Continuing our journey through the seasons and the eight limbs of yoga here we arrive at the Summer Solstice and our fourth gateway - the traditional yogic practice of prāṇāyāma. The word prāņayāma consists of two parts: prāņa and ayāma. “Ayāma” means “stretch” or “extend” and prāņa refers to our life force or energy. So, literally what is meant by prāņayāma is to stretch or extend our energy (I like the phrase 'conserving our energy').
The Niyama are five habits we should cultivate in order to take care of ourselves. Since 'self-care' has become a rather glib term harnessed by wellness brands to sell their 'stuff', let me just be clear that practicing niyama certainly doesn't involve buying anything and needn't cost you a penny! Integrating Niyama into your practice simply means cultivating good habits, balancing effort with ease and doing your inner work - while remembering the world does not revolve entirely around you!
Imbolc is a wonderful time to consider the first of Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga - Yama - as this guidance is all about our relationships. As we move through the gate out of winter hibernation to be more 'in the world', we can perhaps bring more awareness or consciousness to how we treat ourselves… Continue reading Imbolc / Yama
A rose does not compare itself with the other roses, it just blooms! This month I am writing and teaching about the Niyama - five ideas from the Yoga Sutras that are about our personal habits. I think of them as a simple yogic model of self care and am almost a little amused to… Continue reading Blooming in Your Own Way (sauca samtosa)
Today I would like to share with you these words from Bob Sharples (an Australian psychologist and meditation teacher). He writes about 'meditation' but you could substitute this for 'yoga', 'relaxation' or even just 'practice'. Don’t meditate to fix yourself,to heal yourself,to improve yourself,to redeem yourself.Rather, do it as an act of love,of deep warm friendship… Continue reading Self Care Vs Self Improvement
