John’s Sunday Blog

Tapping Into Power

(Yogi Style)

Let’s break down what leads to the conventional appearance of what we think we are as people, on our own, in a world. This understanding uses only two concepts. Generational factors (historical), and your personal experience as a character in a society (demographic). You see, in yoga we use nature as a guide to have a healthier body and mind. So set aside the two concepts above! This will free oneself of pre-conceived notions.

How to tap into more life power? Yogi style. What is that? They are the 4 main Yogas: MIND, BODY, EMOTIONS, and ENERGIES. Becoming more aware and refining how they move and work together is key. This will propel you to new levels of energy and enthusiasm throughout your days. Practice of all 4 of the yogas mentioned above and your life will blossom.

MIND

Jnana, “Yoga of Knowledge”

A clear, still mind was the original objective in Yoga (union with the origin). An observed mind is not an understood mind. It is understanding that the mind is only a tool creating reflections for survival and social interaction. It is not your master. There are two ways to stabilize the mind thus freeing up more power for living fully. 1.) Beginning a meditation practice (there are a myriad of methods) 2.) Through Self Inquiry. Using this method we find the very foundation of ourselves. Try this: When thoughts come, pause, and inquire, “To whom is this thought for?” The answer is “for me of course”. Then inquire, “Who am I?” See what you find. If you do this enough you will find that at the root of yourself, you are pure, unadulterated awareness. And you will understand that nothing - no thought, perception, sensation or feeling happens without AWARENESS. It is the very root of your being; open, clear, always present, non judgmental, and unaffected by any experience. Herein lies the key to free oneself from the clamoring of the never satisfied, false self of conditioning, that drives our thoughts and actions. And, ehem, re-actions, aka; the hamster wheel.

BODY

Karma, “Yoga of Action”

In the yogic realm there are models to help us understand the body and its particular patterns. The models are Koshas (the layers), Doshas (the imbalances), and Vasanas (the tendencies). Study of these aspects will lead to a better understanding of the body you have, but, let’s keep it simple. The body is a piece of nature. It is a wild thing and no amount of words are going to bring it to a strong and stable point. Look at the body as a verb, in constant flux. It is not a secret that adequate food, water, movement, rest and protection from the elements can give the body the right balance it needs to thrive. Giving it the right amount of the above is all one needs to do. And again, knowing the right amount, takes calm, clear presence of mind and the right information. We look at nature to decide. Learn to listen to the body, not what you think of it. It is speaking to you constantly through feeling, not words. See it as your real home. No matter what you think you have, where you’re going or where you’ve been, the body is the singular factor through life’s journey.

EMOTIONS

Bhakti “Yoga of Devotion”

Emotional movements within the body are derived from thought (reflections of experiences) that have gone juicy, so to speak, having an effect on the body. Think of it as E=energy resulting in a visceral movement. Energy in motion. It moves one. In Yogic philosophy, in addition to our family ties and nature, we devote ourselves emotionally to the larger root cause of our existence; to the absolute power in which all resides and has its being. On a smaller scale one can see that devotion to something other than our own personal wants and needs will free up much energy. Cultivating gratitude for what is appearing in this moment will bring calm to the body. Be here. You didn’t make what is, and no one has figured it out yet. This is not about acceptance of what is, it is about EMBRACING what is. This very miracle of existence happens now.

ENERGIES

Kriya/Kundalini

“Yoga of Prana (breath and sound)

Working with the breath has amazing results when tested in the lab. Changing blood and brain chemistry for optimal oxygen release into blood, enlivening and calming the body. The list is long, affecting brainwaves on down the line to every cell. Kriya yoga, involves not only breathing techniques, but posture and mantra chanting. Regular practice leads to a deeper knowledge of your body’s energies and, more so, on the subtler states of mind leading to ecstatic experiences, (bliss). Sounds exotic, but Kriya can be practiced by anyone. The simplest form is the one to one ratio breath. Breath gently through the nose only, making sure to fill from belly to chest to upper chest. Then reverse, making sure to empty the lungs completely. Notice the two silent peaceful pauses at the end of each inhale and exhale. Just two minutes of this will begin to balance the system.