yoga

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There's more to yoga than meets the eye (or in this case the "third eye"). In fact, yoga is more than just the physical practice of various poses for strengthening and stretching purposes. I am drawn to yoga like a moth to a light because it encapsulates the very definition of whole-health living - a term you have and will continue to see in most of my blog entries. When it boils down to it, everything I rant about mimics 8 fundamental components of yoga (the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga). These physical, mental and spiritual practices are called Sūtras. This term is derived from the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali which is the compilation of all Indian Sūtras. There are 196 Sūtras. It is within this complex text that yoga Sūtras were first documented (not created). Without extensive depth, they are as follows.

·         Yama: the manner in which we relate to the world around us, non-violence, truth - both in word and thought, abstinence, non-possessiveness and non-needing (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha). Ahimsa puts an emphasis on foods grown in harmony with nature (i.e. rich soil, non-GMO, cooked or prepared properly and with love).

·         Niyama: self-reflection ("the inner world"), awakening of the soul and the "God" within, and contentment with one’s possessions being able to give without expecting reward(Shaucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svādhyāya, Ishvarapranidhana).

    

             Asana: this is most peoples’ perception of yoga, especially in North America. Asana is the physical discipline, postures and guidelines toward keeping a healthy, energized, disease-free body. Originally, Asana was only comprised of two components: the position in which a yogi (or yogini) sits and the place in which he/she sits.

·         Pranayama: the ability to manipulate “life force” energies via means of controlled breath in and breathe out, helping to concentrate and clear the mind (my favorite synonym of this term is “money mind”).

·         Pratyahara: withdrawal of senses from their external objects.

The remaining Sūtras serve as aids to one’s practice. These are my favorites! According to Wikipedia (which is often my “go-to” information source), they are called “the aid to yoga (antaranga sadhana).”

·         Dharana: single focus. Perhaps the focal point for which to concentrate one’s mind during their practice, or, the visualization of a deity. This GREATLY helps with balance! Any thought that enter the mind may briefly be acknowledged and relinquished just as quickly as it came. Do not follow thought.

·         Dhyana: Unwavering, undisturbed by distraction; a deeper acknowledgment of oneself through meditation. The ultimate goal is to reach enlightenment, to completely disconnect from one’s ego.  

·         Samadhi: finding oneness with the object of meditation (Dharana). Complete lack of distinction between the object and the act of meditation, and holding this state.

Phew! There you have it! Yoga 101.

I don't know about you, but I have had enough for now... along with the ambiguous, lump of pink goop that was my brain. It's been a superb day, but I'm fried.

Be kind. Be well. Live well. 

Namaste.