Why Practice?
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about why I practice. It’s been so long that it’s hard to remember why I practiced at the beginning. I know I loved the poses. I loved the physical practice. And I still do.
Asana Sadhana
The first sutra says asanas should be still and comfortable. Here are some other words for stillness: steady, stable, motionless. And here are some other words for comfort: sweet, enjoyable, relaxed, ease.
Changing Your Mind. Literally.
The second yoga sutra says, “Citta vrtti nirodha.” This is commonly interpreted as meaning that yoga stills the fluctuations of the mind.
Shala etiquette: Shhh!
Today I want to talk about talking. Or, rather, not talking. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika mentions six things that destroy practice…
How Does Yoga Arise?
Does yoga arise because you get adjusted in a posture? Does yoga arise because you can make a bind or balance on your head or hands? Does yoga arise because you read about or know a lot about yoga? Nope. It takes ongoing daily practice.
When Practicing alone, practice as if practicing with others.
When you practice alone (if you’re traveling, for example), you want to bring the same sense of commitment that you have when you practice at the shala with other people.
