Here's where you can begin to broaden your understanding of yoga as not just the practice of asana (the physical poses.) Most of us start with asana, and there is nothing wrong with that, but there is so much more!
Asana is only one of eight practices that comprise yoga The first two are universal moral and ethical codes, the Yamas and Niyamas (see right side column) After asana comes pranayama, or breath practice, and then 4 more practices leading us closer to meditation and absorption with the Divine The big picture of yoga is "the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind" according to the Yoga Sutra. It's a way of understanding yourself more deeply, cultivating an interior life and not just one concerned with external appearances or actions. I consider yoga sadhana, or practice, to be really a way to develop your ability to pay attention. Here are some online resources for practice off the mat: A 40-day practice to become more aware of your "carbon footprint" in the world: 40-day "carbon fast" during Lent Concerned about world peace or lack thereof? "Here and now, I will honor the oneness and sacredness of life in myself and everyone I meet." was a practice begun by Kia Scherr of Nelson County, whose husband and daughter were murdered during the terrorist attack in Mumbai, India, November 2010. You can buy her book about this practice here |
Suggestions for practice off the mat:
1. Learn the sanskrit names of the poses 2. Read a book of daily inspirations from your faith tradition, or one geared for yoga practioners, such as:
4. Observe the speed limit! or 5. Begin, continue, or begin again, a practice of daily journal writing |