"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change" - Carl Rogers
Transformation does not come from setting out to change anything about who you are, it comes from discovering who you are. Awareness and acceptance are the openings to the natural unfolding...the grace of transformation. We are all aware of what we don't like about ourselves, our bodies, our life situations, even our emotions. And, quite naturally, we have a desire to improve these things so that we may be fulfilled. But, have you ever noticed that the things you detest the most about yourself are the very things that keep bothering you? The things we would like to change about ourselves are the very things that we can never change?
There is another possibility. To simply embrace that which we would seek to change....to accept what we are trying to get rid of.....to welcome what we would be busy keeping away. Our true nature is unconditional Love. Unconditional Love means that everything is loved, everything is welcomed, everything is included. So, when we are attempting to change or fix what we are, we are in opposition to the most true and whole thing within us--- Love. Love embraces all, even our extra pounds, our anger, our depression. When we refuse to allow or include these things within us, we unconsciously resist ourselves, and this resistance leads to a nearly endless battle with ourselves over the things we want so deeply to change.
It is by the full and complete embrace of our darkness, our fears, our insecurities, our bodies that we come to align with the transformative power of Loving. Hate, resistance, and opposition lead to guilt, struggle, and suffering. Love, inclusion, and allowing, open up the door to a compassionate experience with ourselves that makes true transformation possible. So, as you consider making changes in your life, let your deeper considerations go to embracing yourself just as you are. First, hold the deep compassion of total acceptance of yourself and see what unfolds from that. It is a myth that you need great discipline to change your experience. A simple gesture to embrace it all is what actually brings about what we want the most.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Wisdom of Love
Delve into the heart of Yoga
exploring the question,
"What is Love, really?"
"What is Love, really?"
Not the sappy, romantic,
fairy tale love, but Love as Truth.
This class will include satsang, sacred poetry, heart-centered
meditation, and asana. If you have an interest in
playing with acroyoga or experiencing supported asana
Stephanie and Adi will be
guiding this journey. This
workshop is held in February of each year around Valentine’s Day – a great
Valentine’s gift for a friend or any yoga lover in your life! You do not need to come with a
dedicated partner for this playshop,
everyone is welcome and
encouraged.
Sat, February
18th 2-6 pm
$30 (or
$55/two signing up together)
Sign-up/Register
at Flow Yoga Studio
3rd
& Oak Streets, Downtown HR
Sunday, November 27, 2011
December: Darkness & Light
Every human being has within his or her experience certain shadow sides, dark corners of their existence, voids and places that are frightening. In Winter, these parts of ourselves are reflected by the barren trees, the dark nights, and the veil of clouds that hide the bright sun.
What most human beings don't realize is the incredible opportunity that is given by these experiences. As we get accustomed to the long nights, the cold air, and the rain, we are given the gift of time and space to look deeply and honestly at the shadows and dark corners.
The amazing gift of darkness is that darkness is not darkness. Darkness contains within it brilliant, radiant light. Some traditions have called this darkness the Void, Emptiness, or the Dazzling Darkness. And, it is only by embracing the darkness, the fear, the despair that we come to see the hidden secret inside the total dark.
For thousands of years, humans have celebrated this time of year, this winter solstice, with the exquisite embrace of darkness, and in celebration an unveiling of the Light that cannot be hidden even by the darkest night.
Nearly every spiritual and religious culture has some deeper understanding of the nature of darkness. In mystical cultures such as those found in Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism there is deep significance to the power and sublime symbolism found in the dazzling darkness. In the Sufi tradition, Layla represents the divine feminine, embodied as darkness and with a magnetic pull of divine Love. In Hinduism, Krishna is described as the 'dark lord' whose quality is also that of the irresistible draw of divine love. In the Tibetan Book of the Dead, practitioners are instructed to enter into the darkness to discover the ultimate dimension of being. And one of the most beautiful expressions is represented by Christmas, where we acknowledge the indestructible Light that stands amidst the darkest, most barren hours. The dazzling darkness is where we find the profound opportunity to enter into the silent solitary depths of our being to discover radiant light. The gift of darkness, is ironically, the gift of Light.
What most human beings don't realize is the incredible opportunity that is given by these experiences. As we get accustomed to the long nights, the cold air, and the rain, we are given the gift of time and space to look deeply and honestly at the shadows and dark corners.
The amazing gift of darkness is that darkness is not darkness. Darkness contains within it brilliant, radiant light. Some traditions have called this darkness the Void, Emptiness, or the Dazzling Darkness. And, it is only by embracing the darkness, the fear, the despair that we come to see the hidden secret inside the total dark.
For thousands of years, humans have celebrated this time of year, this winter solstice, with the exquisite embrace of darkness, and in celebration an unveiling of the Light that cannot be hidden even by the darkest night.
Nearly every spiritual and religious culture has some deeper understanding of the nature of darkness. In mystical cultures such as those found in Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism there is deep significance to the power and sublime symbolism found in the dazzling darkness. In the Sufi tradition, Layla represents the divine feminine, embodied as darkness and with a magnetic pull of divine Love. In Hinduism, Krishna is described as the 'dark lord' whose quality is also that of the irresistible draw of divine love. In the Tibetan Book of the Dead, practitioners are instructed to enter into the darkness to discover the ultimate dimension of being. And one of the most beautiful expressions is represented by Christmas, where we acknowledge the indestructible Light that stands amidst the darkest, most barren hours. The dazzling darkness is where we find the profound opportunity to enter into the silent solitary depths of our being to discover radiant light. The gift of darkness, is ironically, the gift of Light.
Green Karma Wisdom Energy
Like all the other aspects of wisdom energy, karma energy has two ways of appearing in our lives. This energy can appear through dysfunction and ego-consciousness, or it can appear as an aspect of wisdom.
When karma energy appears as egoic dsyfunction it arises as a constant state of doing, which comes with feelings of jealousy, competition, and comparison. This dysfunction is fueled by a deep fear of failure. The drive for success and accomplishment gives rise to an anxiety, aggression, and speed that keep one from truly being.
As karma energy is transmuted into wisdom, it embodies all-accomplishing action, which is able to act with love, generosity, and ease. We see that the aggression and speed that are apart of egoic consciousness are unnecessary, and a true lightness develops as we act with spontaneity and aliveness. The simple shift from ‘doing’ to ‘being’ has a sublime way of acting in this world with intelligence and peace.
We bring our attention to transmuting karma energy from its dysfunctional focus on competition and the fear of failure, into its wisdom aspect which brings our attention to being, accomplishing all with the ease and perfection of our true nature.
When karma energy appears as egoic dsyfunction it arises as a constant state of doing, which comes with feelings of jealousy, competition, and comparison. This dysfunction is fueled by a deep fear of failure. The drive for success and accomplishment gives rise to an anxiety, aggression, and speed that keep one from truly being.
As karma energy is transmuted into wisdom, it embodies all-accomplishing action, which is able to act with love, generosity, and ease. We see that the aggression and speed that are apart of egoic consciousness are unnecessary, and a true lightness develops as we act with spontaneity and aliveness. The simple shift from ‘doing’ to ‘being’ has a sublime way of acting in this world with intelligence and peace.
We bring our attention to transmuting karma energy from its dysfunctional focus on competition and the fear of failure, into its wisdom aspect which brings our attention to being, accomplishing all with the ease and perfection of our true nature.
Vajra Wisdom Energy
We will conclude our focus on the wisdom energies that are represented by the tibetan prayer flags. This month we will be visitng vajra, which is represented by the blue flag and the element water. When vajra energy is distorted through the lens of ego, it comes across as sharp, intellectual, and bitingly critical. It is cold and aloof within the world of concepts and skepticism. When vajra is in its awakened conscious form it represents clarity and what is known as 'mirror-like wisdom'.
Vajra sees things as they are, rather than seeing things with ego, which makes us opinionated, judgmental, and sarcastic. The challenge for vajra types is to pierce through the fear of intimacy and embody tenderness through being vulnerable and open. The movement from the reasoning, intellectual doubter in the head to the clear sighted, vulnerable warrior of the heart is the transmutation of vajra from neurosis to sanity. The challenge is, as always, to stop living life from the head, and to live life fully from the heart.
Vajra sees things as they are, rather than seeing things with ego, which makes us opinionated, judgmental, and sarcastic. The challenge for vajra types is to pierce through the fear of intimacy and embody tenderness through being vulnerable and open. The movement from the reasoning, intellectual doubter in the head to the clear sighted, vulnerable warrior of the heart is the transmutation of vajra from neurosis to sanity. The challenge is, as always, to stop living life from the head, and to live life fully from the heart.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
July: White 'Buddha' Wisdom Energy
Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. The White flag is represented by the turning of the wheel of the dharma (truth). The white wisdom energy stands in the center of the wheel, and it is from there that the four directions move.
White buddha energy is expressed as the sense of sight and, physically, as the heart. Its sacred syllable is Om and it represents the element air or clouds. Most importantly, white wisdom energy represents all encompassing wisdom that overcomes delusion, or the quality of ignorance.
In the Tibetan tantric teachings we are, at our core, fundamentally sane, wise, and compassionate beings. The reason humans experience so much aggression, fear, and delusion is our ignorance of what we truly are. As we simply transmute our ignorance into sanity, all encompassing wisdom begins to reveal itself. This wisdom see things as they truly are, and seeks to relate to life in a way that is peaceful rather than aggressive, fully rather than partially, and selflessly rather than 'me'-centered.
Asana: Wheel & other heart openers
Mantra: Om
Special Techniques: drishti, focus, sight, tratak meditation, yoga for the eyes
Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. The White flag is represented by the turning of the wheel of the dharma (truth). The white wisdom energy stands in the center of the wheel, and it is from there that the four directions move.
White buddha energy is expressed as the sense of sight and, physically, as the heart. Its sacred syllable is Om and it represents the element air or clouds. Most importantly, white wisdom energy represents all encompassing wisdom that overcomes delusion, or the quality of ignorance.
In the Tibetan tantric teachings we are, at our core, fundamentally sane, wise, and compassionate beings. The reason humans experience so much aggression, fear, and delusion is our ignorance of what we truly are. As we simply transmute our ignorance into sanity, all encompassing wisdom begins to reveal itself. This wisdom see things as they truly are, and seeks to relate to life in a way that is peaceful rather than aggressive, fully rather than partially, and selflessly rather than 'me'-centered.
Asana: Wheel & other heart openers
Mantra: Om
Special Techniques: drishti, focus, sight, tratak meditation, yoga for the eyes
September: Ratna Energy
You have probably seen prayer flags hanging, but have you ever contemplated their deeper meaning? We continue our exploration of each of the five classical prayer flags - their colors and deeper meanings - as our monthly themes. Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. Each prayer flag represented a different aspect of our unique and inherent wisdom energies.
Ratna energy is the wisdom of the Earth and is represented by a jewel and the color gold. It points to the aspect of our being that is rich, full, and abundant. Many people, in an attempt to find richness and abundance in life, chase after things, experiences, people, and status to feel full. But this attempt is like continually feeding and never feeling full. The opportunity we have to transmute this energy in our lives is to see that we are already full, and that the constant attempt to add more more more to our lives depletes our system and leaves us feeling deadened. Ratna energy is one of abundance, where the fear of not having enough, being enough, or being special enough is seen clearly and fully. From this seeing comes the recognition that the attempt to 'have enough' is a constant experience of failing....but to begin to see that what is within is already enough removes the greed and pride of endless acquiring, holding, chasing. Ratna jewel energy in its confused aspect tends to overindulge in pleasure, seeking to make oneself as comfortable as possible in every circumstance. In it's deepest energetic experience, this wisdom energy becomes equanimity, contentment, and gratitude for what one has, and what one is. As this unfolds, the jewel-like nature of our being begins to emmanate a richness, a fullness, that is so profound. An ability to appreciate life simply and completely just as it is.
Tantric Wisdom Energies
From the Tantric Yoga point of view life is an expression of various energies, some pleasant, some unpleasant---yet, all experiences are seen as pure energy. From the Tantric viewpoint, life is a constant dance of shifting energies ~ the energy of emotions, thoughts, feelings, body, and even various states of consciousness. Seeing these energies as neither good nor bad, neither right nor wrong, neither enlightened nor unenlightened, frees them up to dance with the stuff of life. We can begin to relate to the energy of emotions, anger, hurt, sadness, and confusion in a way that is sane, welcoming, and compassionate. If we are at war with ourselves, we only produce more insanity, more violence. Understanding the wisdom energies can be a powerful opportunity to cultivate the brilliant qualities of wisdom and compassion, and begin to view life as sacred rather than a tumultuous mess. Relating to the energy of life, rather than ideas about life, is a powerful exchange and alchemy. It means unlearning ourselves, and seeing things in their true light.
These wisdom energies are represented in the symbols and the 5 colors of the Tibetan Prayer Flags. We explored the white energy of buddha wisdom in July. Last month, we explored fiery, passionate, red padma lotus energy. In September, we explore yellow, or ratna energy.
From the Tantric Yoga point of view life is an expression of various energies, some pleasant, some unpleasant---yet, all experiences are seen as pure energy. From the Tantric viewpoint, life is a constant dance of shifting energies ~ the energy of emotions, thoughts, feelings, body, and even various states of consciousness. Seeing these energies as neither good nor bad, neither right nor wrong, neither enlightened nor unenlightened, frees them up to dance with the stuff of life. We can begin to relate to the energy of emotions, anger, hurt, sadness, and confusion in a way that is sane, welcoming, and compassionate. If we are at war with ourselves, we only produce more insanity, more violence. Understanding the wisdom energies can be a powerful opportunity to cultivate the brilliant qualities of wisdom and compassion, and begin to view life as sacred rather than a tumultuous mess. Relating to the energy of life, rather than ideas about life, is a powerful exchange and alchemy. It means unlearning ourselves, and seeing things in their true light.
These wisdom energies are represented in the symbols and the 5 colors of the Tibetan Prayer Flags. We explored the white energy of buddha wisdom in July. Last month, we explored fiery, passionate, red padma lotus energy. In September, we explore yellow, or ratna energy.
August: The Red Wisdom
Energy
You have probably seen prayer flags hanging, but have you ever contemplated their deeper meaning? Over the next several months, we will be exploring each of the five classical prayer flags - their colors and deeper meanings - as our monthly themes. Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. Each prayer flag represented a different aspect of our unique and inherent wisdom energies.
Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. The Red flag is represented by the lotus flower (padma) and sits at the western side of the mandala of being. The element associated with the red flag is fire.
This month we explore Red and Lotus (padma) energy. The Red flag is symbolic of the lotus flower and sits at the western side of the mandala of being. The element associated with the red flag is fire.
Red padma energy is connected with passion, magnetizing, and the fire of living fully. For most of us, we were not taught they we are inherently good enough exactly as we are. We were taught to somehow be good enough we need to achieve something.
For this reason, we are mostly driven by a deeper insecurity that we may not even be aware of. In some cases, this becomes manifested as an addiction to intensity or sensuality. The addiction to intensity can show up as overindulging, thrill seeking, seduction, and fascination with something in the future or trying to recreate a past experience. Passion with something other than what is here and now.
As we connect to a wiser energy of passion, we exude a fire and brilliance that is attracting, powerful, and unconditional. This leads to a natural experience of the fullness of life, and eliminates the unconscious drive to try to 'fix' the feelings of insecurity through seeking pleasures, temporary thrills, and instant gratifications. A self-existing wisdom of discriminating awareness deepens and we begin to see ourselves, our passion, and others from the standpoint of selflessness. We see life and the fire of this human existence as an alive fiery presence that sees the real from the unreal, darkness from light, and bliss from suffering.
You have probably seen prayer flags hanging, but have you ever contemplated their deeper meaning? Over the next several months, we will be exploring each of the five classical prayer flags - their colors and deeper meanings - as our monthly themes. Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. Each prayer flag represented a different aspect of our unique and inherent wisdom energies.
Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. The Red flag is represented by the lotus flower (padma) and sits at the western side of the mandala of being. The element associated with the red flag is fire.
This month we explore Red and Lotus (padma) energy. The Red flag is symbolic of the lotus flower and sits at the western side of the mandala of being. The element associated with the red flag is fire.
Red padma energy is connected with passion, magnetizing, and the fire of living fully. For most of us, we were not taught they we are inherently good enough exactly as we are. We were taught to somehow be good enough we need to achieve something.
For this reason, we are mostly driven by a deeper insecurity that we may not even be aware of. In some cases, this becomes manifested as an addiction to intensity or sensuality. The addiction to intensity can show up as overindulging, thrill seeking, seduction, and fascination with something in the future or trying to recreate a past experience. Passion with something other than what is here and now.
As we connect to a wiser energy of passion, we exude a fire and brilliance that is attracting, powerful, and unconditional. This leads to a natural experience of the fullness of life, and eliminates the unconscious drive to try to 'fix' the feelings of insecurity through seeking pleasures, temporary thrills, and instant gratifications. A self-existing wisdom of discriminating awareness deepens and we begin to see ourselves, our passion, and others from the standpoint of selflessness. We see life and the fire of this human existence as an alive fiery presence that sees the real from the unreal, darkness from light, and bliss from suffering.
| The History of Prayer
Flags
You have probably seen prayer flags hanging, but have you ever contemplated their deeper meaning? Over the next several months, we will be exploring each of the five classical prayer flags - their colors and deeper meanings - as our monthly themes. The tradition of hanging flags began more than 2000 years ago. At that time Tibet was ruled by war lords who carried their banners into battles. The native people, however, made their own flags to honor the nature gods. They used colors of the five elements: blue for sky or space; white for air or clouds; red for fire; green for water and yellow for earth. They hung the flags over mountain passes and rivers to benefit all who would pass underneath. Every time you look at the flags, let them remind you to continue to send out your own prayers for world peace, kindness and generosity. As you do so, you will also benefit from their blessings. Thousands of Tibetans, including the 14th Dalai Lama, have had to flee from their country and live in exile around the world. Their Prayer Flags continue to represent the tradition of sending out prayers, but they also remind us of a nation of gentle people who have been robbed of their home. Prayer flags are still stamped with prayers and hung to let the wind carry their messages in Tibetan refugee villages. Most of the Tibetan Prayer Flags we see today are made in those communities. And so, people around the world have adopted the custom of hanging Prayer Flags to commemorate special events and to transmit their blessings. It has been suggested by contemporary Tibetans that we create our own prayer flags by imprinting them with poems, prayers and symbols from the great faiths of the world in hopes of uniting them in a spirit of peace and harmony. We are now selling prayer flags at Flow made by Tibetans living in Nepal. We offer a few different types: Blank~ to create your own Windhorse~ representing unshakable trust in your self and life Guru Rinpoche~ the 'second buddha', the great master Padmasambhava who brought buddhism to Tibet Medicine Buddha~the embodiment of the medicine that ends suffering and awakens wisdom and compassion |
Summer Solstice
SUMMER: THE SEASON OF THE VISIONARY
As we sit on the verge of one of the most powerful times of the year, the summer solstice, we rest in the Eastern glow of the rising Sun. The rising Sun represents the birth of Spirit in the flesh, the birth of intuition, and it is symbolized by the Visionary. The Visionary seeks to live an authentic, fearless, wise existence marked with authenticity, truth, and deep compassion. The Visionary faces east, toward the light of Being, and extends her hands out to embrace others, and give of his endless abundance. The element of Summer is fire, which represents the immense inner fire of courage, discipline, and love that the Visionary is informed by and seeks to embody. We celebrate the Solstice, and the rising of the Eastern Sun, by embracing challenges and inner fire with openness and tenderness. Giving birth to the Visionary within ourselves, we turn to the East, bow at dawn, and smile...knowing that all the power of the Sun is within.
SUMMER: THE SEASON OF THE VISIONARY
As we sit on the verge of one of the most powerful times of the year, the summer solstice, we rest in the Eastern glow of the rising Sun. The rising Sun represents the birth of Spirit in the flesh, the birth of intuition, and it is symbolized by the Visionary. The Visionary seeks to live an authentic, fearless, wise existence marked with authenticity, truth, and deep compassion. The Visionary faces east, toward the light of Being, and extends her hands out to embrace others, and give of his endless abundance. The element of Summer is fire, which represents the immense inner fire of courage, discipline, and love that the Visionary is informed by and seeks to embody. We celebrate the Solstice, and the rising of the Eastern Sun, by embracing challenges and inner fire with openness and tenderness. Giving birth to the Visionary within ourselves, we turn to the East, bow at dawn, and smile...knowing that all the power of the Sun is within.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Friendliness toward the joyful
The Four Qualities of the Heart
The practice of the four brahmavihara are essential to truly breaking down the perceived barriers between self and other:
1) Friendliness toward the joyful - August
2) Compassion for those who are suffering - Sept
3) Celebrating the good in others - Oct
4) Remaining impartial to the faults & imperfections of others - Nov
(yoga sutra 1.33)
As householder yogis, these four attitudes can be most useful. If you go off and live in a cave, there is less opportunity for testing your spiritual fitness in the presence of others. Most of us live real lives with all sorts of people and relationships that test us. Taking our Yoga off the mat and into the real world, can be a very powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. When we practice these four brahmavihara we can cease what I like to call the “spiraling” of emotions and mental unrest that comes from unresolved or unsettled relationships.
August Monthly Theme: Friendliness toward the joyful – it is easier to start with this one to gain the confidence we need to live more compassionately toward all.
"The first brahmavihara is perhaps the easiest, and that is simply to extend our friendship toward people who are already pleasantly disposed toward us. We can do this in very real terms--by extending assistance and support to friends when they need us and by availing ourselves of the same support. Without being indiscriminate, we can assume friendliness toward others in our daily interactions and by doing so wear away at the thickness of our skin. Clearly, it is easier to be friendly with someone who likes us or someone we admire, so by starting with an easy practice we gain confidence in our ability to live compassionately." ~ Donna Fahri
We'd love to hear from you about your experience, practice or wisdom regarding the first of these four qualities. Today, practice kindness and friendship toward someone you like or admire. This first step toward living a life of true compassion is an important one to practice. It helps us with the more difficult ones.
The practice of the four brahmavihara are essential to truly breaking down the perceived barriers between self and other:
1) Friendliness toward the joyful - August
2) Compassion for those who are suffering - Sept
3) Celebrating the good in others - Oct
4) Remaining impartial to the faults & imperfections of others - Nov
(yoga sutra 1.33)
As householder yogis, these four attitudes can be most useful. If you go off and live in a cave, there is less opportunity for testing your spiritual fitness in the presence of others. Most of us live real lives with all sorts of people and relationships that test us. Taking our Yoga off the mat and into the real world, can be a very powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. When we practice these four brahmavihara we can cease what I like to call the “spiraling” of emotions and mental unrest that comes from unresolved or unsettled relationships.
August Monthly Theme: Friendliness toward the joyful – it is easier to start with this one to gain the confidence we need to live more compassionately toward all.
"The first brahmavihara is perhaps the easiest, and that is simply to extend our friendship toward people who are already pleasantly disposed toward us. We can do this in very real terms--by extending assistance and support to friends when they need us and by availing ourselves of the same support. Without being indiscriminate, we can assume friendliness toward others in our daily interactions and by doing so wear away at the thickness of our skin. Clearly, it is easier to be friendly with someone who likes us or someone we admire, so by starting with an easy practice we gain confidence in our ability to live compassionately." ~ Donna Fahri
We'd love to hear from you about your experience, practice or wisdom regarding the first of these four qualities. Today, practice kindness and friendship toward someone you like or admire. This first step toward living a life of true compassion is an important one to practice. It helps us with the more difficult ones.
The Four Qualities of the Heart
The practice of the four brahmavihara are essential to truly breaking down the perceived barriers between self and other:
1) Friendliness toward the joyful - August
2) Compassion for those who are suffering - Sept
3) Celebrating the good in others - Oct
4) Remaining impartial to the faults & imperfections of others - Nov
(yoga sutra 1.33)
September Theme: Compassion for those who are suffering – At first glance, this may seem easy, but compassion and empathy are different than pity. Many of us are distanced from real suffering, so may pity those who are suffering and believe this pity to be compassion or understanding. We may even further distance ourselves and see these people as invisible.
How can we develop true compassion without being overwhelmed by it? We can start with what feels most real to us. Your greatest suffering can be turned into your greatest gift for developing empathy toward others. Where have you suffered in your life? The greatest gift Yoga has given to me is to learn that everyone has a story, and that most of us have been doing our best to survive or thrive based on our stories or assumed identities in the best way we know how.
Judgment is a way to distance ourselves from someone else's suffering by essentially blaming them for it. In doing this, we create the illusion that this perceived distance somehow protects US from the possibility of suffering. We create this illusory protective bubble of false happiness. Really, we are all connected, we can not truly separate ourselves. This false protective bubble is a tightly controlled field of "happiness" that is not true joy.
We all have suffering and joy in our lives. There is universal suffering and universal joy, and if we can see ourselves as part of something bigger, and begin to see everyone as some small part of ourselves, we can begin to develop more compassion and understanding and less pity, guilt, and judgment.
We'd love to hear from you about your experience, practice or wisdom related to how you experience true compassion without pity or guilt. Go to the Flow Yoga Facebook page, become a "Friend", and share your experience about practicing this month's brahmavihara: www.facebook.com/home.php
1) Friendliness toward the joyful - August
2) Compassion for those who are suffering - Sept
3) Celebrating the good in others - Oct
4) Remaining impartial to the faults & imperfections of others - Nov
(yoga sutra 1.33)
September Theme: Compassion for those who are suffering – At first glance, this may seem easy, but compassion and empathy are different than pity. Many of us are distanced from real suffering, so may pity those who are suffering and believe this pity to be compassion or understanding. We may even further distance ourselves and see these people as invisible.
How can we develop true compassion without being overwhelmed by it? We can start with what feels most real to us. Your greatest suffering can be turned into your greatest gift for developing empathy toward others. Where have you suffered in your life? The greatest gift Yoga has given to me is to learn that everyone has a story, and that most of us have been doing our best to survive or thrive based on our stories or assumed identities in the best way we know how.
Judgment is a way to distance ourselves from someone else's suffering by essentially blaming them for it. In doing this, we create the illusion that this perceived distance somehow protects US from the possibility of suffering. We create this illusory protective bubble of false happiness. Really, we are all connected, we can not truly separate ourselves. This false protective bubble is a tightly controlled field of "happiness" that is not true joy.
We all have suffering and joy in our lives. There is universal suffering and universal joy, and if we can see ourselves as part of something bigger, and begin to see everyone as some small part of ourselves, we can begin to develop more compassion and understanding and less pity, guilt, and judgment.
We'd love to hear from you about your experience, practice or wisdom related to how you experience true compassion without pity or guilt. Go to the Flow Yoga Facebook page, become a "Friend", and share your experience about practicing this month's brahmavihara: www.facebook.com/home.php
Honoring the Good
The practice of the four brahmavihara are essential to truly breaking down the perceived barriers between self and other:
1) Friendliness toward the joyful - August
2) Compassion for those who are suffering - Sept
3) Honoring the good in others - Oct
4) Remaining impartial to the faults & imperfections of others - Nov
(yoga sutra 1.33)
Mudita Punya ~ Honoring the Good in Others
Mudita=delight punya=virtuous The third quality, or brahmavihara, is "delight in the virtuous".
Of the four supreme attitudes (or, ways in which we live as our truest nature) the honoring of the basic goodness of others is essential to freedom and happiness. In some relationships or interactions, we may make the mistake of believing that our fears and insecurities are actually true, and in so doing, miss Reality. We can believe that another is somehow better than ourselves, and feel envious of them or intimdated by them. In turn, we miss that we are actually One, and by any judgment or evaluation of other, we only come to the illusion of suffering and separation.
By acknowledging the basic goodness of ourselves and others, we come to interactions and relationships from a place that is grounded in Reality. This is not to say that every interaction is going to be pleasant or nourishing to us, it is just to say that seeing life in terms of basic goodness puts us in a proper relationship with things as they are.
There is an enormous love and freedom that arises when we cease to view ourselves and others in terms of 'what's wrong' and begin to view things as being rooted in essential Good.
It isn't even necessary to believe in this goodness, simply by allowing the possibility to see it we will begin to see inherent goodness everywhere...we will cease comparing ourselves to others and celebrate our diverse goodness.
May we see each other for the Basic Goodness that we ARE~
1) Friendliness toward the joyful - August
2) Compassion for those who are suffering - Sept
3) Honoring the good in others - Oct
4) Remaining impartial to the faults & imperfections of others - Nov
(yoga sutra 1.33)
Mudita Punya ~ Honoring the Good in Others
Mudita=delight punya=virtuous The third quality, or brahmavihara, is "delight in the virtuous".
Of the four supreme attitudes (or, ways in which we live as our truest nature) the honoring of the basic goodness of others is essential to freedom and happiness. In some relationships or interactions, we may make the mistake of believing that our fears and insecurities are actually true, and in so doing, miss Reality. We can believe that another is somehow better than ourselves, and feel envious of them or intimdated by them. In turn, we miss that we are actually One, and by any judgment or evaluation of other, we only come to the illusion of suffering and separation.
By acknowledging the basic goodness of ourselves and others, we come to interactions and relationships from a place that is grounded in Reality. This is not to say that every interaction is going to be pleasant or nourishing to us, it is just to say that seeing life in terms of basic goodness puts us in a proper relationship with things as they are.
There is an enormous love and freedom that arises when we cease to view ourselves and others in terms of 'what's wrong' and begin to view things as being rooted in essential Good.
It isn't even necessary to believe in this goodness, simply by allowing the possibility to see it we will begin to see inherent goodness everywhere...we will cease comparing ourselves to others and celebrate our diverse goodness.
May we see each other for the Basic Goodness that we ARE~
Detachment & Indifference
Indifference Toward the Imperfections of Others
The practice of the four brahmavihara are essential to truly breaking down the perceived barriers between self and other:
1) Friendliness toward the joyful - August
2) Compassion for those who are suffering - Sept
3) Honoring the good in others - Oct
4) Remaining impartial to the faults & imperfections of others - Nov
(yoga sutra 1.33)
Practicing detachment or indifference toward those who have harmed us or others in word or deed is the most difficult of all the brahmavihara. However, it is important practice for true peace. The time and energy that goes into creating enemy energy is completely not worthwhile. The negative energy we put into any feeling of hate will never serve us.
If we get still and very quiet for enough time, listening deeply, we will get a signal to turn our attention away from it. The ego tries to get us into creating enemy relationships so we can analyze and judge someone else so that we can feel “right” and better about who we are. At a much deeper level, if we really listen without internal chatter, we know this never works. It never feels quite right. We even try to get others involved in our “fight” and feel more justified in our behavior by the involvement of others. Or, instead, some of us become attached to the idea of becoming a victim to someone else’s bad behavior. Of course, this is disempowering, and not useful.
This takes Tapas, or fire. It can feel like burning to soften, and find the humility and strength to forgive. To let go of the ego's need to be right or justified in battle, initially, burns like fire. It means taking responsibility for our own peace without involving anyone else. It means realizing that truly, deeply, that which bothers us the most about someone else, may be a pattern of our own ego being reflected back to us.
If truly necessary for our overall health, we can remove our selves from a relationship and/or set discriminate and healthy boundaries while letting go of all the emotions and energy of attachment to that person.
I see this as a two-part realization. First, putting down the sword, or the shield, whichever fictitious weapon one has created in this illusory battle of the ego. Second, forgiving ourselves and the other to truly get past the anger, resentment, hurt, or any other feeling that arose. For the battle was never real anyway, even though our ego got so involved in the drama, the battle, the story...the Truth is that we can not harm anyone else without harming ourselves. There is no separation, only the projection of separation the ego creates.
Here are some great quotes by Mahatma Gandhi, a great teacher and example on this matter:
In fire and Love,
Stephanie
The practice of the four brahmavihara are essential to truly breaking down the perceived barriers between self and other:
1) Friendliness toward the joyful - August
2) Compassion for those who are suffering - Sept
3) Honoring the good in others - Oct
4) Remaining impartial to the faults & imperfections of others - Nov
(yoga sutra 1.33)
Practicing detachment or indifference toward those who have harmed us or others in word or deed is the most difficult of all the brahmavihara. However, it is important practice for true peace. The time and energy that goes into creating enemy energy is completely not worthwhile. The negative energy we put into any feeling of hate will never serve us.
If we get still and very quiet for enough time, listening deeply, we will get a signal to turn our attention away from it. The ego tries to get us into creating enemy relationships so we can analyze and judge someone else so that we can feel “right” and better about who we are. At a much deeper level, if we really listen without internal chatter, we know this never works. It never feels quite right. We even try to get others involved in our “fight” and feel more justified in our behavior by the involvement of others. Or, instead, some of us become attached to the idea of becoming a victim to someone else’s bad behavior. Of course, this is disempowering, and not useful.
This takes Tapas, or fire. It can feel like burning to soften, and find the humility and strength to forgive. To let go of the ego's need to be right or justified in battle, initially, burns like fire. It means taking responsibility for our own peace without involving anyone else. It means realizing that truly, deeply, that which bothers us the most about someone else, may be a pattern of our own ego being reflected back to us.
If truly necessary for our overall health, we can remove our selves from a relationship and/or set discriminate and healthy boundaries while letting go of all the emotions and energy of attachment to that person.
I see this as a two-part realization. First, putting down the sword, or the shield, whichever fictitious weapon one has created in this illusory battle of the ego. Second, forgiving ourselves and the other to truly get past the anger, resentment, hurt, or any other feeling that arose. For the battle was never real anyway, even though our ego got so involved in the drama, the battle, the story...the Truth is that we can not harm anyone else without harming ourselves. There is no separation, only the projection of separation the ego creates.
Here are some great quotes by Mahatma Gandhi, a great teacher and example on this matter:
- Hate the sin, love the sinner.
- I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.
- In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.
- The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
- When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always.
- You must be the change you want to see in the world.
- You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.
In fire and Love,
Stephanie
Stillness, Darkness & Illumination
Today is the darkest day of the year. Since the beginning of times, we have celebrated this darkest time of the year. In the natural darkness, it is time for stillness and illumination. To come "indoors" for quiet times and reflective moments, balanced with inner light, illumination, and celebration. Winter is the time for hibernation, incubation, reflection, rejuvenation, contemplation, and completion in preparation for the new. Here is a poem Sybil wrote in celebration for this time of year: My body still and wise I trust The design so well thought , the love poured in and the life well lived My body still and wise I trust My age and my movement brings me deeper into questions and seeking My body still and wise I trust What I can imagine and see of the perfection has never dwindled in me My body still and wise I trust It is all possible for me and therefore true for you My body still and wise I trust Higher self and limitless love I exude My body still and wise I trust Guide me through this discomfort and still my doing so I can hear exactly what to be I align myself with truth I trust in the stillness and now I know where and how I am meant to be Happy Holidays and Winter Solstice. | |  |
Pushti ~ Grace
Its January, if setting goals this year, perhaps, consider a different approach. Allow space for deep awareness. Do you set a similar goal each year, deeply fearful that you dont really know how to change, or not really wanting the change that you think you should want?
True transformation, in itself, does not come from effort, but from Grace. Pushti, or grace, is the path of doing the work, without regard to the fruits of our actions. This is a karmic practice. It is creating space for whatever practice brings you deeper awareness of all that you are, and all that you are not. Allowing, accepting, admitting, and deeply loving yourself and others while trusting in the deeper wisdom of the universe. In this way, we experience, santosha, contentment within the entire experience of life. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Being grateful for the joys and the sorrows, realizing that they both enrich our experience and teach us so much. From this deep awareness, eventually we find loving acceptance, and the grace of contentment.
So, as we move from the inspiration of a new year, moving from dark to light, from old to new, this year, we do so with just a little more awareness. Perhaps, take your proposed "goal" and sit with it in silence and notice what comes up for you. Is there a feeling of lightness and fulfillment, or is there a sense of dread, fear, shame, or resistance?
If a sense of lightness, than it is probably in line with your true nature and a realistic empowered intention...you have done the work and are naturally ready for the grace of transformation. In this case, there will be little you have to "do", will require little effort, and will feel natural and light.
If there is fear, there is more awareness and loving acceptance to be learned and processed, from a psychological and/or spiritual place. Where is the fear coming from, if it is present? This practice is not a quick fix, but with the continued openness that comes from really paying attention in a loving way, eventually, it will come. Continuing your yoga practice, meditation, satsang privately with a teacher, or within your sangha/community, communing with nature, or any other practice that brings you still moments, deep reflections, or realizations that create space for awareness, will pave your way.
The difference between a goal and an intention is that an intention carries a different energy with it. It is more present. It is in line with our true nature and is realistic for us, in this moment. There is not a fear of failure or a sense that we are not already whole, but, instead, an empowered sense of strength and inspiration. It is not far out in the future, but Here Now.
True transformation, in itself, does not come from effort, but from Grace. Pushti, or grace, is the path of doing the work, without regard to the fruits of our actions. This is a karmic practice. It is creating space for whatever practice brings you deeper awareness of all that you are, and all that you are not. Allowing, accepting, admitting, and deeply loving yourself and others while trusting in the deeper wisdom of the universe. In this way, we experience, santosha, contentment within the entire experience of life. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Being grateful for the joys and the sorrows, realizing that they both enrich our experience and teach us so much. From this deep awareness, eventually we find loving acceptance, and the grace of contentment.
So, as we move from the inspiration of a new year, moving from dark to light, from old to new, this year, we do so with just a little more awareness. Perhaps, take your proposed "goal" and sit with it in silence and notice what comes up for you. Is there a feeling of lightness and fulfillment, or is there a sense of dread, fear, shame, or resistance?
If a sense of lightness, than it is probably in line with your true nature and a realistic empowered intention...you have done the work and are naturally ready for the grace of transformation. In this case, there will be little you have to "do", will require little effort, and will feel natural and light.
If there is fear, there is more awareness and loving acceptance to be learned and processed, from a psychological and/or spiritual place. Where is the fear coming from, if it is present? This practice is not a quick fix, but with the continued openness that comes from really paying attention in a loving way, eventually, it will come. Continuing your yoga practice, meditation, satsang privately with a teacher, or within your sangha/community, communing with nature, or any other practice that brings you still moments, deep reflections, or realizations that create space for awareness, will pave your way.
The difference between a goal and an intention is that an intention carries a different energy with it. It is more present. It is in line with our true nature and is realistic for us, in this moment. There is not a fear of failure or a sense that we are not already whole, but, instead, an empowered sense of strength and inspiration. It is not far out in the future, but Here Now.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Koshas & Purifying
In the yogic teachings, our human experience consists of five koshas. Kosha is a Sanskrit word meaning sheath or layer. From this particular teaching, we are able to examine our experience in five different ways, to get to know ourselves, our bodies, our minds, and our experience in a deeper way. This month we'll be focusing on purifying the five layers of our being, and developing deeper insight into the forces that contribute to our overall health, clarity, and well-being. The Koshas are:
*Annamaya Kosha~(anna means food) this kosha refers to the gross physical body composed of the five elements
*Pranamaya Kosha~(prana means vital energy) and refers to our psycho-physical being on an energetic or electrical level
*Manomaya Kosha~(manas means mind) and refers to the level of our being that is conscious thought, involving reason and logic
*Jnanamaya Kosha~(jnana means intelligence) and refers to our ability to discern truth from untruth, and comprehend the subtle knowledge of experience
*Anandamaya Kosha~(ananda means bliss) and refers to the part of our being that experience divine love and ecstatic joy
This month, as we explore the various layers of our experience we can focus on purifying on all levels to cultivate a human experience that is based on true love, wisdom, and peace. As Sybil puts it, "It is the softening and inter-webbing of all 5 koshas that allows us to know the truth, the intuition of each of us, the heart of each of us (the mana, prana and the anna of each of us) to know what is conditioned in ego and what is unconditioned and pure. It is the way of the heart, belly and root softening, and communicating so that truth rises up so strong and clear, without doubt or second guessing."
So, we'll practice purifying Annamaya Kosha with healthy food and drink, purifying Pranamaya Kosha with breathing and focusing our energy on what is wholesome, purifying Manomaya Kosha by examining our mind and its destructive habits and patterns, purifying Jnanamaya Kosha by seeking to know what is true and pure, and purify Anandamaya Kosha by celebrating life through devotion, joy, and service to others.
When all Koshas have aligned and exist in pure harmony Self-Realization results. Then, we are liberated from torment, and the doors of love, clarity, and truth are opened.
*Annamaya Kosha~(anna means food) this kosha refers to the gross physical body composed of the five elements
*Pranamaya Kosha~(prana means vital energy) and refers to our psycho-physical being on an energetic or electrical level
*Manomaya Kosha~(manas means mind) and refers to the level of our being that is conscious thought, involving reason and logic
*Jnanamaya Kosha~(jnana means intelligence) and refers to our ability to discern truth from untruth, and comprehend the subtle knowledge of experience
*Anandamaya Kosha~(ananda means bliss) and refers to the part of our being that experience divine love and ecstatic joy
This month, as we explore the various layers of our experience we can focus on purifying on all levels to cultivate a human experience that is based on true love, wisdom, and peace. As Sybil puts it, "It is the softening and inter-webbing of all 5 koshas that allows us to know the truth, the intuition of each of us, the heart of each of us (the mana, prana and the anna of each of us) to know what is conditioned in ego and what is unconditioned and pure. It is the way of the heart, belly and root softening, and communicating so that truth rises up so strong and clear, without doubt or second guessing."
So, we'll practice purifying Annamaya Kosha with healthy food and drink, purifying Pranamaya Kosha with breathing and focusing our energy on what is wholesome, purifying Manomaya Kosha by examining our mind and its destructive habits and patterns, purifying Jnanamaya Kosha by seeking to know what is true and pure, and purify Anandamaya Kosha by celebrating life through devotion, joy, and service to others.
When all Koshas have aligned and exist in pure harmony Self-Realization results. Then, we are liberated from torment, and the doors of love, clarity, and truth are opened.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
An Inspiring Story
One of our recent Flow90X contest winners shared her story with us - this is a summary of her words:
"I really was dead set against ever doing or enjoying yoga. It just didnt seem like it was for me. In April of last year I suffered a major and debilitating spinal injury during a skiing accident. I was left severely incapacitated and faced months or even years of recovery. During my initial long months of recovery, I suffered from a syndrome which damaged my nerves and left me virtually paralyzed. Working with a physical therapist, I gradually regained some of my mobility, but was told my recovery was now at a plateau.
Due to the repeated encouragement of my therapist, I reluctantly tried yoga. At first, I was frustrated by my yoga experience. I felt like my body was not moving the way it should, and I had to modify the poses a ton to accomodate my injury. Due to sheer desperation, I persisted. Inspired by the Flow 90X Contest in January, I decided to just come as often as I could and see what would unfold. Amazingly, slowly, but surely, within a few months time, I have regained so much more mobility and function in my physical body.
But this was not all... I experienced something else. I experienced myself completely, without judgment. I realized presence, the true depth of breath, and discovered the mindbody connection people talk about. By following my intuition and listening to the wisdom of my heart, I became Yoga. The yoga practice I could have never seen myself doing or being, became an integral part of my life. I now practice yoga frequently at Flow and attribute the recovery of my body and the blossoming of my heart to yoga."
"I really was dead set against ever doing or enjoying yoga. It just didnt seem like it was for me. In April of last year I suffered a major and debilitating spinal injury during a skiing accident. I was left severely incapacitated and faced months or even years of recovery. During my initial long months of recovery, I suffered from a syndrome which damaged my nerves and left me virtually paralyzed. Working with a physical therapist, I gradually regained some of my mobility, but was told my recovery was now at a plateau.
Due to the repeated encouragement of my therapist, I reluctantly tried yoga. At first, I was frustrated by my yoga experience. I felt like my body was not moving the way it should, and I had to modify the poses a ton to accomodate my injury. Due to sheer desperation, I persisted. Inspired by the Flow 90X Contest in January, I decided to just come as often as I could and see what would unfold. Amazingly, slowly, but surely, within a few months time, I have regained so much more mobility and function in my physical body.
But this was not all... I experienced something else. I experienced myself completely, without judgment. I realized presence, the true depth of breath, and discovered the mindbody connection people talk about. By following my intuition and listening to the wisdom of my heart, I became Yoga. The yoga practice I could have never seen myself doing or being, became an integral part of my life. I now practice yoga frequently at Flow and attribute the recovery of my body and the blossoming of my heart to yoga."
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