Posts made in November, 2009

So, I’ve made several posts today and this week because I didn’t realize I forgot to do some weeks. We did these classes in order of the yamas and niyamas, even though they are out of order here. This particular class on the yama Asteya (non-stealing) was particularly fun, because we did it through a gentle flow, incorporating what we had learned in the first two weeks. We discussed why people steal–perhaps because they lack the resources they need or because they are looking for more things for the future. We learned that asanas (poses) often can give you the strength you need to do the poses. We tried to stay focused on the present, not the past or future, not what we could be or could have been, but being grateful for what we are now. We...

Niyama: Saucha (purity). If we are pure in thought and mind, we will not hurt others around us. Rather, we will try to help. In this way, we come to the partner yoga series, where we learn how to build trust with the other person. If we are not pure in our intentions towards the other person, they will not be able to survive; and by proxy, neither will we. So, we must be compassionate towards the other person, their needs. Working together is a part of human social life. Understanding the other, their needs, and forgiving is an important part of resolving conflicts. We performed a number of poses, including the all time favorite goddess pose, and of course downdog. Share this:Facebook

Niyama: santosha (Contentment). At the end of the day, it is important for us all to be content. We have fought our battles, found compassion for ourselves and others, but now we are tired. In the world, we are always busy, but we must take the time to restore our bodies and minds, connecting them to the universe internally. But in order to go into this therapeutic way of life, we needs support from our environment. Even at the end of a war, we need the support of the international community to help us move in the right direction. In this class, we worked on Restorative yoga poses, using props to help open our hearts to the universe. Poses were held for 5-10 minutes or longer. The poses were supported by props, allowing the environment to take the lead and guide...

Yama: Ahimsa, or non-violence. Ahimsa is the concept of being non-violent in thought, speech, and action. This class was taught as the first in the series. In order to start yoga in a non-violent way, we started at the very beginning, like a child with each new experience. Children are open and transparent and eager. They have no inhibitions, nothing to hide. In the same way, in yoga, one should be open to new experiences. In this class, we learned to explore ourselves, try new ideas, and grow. We learned also that we should take baby steps– and be true to ourselves. We should have the integrity to know ourselves through our body. We should not push ourselves. Some of the ABCs of yoga we discussed were: Spine: one vertebrae sitting on top of the other Spinal...

Yama: Aparigraha (The absence of greed) At times, we desire to have everything. Especially in today’s ever-changing world, it is harder to live without. Nation-states want the same—to be powerful by accumulating wealth. We want to be strong and masculine, and be able to do everything ourselves. Sharing is not lauded. Similarly, we tend to hoard our tensions. It is hard to be open and let go. We want world peace everywhere, and we want it NOW. This is okay some times. But, we must also find balance in our lives, and learn acceptance. Today, our poses follow the yin style of yoga, which focuses on the nurturing and compassionate qualities. Rather than using large muscles, this form of yoga focuses on the connective tissues and joints. Poses are held for 3-5...