June 28, 2013
‘Yamas’ are ethical values that involve self-restraint, self-control and discipline. They are the foundation of yoga practice. In my last blog I talked about Ahimsa (non-harming) the first yama.
The second yama is Satya or truthfulness; lack of falsehood; to others and to oneself. You might first think of the obvious…outright lying. You are right. When you tell a lie you are robbing another of the truth. When you lie you also rob yourself of the opportunity to express your truth. This may feel like the easiest route but in the long run will cause problems for you and the other person involved. If you cannot tell the truth then you will never feel the freedom to be you…unedited. If you cannot tell the truth to another; the other will never have the opportunity to learn and grow from your insights and your truths. A no win situation.
April 29, 2013
In religion you go to church to help find your connection to God but also to be reminded of the importance of taking care of moral and ethical values.
In yoga and other spiritual practices, it is no different.
At the very foundation level of the ‘yoga pyramid’ are the yamas and niyamas; a set of moral disciplines that give us guidelines for ethical living. These are much like the morals upheld in religious practices….such as the 10 Commandments.
The ‘Yamas’ include practices of non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, greedlessness and directing our energy to the higher good.
March 20, 2013
Sigh….if only our lives could be simple, easy and predictable.
If only we could have everything we needed and wanted. If only we were always successful at everything we did or tried. If only everyone could live long healthy lives. Even if we have everything we want or need, we never know what “surprise” is around the corner. Often these surprises involve changes or losses or health concerns and may fill us with fear. Fear is something we all experience; it is inevitable. It is a natural reaction to something that is challenging or threatening to us. How can we keep moving forward in our lives and not be paralyzed by our fear?
April 15, 2012
Weight loss…here is a topic that many grapple with.
I would love to see the focus change from ‘weight loss’ to ‘well being’!
I am an advocate of healthy lifestyle, healthy eating and exercise of all kinds!
I encourage everyone to engage in the physical activities that most appeal to them.
We don’t have to stick to just one…the more the better.
All will help with a sense of well being and weight loss.
March 15, 2012
Depending on the weather we may be suffering from seasonal ‘blahs’. One reason for this is that we tend to spend a lot of time indoors during the colder, wetter months. We have to give ourselves a ‘boot out the door’ to maintain our physical and mental health… Yes, even on those dismal days. When you are feeling a little depressed or overwhelmed you might not feel like doing physical activity but it is important to get energy moving in your body.
February 28, 2012
For many people, a “love partner” relationship is considered successful only if all of their sexual and emotional needs are fulfilled, and their economic and social-status aspirations are met. Obviously, things often don’t work out in this manner and there can be a feeling of disappointment in the relationship. Disappointments can also arise in family relationships and in friendships when you feel your “idealized’ needs have not been fulfilled.
January 5, 2012
Did you know that only a very small percentage of people who make New Year’s Resolutions actually keep them? Yoga can help! The most common resolutions have to do with weight-loss and fitness/health commitments… it’s natural and healthy to want to do these things!
December 30, 2011
Ideally, Christmas and the winter holidays could be a time to focus attention on our deepest emotions, togetherness and spiritual feelings. Unfortunately, for many this time of year is full of stress. For many with hectic, stressful lives, relaxation means zoning out in front of the TV at the end of the day or snatching some extra sleep on the weekend. Unfortunately, this does little to help reduce the damaging effects of stress on the mind and body.