To invert or not to invert? That is the question. It has been shown there a many constructive and beneficial factors in positioning your body to go upside down. But it is truly an individual case for every one to … Continue reading
There are many different styles and lineages of Yoga to choose from. It can be very daunting and overwhelming to try and choose which would be the correct one for you. Personally I feel like if you really want to … Continue reading
1.1 Now, after having done prior preparation through life and other practices, the study and practice of Yoga begins. (atha yoga anushasanam) atha = now, at this auspicious moment; implying the transition to this practice and pursuit, after prior preparation; … Continue reading
I’ve been contemplating a lot around discipline. What it means to me, if it serves, how it serves, when to step it up in my life, how, and what that truly means etc….. I’ve always had a bit of a … Continue reading
Been confronting a lot of fear lately. Fear based on what might happen… not based on what is and truly exsists. A lot of times we have many fluctuations of the mind called the Chitta Vritti Nirodha in yoga and in … Continue reading
Also known as Inverted Lake, this mild inversion is known for a wide range of health benefits as well as its anti-aging effects. Old Hindu scriptures claim that Viparita Karani hides wrinkles in addition to banishing old age and death. … Continue reading
This is a great pose to practice with a partner for support, especially if you are a beginner. If you don’t have a partner available, try Warrior III against a wall. Either face the wall so your fingers can just … Continue reading
Garudasana Eagle pose is a posture that generates great stability of the joints and balance of the body. This pose demands your full attention for its success. Eagle pose needs you to focus equal attention to the upper and lower … Continue reading
Here is where all of your standing postures root from. This pose is where you can really begin, and start to build a strong foundation for the rest of your practice. Tadasana (tah-DHAS-anna) tada = mountain Stand with the inner … Continue reading
Vrikshasana or tree pose is a wonderful pose that teaches balance while toning the muscles of the legs. This elegant pose is not as easy as it looks, but over time it builds tremendous inner and outer strength and a … Continue reading
In Sanskrit, “ut” means intense, “tan” means to stretch or extend and “asana” means pose. In English, we call this pose the Standing Forward Bend. But in any language, this incredibly beneficial posture is both therapeutic and revitalizing. In Uttanasana, … Continue reading
So much of our practice on and off the matt revolves around simply, our inhale and exhale. When we can become the master of our breathing we then become the master of our own destiny. When you have the control … Continue reading
I’ve been thinking lately on back bending and the benefits it has for out bodies and minds. I did some research and found this great article below: “Understanding why and how back-bending is beneficial for the spine is a challenge … Continue reading
According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali the third Sutra in the first book is called: Tada drastuh svarupe avasthanam meaning “Then the Seer [Self] abides in His own nature”.
Swami Satchidanada goes on to inturperte this as such:
“You are that true Seer. You are not the body nor the mind. You are the Knower or Seer. You always see your mind and body acting in front of you. You know that the mind creates thoughts; it distinquishes and desires. The Seer know that but is not involved in it.
In Zen Meditation the teachings are much the same. The teacher encourages you to become the knower of “self (insert your name here)” and just observe the “self” thorough repetive actions and stillness.
Satchidanda goes on to say: “You are the Seer who wants to see itself. How? Even in the case of your physical face, if I ask if you have ever seen it, you have to say no, because it is the face that sees. The face itself is the seer or the object. What it sees in the mirror is it’s image, the seen or the object. If the mirror is corrugated, curved concave or convex, will you be able to see your true face? No. It will appear to be awful-too big or two high or full of waves. Will you be worried seeing this? No. You will immediately know something is wrong with the mirror. You are seeing a distorted reflection. Only if the mirror is perfectly smooth and clean will it give you the true reflection. Only then can you see you face as it is.”
In other words when we can clear the mind and realize what we see my be distortion or haze we can then realize that we have the ability to clear the mirror of self refection and realize and always return to our true “self”.
“The Seer can never misunderstand nor forget Itself. But we are talking on the level of the reflection. The reflection is distorted, so the Seer appears to be distorted. The true you is always the same, but you appear to be distorted or mixed up with the mind. By making the mind clean and pure, you feel you have gone back or you appear to have gone back to your original state. ” says Satchidinanda.
So a great reminder to keep the mind clear and take the time to see things as they truly are and we can do that by continue a devoted meditation practice, to build your awareness and focus in the truth of seeing clearly.
Namaste, Elizabeth
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