Posts made in May, 2011
Embracing the Dread
#8 in a series of posts that addresses the topics listed in this article.
“I have poses I dread and avoid practicing and teaching.”
The easy answer is no, neither Ramdas nor I have postures we dread practicing or teaching. The real question, however, is what causes the dread? If you are avoiding a particular pose because of dread, or some other emotion, then might I suggest you not avoid it? I’m not suggesting you talk yourself into liking something you dread, but rather to simply notice what it is about that pose that makes you so uncomfortable.
More often than not, you have reached some sort of edge, whether physical, mental or emotional, and you no longer have the ability to remain at ease in the posture. This is the moment where you can really engage in some self-study. Again, yoga postures are a place to practice yoga, where we learn about ourselves, learn what causes us to react and to help us increase our capacity for being at ease in more and more situations. As I wrote in this post, postures are deliberately designed to make us uncomfortable so we can grow and learn, and if we avoid those posture that we know make us uncomfortable, how will we ever evolve, and in turn, live with greater ease and happiness? Food for thought.
Jai Bhagwan
Read MoreCan’t Buy Me Love
#7 in a series of posts that addresses the topics listed in this article.
“I am not doing this for the money. I could barely make a living teaching you this class, as I receive little financial reward for the effort I am putting into this. So please respect that.”
Do you have a passion? Is there something that you do, whether work, family or hobby, that you have such a love for that it completely fills you and you need nothing more than to share it? This is how both Ramdas and I feel about yoga. This is why we teach; we have personally witnessed in ourselves, each other, and in students the remarkable changes yoga can inspire. For us, yoga is not about making a living, it is living. Respect is earned, and sharing our enthusiasm is far more rewarding than any monetary gain.
Recognizing these are words on a screen, I invite you once again to attend our classes and discover this for yourself; our mutual love for yoga is not difficult to spot! For further insight, please read this post about our class fees.
Jai Bhagwan
Read MoreMaking The Most Of Time
#6 in a series of posts that addresses the topics listed in this article.
“I may be smiling at you when you walk in late and loudly slam your mat on the floor next to your meditating classmates but that doesn’t mean I approve. We all have busy lives but if you arrive late please try to be respectful of me and your fellow students. Start thinking yoga BEFORE you come in.”
We have three very simple rules for all of our classes, which are as follows:
1. Non-violence (Ahimsa): Do not hurt yourself.
2. Truthfulness (Satya): Listen to your body and work within the limits of your body’s ability.
3. Non-stealing (Asteya): Classes start on time and we make the most out of the class time we have.
Clearly these guidelines are based on the yamas, the first limb of Patañjali’s Ashtanga Yoga (remember those niyamas the other day?). It is the third rule of class that I would like to address: Asteya, or non-stealing.
What could stealing have to do with arriving late to a yoga class? Asteya means far more than simply not taking that which we can pick up with our hands and carry off. All discontentment arises as soon as we compare ourselves to others, who they are or what they have, causing us to be discontent with ourselves. Then, we begin to believe that we need what someone else has to be happy, which is where the coveting begins. Asteya reminds us not to take anything that is not freely given, whether it is tangible items, words or ideas.
In a classroom setting this translates to beginning class on time; the non-stealing of time. If, however, you find yourself delayed and are committed to attending our classes, please come! Keep in mind that if you come in after class begins, remember that the teacher will not backtrack to catch you up. Do the best you can, for that is all that you can ever do in any situation. On the flip side of this, if you have arrived on time and someone else arrives late, then this is a wonderful opportunity for you to practice! Practice what you have learned and let go of any distractions; those distractions are not happening to you, they simply things that are happening.
Jai Bhagwan
Read MoreYoga Nidra Tonight!
Have you attended Yoga Nidra? If you have, then you know why we offer it frequently; if you haven’t attended, then we invite you to set your intention now to attend this evening. Give yourself the gift of an hour and allow yourself that time to discover relaxation.
Yoga Nidra is appropriate for anyone regardless of ability and no previous yoga experience is necessary. You are guided through a relaxing meditation while lying on your back (or sitting if needed) leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Don’t take my word for it, come and discover this for yourself.
Join us tonight at the studio for an hour-long session of Yoga Nidra. Here is the link to the studio address. Please contact us at info@shantayoga.com should you have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help!
As with all of our in-studio classes, Yoga Nidra is offered by donation. We appreciate your generosity!
Jai Bhagwan
Read MoreRamdas’ Class Notes: Intention
Well it’s been a long while since I last wrote here and I’m not sure I want to interrupt Dhruti’s series. However, I keep saying that I will put up class notes and I really need to follow through on what I say I will do.
Classes this week covered two different themes. On Monday and Tuesday we focused on intention, “Why am I here in class tonight?” and on Wednesday and Thursday we focused on feeling. Now I want to take some time and focus on each of these themes. Today, we’ll look at intention.
Intentions really boil down to one very simple question, “Why am I doing what I am doing?” So often, we rush through life without ever stopping to think about why we are doing what we are doing. It is not that we do not have a reason for doing what we are doing; rather, we simply are not aware of what that reason is. When was the last time you thought about why you brush your teeth when you were actually brushing your teeth? Even better, when you ask “How are you doing?” are you simply being polite or do you really want to know how the person is doing?
Here is a little experiment you can try. Over the next couple of days, simply stop for a moment and think about what your intention is for whatever you are doing. After you have recognized what your intention is, go back to what you were doing and bring the feeling of your intention into what you are doing. Just notice whether consciously acting with intention changes the way you do things.
Why would anyone want to act with intention? When we act without being aware of our intention, we are simply going through the motions. When we consciously act with intention, our actions are alive and engaging. We have all simply gone through the motions before and we all know how boring that can be. We also all know how exciting it is to be fully engaged in what we are doing and the key to being fully engaged is acting with intention. Now, don’t just take my word for it, try our little experiment and experience it for yourself.
Watch for part two of this week’s class notes, where I will talk about feeling, Monday.
Jai Bhagwan
Ramdas
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