Rest and Contemplate
Today, while you rest from your physical practice, I encourage you to contemplate this phrase:
"Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind"
"Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind"
Imagine an ocean. There is a storm, high waves roll, rising and falling with terrifying roar. But if you dive in under the surface and go deep onto the ocean floor - there you will find absolute stillness and serenity.
Just like this, if you turn your attention inwards towards your true Self, stepping back from your experiences, thoughts, sensations, daily tasks - you will find that same peace and stillness.
This is the same feeling that many practitioners experience after an intense asana practice. But yoga offers many other paths to get there as well. Be it a classical sitting meditation, japa (meditative repetition of a mantra or deity name) or pranayama (breathing exercise) - their common purpose is to help the mind detach from the constant flow of experiences and relax into stillness.
So, as a practice, next time you are overwhelmed by emotions, thoughts or some unpleasant bodily experiences - try to pause, step back, bring your attention inwards and flow together with your breath for a couple of minutes, counting silently, inhaling for 4 counts and exhaling for 4 counts, feeling each breath dive all the way deep down your belly and following it up and out of your nose.
Imagine lying on the ocean floor, watching sunrays piercing the deep blue waters. Even if there is a storm, it is far, far away on the surface, and it does not affect you. Relax into this stillness, embody it.
May the arising feeling of centeredness and calm help you take better decisions every day! 🌞
Have a nice Sunday, I look forward to practicing with you again tomorrow! 🙏
Just like this, if you turn your attention inwards towards your true Self, stepping back from your experiences, thoughts, sensations, daily tasks - you will find that same peace and stillness.
This is the same feeling that many practitioners experience after an intense asana practice. But yoga offers many other paths to get there as well. Be it a classical sitting meditation, japa (meditative repetition of a mantra or deity name) or pranayama (breathing exercise) - their common purpose is to help the mind detach from the constant flow of experiences and relax into stillness.
So, as a practice, next time you are overwhelmed by emotions, thoughts or some unpleasant bodily experiences - try to pause, step back, bring your attention inwards and flow together with your breath for a couple of minutes, counting silently, inhaling for 4 counts and exhaling for 4 counts, feeling each breath dive all the way deep down your belly and following it up and out of your nose.
Imagine lying on the ocean floor, watching sunrays piercing the deep blue waters. Even if there is a storm, it is far, far away on the surface, and it does not affect you. Relax into this stillness, embody it.
May the arising feeling of centeredness and calm help you take better decisions every day! 🌞
Have a nice Sunday, I look forward to practicing with you again tomorrow! 🙏