There is a lot of talk this time of year about New Year’s Resolutions and making changes in our lives – maybe you are working with a Sankalpa (a Sanskrit word meaning ‘determination’ or ‘will’) which is a ‘yogic intention’ of sorts. This year I have decided to put my heart into ‘Living My Yoga’. Early on my yoga path I learned that if I fight with my husband, swear at ten people from my car while driving and rush in frustration on my way to yoga class that the positive effects of my post savasana bliss are pretty much cancelled out. On the mat we practice ahimsa (non-harming) and steady our breath and mind – but if we don’t practice these things off the mat we are missing out on how yoga can truly change our lives for the better.
Want to try ‘Living Your Yoga’ but not sure where to start? Revisit or explore the Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali. There are many editions and translations to choose from. For a heart centered translation intended for women – check out “The Secret Power of Yoga” by Nischala Joy Devi. It is beautiful and fresh take on the Sutra’s that will help you embrace and live your yoga every day!
Here is an excerpt from her book – a lovely story about a man learning to live his yoga. It is a lesson for all of us who are searching for the true beauty in all beings and ourselves!
The Wise Woman’s Stone by Nischala Joy Devi
A wise woman, who was travelling in the mountains, found a
precious stone in a stream.
She reverently placed the gem in her bag.
The next day, she met another traveler, who was hungry.
The woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry
traveler saw the precious stone in the wise woman’s bag,
admired it, and asked the wise woman to give it to him.
The wise woman did so without hesitation.
The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune.
He knew the jewel was worth enough to give him security for
the rest of his life.
But a few days later he came back, searching for the wise
woman.
When he found her, he returned the stone and said,
“I have been thinking. I know how valuable the stone is, but
I would like to exchange it in the hope that you can give me
something much more precious. If you can, teach me the
secrets about the power you have within you, the power that
enabled you to, without hesitation, give me this precious
stone”.
This story speaks to the first limb on the 8 limbed yoga path which is ‘yama’ (or restraint/ethical standards). The fifth yama or restraint is ‘Aparigraha’ (non possessiveness). In simpler terms it means not wanting or taking what we don’t need. This can be a tough one when the yoga culture is a multibillion dollar industry! From yoga props to lululemon pants, malas to music, meditation cushions to Sanskrit tattoos – we often think we NEED many things to practice yoga. In truth, we can practice anytime/anywhere with very little.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! ENJOY LIVING YOUR YOGA IN 2012! Practice Yoga, Be Kind, Love Yourself, Love Others, Be Truthful and Meditate!
RELAX AND RENEW – JOIN KRISTA AND OUR AMAZING RMT’S FOR YOGAHHH! This fusion class of gentle, flow and restorative yoga with hands on massage by certified massage therapists will leave you blissfully rejuvinated. Pre register now – these classes sell out quickly!
Krista Bromfield
Krista Bromfield is a senior teacher at Balanced Life Yoga, a RYT, Can-Fit-Pro PRO Trainer, Mom and Auntie. She has an Honors Degree in Kinesiology and Education, and is the lead Anatomy Instructor for the Balanced Life Yoga Teacher Training Programs. Krista teaches a variety of classes including Power Yoga, Partner Yoga, Kids Yoga, Yog-ahhh, Prenatal Yoga, Stroller Fitness and Mom and Baby Yoga Bootcamp. She also leads Prenatal Yoga and 2UNITE Partner Yoga Teacher Training Certifications.
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