Simple Yoga Blog

Yoga Sutra 1.30 Distractions and Obstacles What obstacles and distractions are keeping you from progressing toward greater integration? The obstacles and distractions include: disease (vyadi), dullness (styana), doubt (samshaya), carelessness (pramada), laziness (alasya), indulgence (avirati), confused perception (bhranti darshana), inability to be grounded (alabdha bhumikatva) and inconsistency (anavasthitatvani)

Yoga Sutra 1.29: Awareness turns inward and disturbances are removed Does chanting OM turn awareness inward and remove obstacles? Verify if the practice of chanting OM and meditation on its meaning is working. Notice if there is more or less reactivity in you. Are you more distracted or less?

Yoga Sutra 1.26 Unconditioned by time and unequaled teacher Are you making yourself available to life? Does your yoga practice transport you into the eternal present moment? Have you found ways to enter the timelessness dimension of life? Are you tuned into your own learning process? Do you know how you learn best? If you keep running against the same obstacles again and again, are you making conscious choices or are your likes and dislikes choosing for you?

Yoga Sutra 1.25: Unsurpassed seed of omniscience Is all-encompassing, pervasive awareness possible? If you ever get subtle helpful hints that provide insight or clarity, where do these hints come from? How do you actually perceive them? How do you distinguish between an idea and true insight?

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?