Wednesday, February 24, 2010

FInding Clarity

Clarity comes when we break through the thickest, heaviest sludge that bogs down the mind. That breaking point comes when frustration, anger, confusion, or fatigue peaks and has been expelled to the point of emptiness. The body might shake uncontrollably, the mind might grow tired and finally sleep because it has worn itself out, and words lose their meaning. And again the sun rises, unbothered by it all, and there is a moment of clarity, so simple that you wonder what all the fuss was about.

Clarity is only possible when there is muddied water to wade through.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Words of Wisdom from Rumi

There's a way of passing away from the personal
A dying that makes one full
We're given the gift of continuously dying and being resurrected
Lovers are alive to the extent they can die
Fill your jug in the river!
Some nights stay up till dawn
The moon sometimes does for the sun
Be a full bucket, pulled up
The dark way of a well, then lifted out to the light
All I know of Spirit is this love.
- Rumi

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Embodying Bhakti

Having become pregnant, I have been faced with many challenges. Most of them relating to the emotional and mental bodies. One of the greatest challenges I am faced with, is the process of letting go of what I think is my identity and trusting that whatever changes are occurring are aligned with the expression of my true potential.

Yoga has changed my life, and my love of yoga as student and teacher is deep and insurmountable. Yoga sustains me; yoga keeps me truly alive. It is sometimes frightening to foresee the possibility of the yoga that I know now and identify with, change into something yet unknown and different.

The choice to give it up and stop practicing, and stop teaching altogether crosses my mind often as I face these changes. However, deep in my heart I know that this is not the right choice for me; actually I don't consider it a choice. Staying true to the path that I know is right for me is the only choice. Giving up is the easy way. Staying devoted to the practice of yoga under all circumstances, when challenging, easy, boring and confusing is the sadhana. This is living yoga; living in the flow of life.

We can intellectualize all the knowledge in the world, but its not until real life experience occurs and opens to the embodiment of wisdom.

Friday, January 29, 2010

What is Sadhana?

Sadhana is applying the practice of yoga in all that we do; walking, eating, cooking, dancing, asana, breathing, talking or not talking, driving, drawing, reading, cleaning, gardening, swimming, ect. Meaning that it is done with non-violent thoughts or actions (ahimsa), intention (sankalpa), honesty (asteya), complete devotion (bhakti) and without attachment to the result or outcome (aparigraha).

Sadhana can change, evolve or fluctuate when we are living in rhythm with the seasonal planetary cycles, and when we are closely listening to our own internal rhythm. Actually, allowing yourself the freedom to change and flow with natural cycles and letting go of resistance can be a sadhana in itself.

Breathe Now

Breathe into your heart - breathe out from your heart - may we not waste a moment withholding love. -Max Strom