September 1, 2019
One of my friends, Peentz, asked these two questions of our Yoga Sutra study group: • Do you practice the 8 limbs of yoga as defined […]
Simple Yoga Blog
September 1, 2019
Yoga Sutras 1.21 and 1.22: Commitment and intensity
Consistent commitment and smart regulation of intensity
The results of your practice are proportional to your commitment and the intensity of your practice. Knowing your tendencies and having a clear goal can help you find the level of intensity that will make the process enjoyable and sustainable. To what extent is there a sense of urgency in you to practice because your practice enables you to participate fully in each irreplaceable moment of your life? Is your practice balanced and balancing?
August 25, 2019
Yoga Sutra 1.20: Progression to wisdom
Faith, vitality, memory, evenness and wisdom
Gradual process from trust that generates confidence and enthusiasm to stay focused on the goal of the journey. Memory helps to stay on the path and gradually the mind settles. Then, it is more likely to notice insights and wisdom arising. How are you cultivating your trust and confidence? Are you energized by your life choices?
August 15, 2019
Yoga Sutra 1.19: Beyond Subtle Integration
Relationship to your body and disembodiment
The counterbalance and complement between life and conscience. Do you identify with your body? Do you identify with your beliefs? What happens when you explore disembodiment?
August 10, 2019
Yoga Sutra 1.18: Integration beyond higher wisdom
Inner stillness and silence with some impressions remaining
As your inner silence increases are you noticing some patterns in the thoughts, memories and ideas disrupting that silence? What has left strong impressions in you? How do those impressions influence your decisions and behavior? Are you at peace with your past?
August 4, 2019
Yoga Sutra 1.17: Progression to deep integration
Gradually refining your awareness
As a result of practice and detachment, distractions decrease and concentration can move organically to greater levels of subtlety from reflection, to contemplation, to elation and to deep inner stillness. What is the subtlest aspects of you?
July 28, 2019
Yoga Sutra 1.16: Awareness of Truth
Setting all distractions aside
It is possible to stop chasing after sensations, thoughts and emotions. What is not temporary? Is there anything that lasts? When you contemplate impermanence, do you notice any changes in your mood, thoughts and actions? What is the background of all of life?
July 20, 2019
Yoga Sutra 1.15: Releasing attachments
Complementing practice with freedom from grasping
What are the sources of distraction for me at home, at work, in my yoga practice and in my interactions with others? What do I crave? What are the expectations, beliefs and habits I am attached to? Do I have a healthy relationship with whatever comes into my life? Am I trying to control the world outside? Do I have to have an opinion about everything? Am I entertaining myself by making up stories about everything I am experiencing? Can it be enough to just feel what is happening with clarity?
July 13, 2019
Yoga Sutra 1.14: Firmly rooted practice
Making your yoga practice consistent
Is your practice without interruptions? Are you doing your best effort? Do your actions reflect your intention? Are you acting with joyful curiosity or with ambition? What are the qualities of your actions? Are your actions validated by true knowledge? Since it is probable you will get distracted, for an instant, a few minutes, hours, days, months or years; remember to keep returning to your intention without strain, struggle or self-judgment and with a gentle smile.
