The Meaning of YogaThe word Yoga comes from the sanskrit root word, "Yuj," which means to yoke or unite. No matter the style which you choose, while practicing and afterward, you should feel a sense of self-connection as well as a connection with those whom you practice. No union = no Yoga. There are two approaches to the practice of Yoga: Hatha and Raja. At Lake Tahoe Yoga we practice both, simultaneously. The effort, or movement, is Hatha. The mindful aspect is Raja. An authentic Yoga practice with offer both physical and mindful practices. Each movement should require focus and attention while at the same time an experience of release of distractions. As the practice continues, you should feel a sense of freedom and one-pointed focus. AlignmentAlignment is everything. Any teacher that tells you to "listen to your body," or "move freely in any way that feels good," is doing you a disservice. We each have our own anatomical alignment, but that doesn't mean we are all aligned properly. We have spent years moving in unhealthy, habitual ways. Yoga Asana is designed to help us adjust our bodies into the best position and to move more healthily. While moving, your attention should move to misalignments and a good teacher will help you identify ways in which to correct them. BreathBreathing is one of the most important aspects of Hatha. In a traditional practice, you will learn the postures first, and then the breath that directs each posture. Each breath is important as it helps to move not only your body, but your energy as well. Poorly directed breath can result in physical issues, mental strain and energetic blockages. Your breath should be effortful, but not forceful. If you are ever breathing with more effort than you are applying physically, you are breathing too hard. EnergyFinally, energetic awareness is the key to a good class and high quality instruction. Your instructor should be able to hold your focus no matter where you are practicing. Shaktipat is the exchange of energy between yourself and your guide during your practice. If your instructor is distracted, unfocused, continuously talking, giving inclear instructions, etc., there is no shaktipat. Throughout the entire practice you should feel as though you can completely let go and just follow the guidance of your teacher. Yoga has recently become a hot word to add to anything you do. There is Yoga with Kittens, Yoga with Goats, Naked Yoga, Paddle Yoga, etc. With the word yoga being thrown into everything from athletic work outs to types of tea, it can be difficult to figure out what type of yoga is correct for you.
0 Comments
We've hit that point, the part of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika where we learn about "posture." The word "Asana" means "seat" or "pose." Consider this; 3000 years ago people weren't sitting in chairs at desks or driving around in cars. They were squatting, sitting on the ground, moving along the earth on their own two feet and taking a seat wherever they needed.
In the Yoga Sutra we are taught "Sthira Sukham Asanam;" to take an easy, steady seat. The same is true in Hatha Yoga. In order to quiet our mind, slow our breath and focus inward, we must have steadiness of body. No matter what pose we choose to take, if that posture remains steady, easy and balanced, we will be able to maintain focus. Tight walkers, slack-liners, acrobats, gymnasts, etc. all have the ability to remain balanced, steady and focused in order to maintain their pose. In Yoga, rather than posing to perform, we are posing to turn within. As you practice, look not upon how your posture looks but, instead, look within and feel the pose change you. The second book of the Yoga Sutra; Sadhana Pada, focuses on the Sadhaka or practitioner. No matter what anyone says, you can never be a "Yoga Master." Yoga is a constant practice, one in which we are always growing and moving forward.
Whatever you resolution for this year may be, I hope it is one which helps you to grow. Karma is that which keeps us from growing. It holds us back and keeps us stuck in a rut of non-thought. Our practice of Yoga helps us to find our dharma. Through effort, through practice, through constant study, we are able to discover our passion. No matter how powerful your downward dog, how steady your handstand, Yoga will always offer you a new challenge. It is called a practice because of this. Because each breath that you take is new, each posture is different when you enter into it and each time you sit to silence your mind the citta is there needing to be quieted. For this year, resolve to practice. To grow. To become more of your Self. Two Septembers ago I was offered the opportunity to teach Yoga in Tahoe. Well, first at the Bunny Ranch, and then in Tahoe (ask me later and I'll share the whole story). It was serendipity. I was so happy to have the opportunity to share a space and to share the practice. One September ago we were granted our own space. One that could hold the energy of the practice and that we could call our own. In a year that space has grown not only to be a sacred place to practice but also a community. Yoga has brought so many people in our small community together. The physical practice has drawn in practitioners from various walks of life. All of us, from young to not so young, have made Svadhyaya Yoga Studio a place of our own.
This month our dharma focus is on Yoga. The goals, the practice, the reason we are all here. So share your story with the community and tell us why you've brought Yoga into your life. |
Archives
February 2023
Categories
All
|