The second Yama is Satya or truthfulness. We should speak the truth, think truthfully, and live honestly. As with Ahimsa, non-violence, we should practice Satya toward others and ourselves.
In your practice, be truthful about your abilities. If you cannot touch your toes with the proper posture then use a strap or place your hands on your feet or shins. It is only through truthful practice that you improve your balance, flexibility, stamina, and strength.
This week be truthful in your thought, word, and deed.
I look forward to seeing you on the mat soon!
Namaste,
Gretch
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
International Yoga Competition
Fundamentally, I have a problem with competitive yoga, but it's hard not to be impressed by these men, women, and youth. (Thanks, John, for sharing the website.)
Monday, February 15, 2010
Yama - Ahimsa
I meet with a group of yoga teachers every week. This week, my dear sweet teacher handed me a pop question upon entering the room. I did not know the answer. Fortunately, I had my Light on Yoga with me and could look up the answer - dear sweet teacher made it an open book quiz.
My question was "what is jnana yoga?" Jnana is sacred knowledge. So jnana yoga is the study and practice of the sacred knowledge. And so friends and students, I begin my jnana yoga by introducing you to - Yama.
Yama is the first limb of the eight fold path of yoga. The eight fold path is a guideline for living a meaningful and purposeful life. Yamas are ethical disciplines. They define how we should treat others and ourselves.
The first yama is ahimsa or non-violence. Well, of course, you say. But ahimsa is more than just bodily non-violence. It is also non-violence in thought and speech. A little tougher to follow. Even I like to hear a little gossip now and then. And it's not just non-violence toward others but also toward ourselves. We are often our own worst critics. We think negative thoughts about ourselves and too often tell ourselves why we can't do something before we even try.
How can you practice ahimsa in your asana (posture) practice? First, think and speak positively about your self and your abilities. Second, take care of yourself. If you are sick or injured you should rest. If you are recovering from illness or injury then you should probably back off on some poses and skip a few entirely until your strength is back. If you have a chronic illness or pain you should work with your teacher to modify poses and make them appropriate for your condition.
And so, as you head out into the big wide world this week be non-violent to others and yourself in action, thought, and speech.
I look forward to seeing you on the mat soon!
Namaste,
gretch
My question was "what is jnana yoga?" Jnana is sacred knowledge. So jnana yoga is the study and practice of the sacred knowledge. And so friends and students, I begin my jnana yoga by introducing you to - Yama.
Yama is the first limb of the eight fold path of yoga. The eight fold path is a guideline for living a meaningful and purposeful life. Yamas are ethical disciplines. They define how we should treat others and ourselves.
The first yama is ahimsa or non-violence. Well, of course, you say. But ahimsa is more than just bodily non-violence. It is also non-violence in thought and speech. A little tougher to follow. Even I like to hear a little gossip now and then. And it's not just non-violence toward others but also toward ourselves. We are often our own worst critics. We think negative thoughts about ourselves and too often tell ourselves why we can't do something before we even try.
How can you practice ahimsa in your asana (posture) practice? First, think and speak positively about your self and your abilities. Second, take care of yourself. If you are sick or injured you should rest. If you are recovering from illness or injury then you should probably back off on some poses and skip a few entirely until your strength is back. If you have a chronic illness or pain you should work with your teacher to modify poses and make them appropriate for your condition.
And so, as you head out into the big wide world this week be non-violent to others and yourself in action, thought, and speech.
I look forward to seeing you on the mat soon!
Namaste,
gretch
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