
comes over me. Gratitude seems to magnify joy a
billion times over, and this makes me even happier in a
deeper way. Gratitude becomes the way to sustain my
joy, even find my joy when it appears to be missing.
On a down day, if I can find my way to a tiny bit of
gratitude for something, and then something else, and maybe
one more thing, the joy begins to flow again. Of
course, it was never missing. Just my awareness was.
Now, back to this floor. How happy I feel to be here. The
feeling great pleasure in my back being connected to the
floor to the Earth, and the stream of breath coming from the
air, the Sky, through my nose is just adding to the delight
of it all. It's really simple, this joy stuff, if I
let it be. If this is
all it takes, maybe I'll let go and sink deeper into this
joy, bliss, and the wonderment of how gratitude amplifies it
all. What a lovely ride.
Joy Is Who We Are
By Veronica Vaiti
If you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, chances are you’ve come across the concept of “joy” being expounded upon in one way or another by teachers or fellow yogis. What exactly is meant by this JOY, where does it reside or derive from and more importantly, how does it relate to yoga?
As my teacher’s teacher says, “Joy is who we are if we are not preoccupied with something else.” Ok, pretty simple, right!? If we move from the position that our lives are basically molded by our perceptions, through our senses that is, then the moments when our direct perceiving/experiencing is impeded by our uncanny tendency and temptation to evaluate what we perceive we ultimately cast a judgment upon that experience. It is this tendency of ours to appraise and attach a value to our perceptions that leads us to then stand in our own way of the direct experience of joy gleaned from pure perceiving.
How can this experience of joy be found in my yoga practice you may ask? The next time you find yourself struggling with your balance in poses like natarajasana (dancer’s pose) and bakasana (crow pose), or cringing in shoulder and hip openers like baddha parivrtta trikonasana (bound revolving triangle pose) and eka-pada-rajakapotasana (one leg king pigeon pose) first take note of the words of praise or ridicule or ideals floating about in your mind. For instance you might think “oh, why can’t my pose look like the picture I saw in last months Yoga Journal,” or “I hate that my hips are awfully tight.” Then, return your focus to your breath, again without judgment, just noticing the movement of the breath in your body as it exists in this moment in whatever contortion your body may be in. With focus on your breath and not lost in your ideals of what your pose should be tune into the fact that your body IS breathing, your body IS moving and just experience the present state of “whatever your pose at this very moment may be.” Perhaps, your heart and mind may stumble into that space in which sheer joy resides. And just enjoy!
