Written by Aviva Tulasi
Learn more about iRest and the other Lunchtime Learning on our website.
The next Lunchtime Learning will be iRest with guest teacher Melissa on May 17th.
May 24th, Plant Meditation with Ainslee
May 31st - June 21, Therapeutic Yin Yoga for Any-Body with Sam
“The success of Yoga does not lie in the ability to perform postures, but in how it positively changes the way we live our life and our relationships.” - T.K.V Desikachar
Earlier in the week I had the pleasure of attending Amanda’s Walking Meditation Lunchtime Learning. My mind was tossed back and forth as to whether or not I should attend in person. I had a lot of different things going on and couldn’t decide what I needed. I ended up going in person and even though the information was rich and nurturing, I was distracted by where I had to go right after the Lunchtime Learning. My mind was racing and my anxiety level started to increase. I took one step outside and placed my hands into a hand gesture Amanda introduced called shashu. I immediately slowed down. I wasn’t concerned about getting lost or being late. I carved out my unique path of the Parlour’s garden and enjoyed being present in the moment.
Each of us at the workshop took a different route. Each of us practiced a slightly different technique. Each of us noticed something different. Although each of us had different experiences, we each found connection and benefited greatly from the workshop.
Yoga isn’t a one size fits all practice. You have your own set of experiences and perceptions and therefore will resonate with practice that might be different from someone else. That’s ok. Its actually better to experiment and learn what works for you.
Even the meaning of the word Yoga leads itself to variation in meanings. Most people agree that Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root word Yuj. However, there are many different contexts and practices that fall under the umbrella term Yoga. Wisdom Library presents some of the definitions. Often yoga is translated as “to yoke,” “to unite,” “to add” or “to join." This is one of the meanings but it doesn’t always embody how to practice yoga. Yoga is also to direct, turn or fix upon. Yoga practices are a means to integrate the experience of the mind and body or to unites the individual with that of the Universal Consciousness. It is also to present, give, bestow. Another definition provided by ancient yogic texts say that yoga readies one to be intent on, be absorbed in, be directed towards.
To bind, to tie, to connect
The beautiful part is that there isn’t a single way to connect, so find your path that works for you.
They may strive for this at all times.
When we embrace the fullness of our yoga practice it will help us strengthen our unique connections we have with ourselves, our loved ones and the universe.
Join us for a group yoga class or meditation using the calendar on our class sign up page.
If you have questions, reach out to us at info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com. We are here to help.
SAM Sather, founder of Dogwood Studios, is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on finding calm and improving health. She offers several live, online and in person yoga classes as well as private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.
Aviva Chaye Tulasi is a team member at Dogwood Studios. She is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT). She applies the teachings of classical yoga to reduce the effects of negative stress and to balance the nervous system.