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

Start a Home Practice

Question:  How often should you practice yoga?
Answer:  As often as possible!

But you don't have to dedicate a solid hour or two every day to your practice.  As the mother of three young children I rarely get to go to the bathroom by myself let alone practice yoga for a full hour.  Here is my daily routine that gets in a full yoga sequence throughout the day.

First thing in the morning while I'm still in my PJs I practice what I call a "pair of poses".  I pick two (sometimes three) standing poses that flow together nicely.  Some examples:

Virabhadrasana II - Utthita Parsvakonasana
Utthita Trikonasana - Ardha Chandrasana
Virabhadrasana I - Virabhadrasana III

In the afternoon when I am starting to feel tension in my neck and shoulders from driving, typing on the computer, and carrying a 24 pound toddler around, I like to do some shoulder work such as Gomukhasana (arms only), Paschima Baddhastasana, and Paschima Namaskarasana.

I usually need a little extra energy before I start my evening routine of cooking dinner, making lunches, and bathing kids.  I find this a great time to get in a few back bends.  Chatushpadasana and Setubandha are great poses to bend the back, give the shoulders another good stretch, and energize the mind.

Once the kids are in bed and I am ready to relax (yes, sometimes while I'm watching TV), I practice seated poses and seated forward bends.

And finally, just before I fall into bed for the night I practice Salamba Sirsasana and Salamba Sarvangasana insuring myself a restful night.

So, to recap:
Morning - 2-3 standing poses
Afternoon - shoulder poses
Early evening - back bends
Late evening - seated poses and seated forward bends
Just before bed - headstand and shoulderstand
Dedicating just 5-10 minutes per session you will complete 30-60 minutes of yoga and a full body stretching sequence increasing your balance, flexibility, stamina, and strength a little more each day.

Come Stretch with Gretch at Anytime Fitness in Oak Cliff to learn these poses and get your yoga practice started.  I look forward to seeing you on the mat soon!

Namaste,
Gretch

You should consult with a physician for medical advice before beginning any exercise routine.  It is not recommended that you attempt these poses without the instruction of a qualified yoga instructor.

Quote for the Day

I read an interesting article about attempting new poses.  It seemed appropriate to post one quote in particular since my more advanced class will be starting after the holidays.  Take a moment to read the article and be inspired.


"In yoga, the journey never ends."   - Claudia Cummins (YogaJournal.com article - click here to read)


Namaste,
gretchen