Monday, November 1, 2010
DAY 1
I will start with a paragraph from the Guruji book. The question is "What do you think is the essence of Guruji's teachings?" David Swenson answered: "Every person you ask will probably have a different answer to that. The essence is the yoga, the essence is prana, the essence is seeking the Self, and this is the great paradox of yoga, of ashtanga yoga. You look and at first glance it's all about asanas, it's about jumping around, it's about doing this and that, but the paradox is, as David Williams says, the real yoga is what we cannot see. It lies beneath the surface, it's what is happening in that mind, what's happening in our breath, in our energy." He goes on to say that "Spirituality is not determined by the practice itself, but rather by the focus and intent of the practitioner and the choices they make and the quality of their character." "IS THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE BY OUR PRESENCE IN IT?"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I am very excited for the challenge of committing to 19 days of Mysore this month. I have been thinking about what I am going to get out of this and have now decided that I should not think about the end, but enjoy each day of the journey this month. I just got married last weekend (10/23) so committing to this is giving me focus and discpline (getting to bed on time) when I would usually use an excuse that I was just getting back into a routine. Today in practice, I just focused on being here in each pose, which is very difficult for me on an average day, much less, when I have been out of town for two weeks. I feel great though and it has already helped me start out the day and week on the right path.
ReplyDeleteI think there's a reason we are all practicing yoga rather than lifting weights or running on a treadmill. I can only speak for myself, but David Swenson's question is at the heart of it for me: Am I making the world a better place? I'm not a religious person but I was raised Episcopalian, and in the contemplative time before and after practice I often find St. Francis's prayer floating through my head: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. I do love the physical aspect of yoga - it's so much fun even when it's totally frustrating - but it's the discipline, commitment, and focus inherent in practicing Ashtanga that I hope will lead to more peace in my life, which will make me a better presence in this difficult, crazy world.
ReplyDeleteAnd on a lighter note: congratulations Anna on your marriage!
-Kendra (my google id registers as kt)
Just coming out of a great weekend with Tim Feldman was a great way to start the 19 days of Mysore. I felt both exhausted and inspired at the same time. Coming to the mat today I got a chance to use some of the helpful hints that Tim shared and tried to focus on just being present and on today. Hopefully, this will inspire more people to join in the 19 days of Mysore and help to create the energy that makes Ashtanga Yoga Richmond the best place that I know of to practice. Shanti
ReplyDeleteI had a great practice today. I was mindful of the fact the fact that there is more to my practice than the physical aspect. I am glad that Alicia challenged us this month. It is a great way to focus on all of the aspects of the practice.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think on a very basic level about why I practice, my first answers initially seem like very selfish ones - it makes me feel more peaceful, focused, strong, etc. But I think one of the more transformative aspects of the practice is how all of these things make me (or at least hopefully make me!) a better friend, girlfriend, sister, daughter, mommy to my dogs, or whatever other role I'm playing. The practice does not necessarily stop when we roll up our mats, but the things we have learned about ourselves and cultivated within ourselves during our practice have the potential to carry over into our every day lives, and hopefully affect others in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteThe focus of my practice today; bandhas,bandhas, bandhas,bandhas! In other words squeeze my yanus and vegetables.
ReplyDelete