There exists a subtle yet profound connection between the mind and the breath. Choosing to breathe consciously, transforms our practice into an embrace of clarity. Yoga practice becomes more than moving with intention. Noticing the breath funnels activities of the mind into an effortless one pointed focus. With each breath, we surrender deeper into our practice, letting go of distractions and attachments, and embracing the fullness of our being.
How We Breathe Matters
The way we breathe and the specific patterns we adopt can have significant effects on our wellbeing and nervous system. Yoga and pranayama cultivates mindful breathing. Breathing practices can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the "rest and digest" system. Yoga can help train ourselves to pay attention to the sensations of the breath and allow us to choose how we breathe.
Spring Process
Happy Spring and blessed Equinox. This moment of Spring that we are in is not a sudden occurrence, but is rather a continuum of the rhythm of the natural world. In other words, this moment is part of a spiralic, dynamic process. This moment is not a sudden, isolated occurrence, but rather a continuation of all other moments, breaths, and (inter)actions. Our asana practice provides us a wonderful container to notice, observe, and experience our own process. It is in moments of observing attachments or aversion that we createspace to be free of these kleshas.
Yoga in The Garden!!! April 2024
Yoga in the NC Botanical Garden, resumes April 4, 2024 for 11 weeks. Spring offers us a unique opportunity to observe the ever-changing quality of nature (called anicca in Buddhism). While practice yoga in nature this spring we can witness the changes in phrenology of the trees changes and the emergence of perennials. This provides an opportunity to witness anicca in ourselves. Each time we arrive to the mat, we are anew.
The Inner Stages of Yoga, Meditation’s Continuum of Practice
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline 8 stages for the practice of Yoga, the Eight Limbs of Yoga. The later stages describe how to cultivate a practice of meditation. Meditation offers an opportunity to integrate your experience and notice what is in your Awareness. It is a journey of training the mind to stay present and focused. Identifying where you are in the meditation continuum of practice (Dharna, Dhyana or Samadhi) allows you to find greater awareness.
The Kosha System: Our Layers of Being
The Panchamaya Kosha system consists of five interconnected layers of our being from the density of the physical body, to the expansive spiritual or bliss body. The koshas share a dynamic relationship and influence each other. As we deepen our awareness and understanding of each kosha, we move towards greater health and wellbeing through integration and alignment with our true nature.
Noticing Your Subtle Body
Even if you don’t notice it or feel it, every time you step on the mat and move your body, you support balancing your inner and outer experience. Yoga practices give an opportunity for Qi (Chi, life force) to flow more freely through the meridians (rivers of energy). You might not be able to see Qi flowing through meridians, however you can experience the effect of your energy. Free flowing Qi allows the energy nourishes our body and improves the health of our organs so we can experience the vitality of life.
Meridian Theory and Yoga
Meridian theory is a fundamental aspect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Each meridian corresponds to specific organs and functions, contributing to the overall balance of energy. Qi circulates through the body along the meridians, forming a complex network that connects various organs, tissues, and physiological functions. Balancing the five pairs moves us toward greater well-being.
Perfection Lies Within
Every time we show up to our yoga practice we can open ourselves up to learn something new about ourselves. We can invite curiosity to listen and notice how the body, mind and spirit respond to our practice. We should strive to observing without judgment or desiring to fix or change anything. If we are lucky, we can embrace mindfulness and learn something new about ourselves.
The Profound Practice of Āsana
For many people, their first exposure to yoga is the physical practice, referred to as yoga āsana. Everyone’s body is different so their physical practice will be different. No matter how you practice yoga āsana, you are integrating the physical, energetic and spiritual body. Yoga āsana offers a tangible tool to cultivate stillness through movement.