Simple Yoga Blog

Yoga Sutra 1.23: Surrender the illusion of control Gain a deeper perspective This verse invites you to recognize that you did not create yourself, or the Universe and, despite whatever you may believe, you are not in control of the world. Gaining a more accurate understanding of you and your sphere of influence can be an effective way of redirecting your energy to act effectively in the world according to your capacity, level of skill, ability and scope. Is there anything that offers you a sense of unconditional support, encouragement and hope?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?