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Hatha Yoga with Kathy Mucha, Certified Yoga Teacher |
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Breathe Your Yoga |
Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. [Yoga Chitta vritti niroda.]The Eight Limbs of Yoga [Ashtanga Yoga]1st Limb: Things to Control [Yamas] · Non-Violence [Ahimsa] - primary Yama · Truthfulness [Satya] · Non-Stealing [Asteya] · Control of the Sexual Energy [Brahmacharya] · Non-Greed [Aparigraha]
2nd Limb: Virtues to Cultivate [Niyamas] · Purity [Saucha] · Contentment [Santosha] - primary Niyama · Self-Discipline [Tapas] · Self-Study [Svadhyaya] · Centering on the Divine [Ishvar-Pranidhana]
3rd Limb: Hatha Yoga, the physical practice [Asana] This is the crux of most yoga classes offered in our society today. Non-violence and contentment are encouraged as asana is practiced. This physical practice very naturally prepares one for seated meditation; so, over time, many yogis are naturally drawn inward toward more meditative practices. 4th Limb: Breath Control [Pranayama] I believe we all naturally practice Pranayama each time we sigh ~ it is such sweet relief to expel with gentle force old stale air from the lungs! Many yogic breathing techniques are available to promote wellness and assist the body in moving gracefully and safely thru asanas as well as life. 5th Limb: Sense Withdrawal [Pratyahara] An inward focusing - detaching from being ruled by our senses [sight, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling]. This is a key step to freedom from pain and suffering, to feeling peaceful and joyful, to being in control of our own mind. 6th Limb: Concentration, effortful control of the mind [Dharana] An ability worth cultivating - having clarity or transparency (a recently much used word!). To see what is - without influence of distortions or distractions. Soften this step and view it as centering, or awareness of being aware. This will lead you naturally into the 7th Limb, Meditation. 7th Limb: Meditation, effortless control of the mind [Dhyana] By following the scientific yogic steps (yes, yoga is considered to be a science!) and learning to control and quiet the wandering tendencies of the mind – with meditation – we can experience what we want: freedom from pain and suffering, cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. 8th Limb: Nirvana [Samadhi] A blissful state of super consciousness brought about by intense meditation where one becomes One with the object of meditation. Pure bliss. AyurvedaThis is the Science of Life, often referred to as the Sister Science to Yoga or the “Mother of Medicine”. The goal of Ayurveda is to heal the sick, prevent illness and increase longevity, in other words to make and keep one well. According to Ayurveda, the mind and body have the intelligence to heal themselves. Our energy is connected to the world around us; therefore, we need to seek harmony with nature and our environment. By studying Ayurveda, we promote the natural flow of energy and produce a state of optimum health and well being. This is in total concert with yoga. Link to The Ayurvedic Institute or The Ayurvedic Center of Vermont . Working on information about The Chakras and The NadisCheck back soon! Let me know what Your Yoga questions are; may I help clarify an idea for You? |
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Email: Kathy@BreatheYourYoga.com |
