Tag Archives: sutras

The wisdom of yoga sutra 1.2

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yoga sutra 1.2

“yoga is the stilling of the changing states of mind”

We tend to associate the mind with its mindstuff, or thoughts. We even think about our thinking. Sometimes this gets a little compulsive. We even think about postures.
So what is Patanjali referring to in yoga sutra 1.2

Yoga is a practice that balances and consists of maintaining a balance between a quiet mind that is ‘still’, meaning the thought waves are calmed, and the awake and present state where we are able to notice and observe what we are doing. In that balance, the chaos and drama of thoughts rushing around on so many levels about so many things is controlled and directed (one-pointednes).

the word ‘mind’ here is composed of the psyche, the intelligence, thoughts, sentiments, emotions, so it is a broad term here, and can be both subconscious and conscious. When your mind is in the yoga state (yoga mind, I like to say) all the disharmony and disturbance that the mind was previously engaged in is replaced by a harmonious state that is purified and not distracted or subject to the sufferings of the monkey mind.

Does your yoga practice change the way your ‘mind’ feels, and do you take this transformation into your daily life ? #liveyouryoga

yoga sutra 1.2

yoga sutra 1.2

Yoga Practice Word of the Day: Acceptance

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Very yogic lesson; Open to Grace…

According to the Yoga sutras 1.12-1.16: there are 2 concepts ~

practice/persistance (ABHYASA) and non-attachment/letting go (VAIRAGYA) 

Practice leads you in the ‘right’ direction, while non-attachment allows you to continue the inner journey without getting sidetracked into the pains and/or pleasures along the way…

We tend towards thinking it is all about the body whereas the ‘goal’ of yoga is sattva/balance/peace…and cultivation of our innermost truest highest self…

acceptance

Yoga Posture Should Be Steady and Light

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This picture reminds me of Patanjali Sutra II.46: sthirasukhamasanam

We are a fitness culture, in the West, heavily focusing on the postural aspects of Yoga, sometimes pushing form over function.

shtira sukha

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sanskrit word, asanam – “posture” is actually linked to the seated posture itself, preparatory for meditation and the deeper components of the yogic system.

In postures, we look for physical firmness, and stability but also, and above that, presence, lightness, attention and stillness. In order to maintain this balance, you need to find an alignment that allows you to maintain this – without excessive force and agitation, since the goal is really to be in a state of equipoise – sattva.

Structural yoga therapy starts with an evaluation of posture and postural alignment to bring about better balance in muscle tone as well as attitude shifts that come about through this new relationship to a body that can be transformed in ways that allow better range of motion. We are not looking for what is ‘wrong’ with anyone, rather, we seek to help the individual understand how their posture has come about through their interaction with thoughts, emotions, and physical demands.

Ultimately, awareness fosters growth. Look me up for a private yoga class