"More than food, water and fire, man's need is sympathy, kindness, and brotherhood." – Sri Swami Sivananda
'Yoga Not Restricted to Saints and Sages'
from Yoga2You
"Yoga Not Restricted to Saints and Sages" is a headline plucked from the yoga news wires today. It is a point I often like to make (as those who know me know ;) -- Accepting where we are, no matter where we are, is such an important part of yoga. It is the reason we generally don't applaud poses in class, because while Handstand may be an accomplishment to some, lying in Sivasana (also known as Corpse or Relaxation pose) is a great challenge to others--especially to those with hip, spine, neck or other issues. Many who come to yoga fall somewhere between the two.
There are benefits to yoga no matter where we are on the learning and practice curve. I often find yoga to be like a well that never runs dry, open to anyone who comes to drink, turning no one away thirsty. So even though some of us may still enjoy a glass of wine (or our own variation thereof) instead of pranayama or ansana practice for relaxation, remember there are huge benefits to even a few minutes of yogic relaxation. So, simply make the attempt--saint or sage though we may not be, no matter. Accept where you are each day and begin there. And remember, every day is different.
[This is not, by the way, what the news story said, just my own meanderings on the subject. Please click here to read the article from The Hindu.]
TO SHARE YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE SIGN IN AND BEGIN BLOGGING
Why yoga works—simply
Ancient yogis knew the benefits that came with regular yoga practice. Today, advancements in technology enable scientists to show precisely how these ancient practices work to benefit the mind and body. Yogis have been passing on the teachings of yoga for nearly 5,000 years.
Most simply, using proper breathing, especially during asana practice, enables the average person to develop the breathing apparatus and strengthen the vital life force. Once that begins, everything else flows from it. Why yoga works is really that simple. Any time you lie on the mat and breathe, the benefits of yoga begin.
There is a saying in yoga that when we control the breath, we control the life force, and when you think about that, it's really true.
We'd like to hear from you!
Simply type your feedback below.
(Include your email if you'd like a reply.)
Yoga Poetry
Attention Yogi Poets: Please submit your Yoga Poetry for publication in this corner--share your artistic light with others. (Poet keeps all rights.) Meanwhile, please enjoy these prayers and chants that follow. Namaste.
I first became aware of this prayer during Yoga Teachers Training. It is one of my favorites, and it is also a call-and-response chant that is sometimes sung during satsang. Enjoy!
A Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
To be be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive--
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
“Health is wealth, peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way.”
