Monday, December 17, 2012

Tapas and the cultivation of true spontaneity


Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are considering Tapas and the cultivation of true spontaneity.

The loathsome mask has fallen, the man remains
Sceptreless, free, uncircumscribed, but man
Equal, unclassed, tribeless, and nationless,
Exempt from awe, worship, degree, the king
Over himself.

                                   – Percy Bysshe Shelley

None of us wants to be artificial. We all want to be natural and spontaneous. But true spontaneity is not simply doing what we feel like doing and not doing what we don't feel like doing. That is simply reacting as we have been conditioned to react. It is really no more spontaneous than a rubber ball which bounces when we drop it on the sidewalk.

We are being truly spontaneous when we can change the habits of a lifetime. We are being truly spontaneous when we are able to drop our pet project and work for the welfare of those around us without a ripple of protest in the mind. We are being truly spontaneous when we can respond calmly, constructively, and compassionately to a difficult situation. The secret of spontaneity is training. We cannot just decide to be spontaneous overnight; but we can all make these marvelous transformations in our lives if we are prepared to put in the sustained effort they require.

Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran

The homework is to review the third Niyama (practices of self-purification through discipline) or Tapas.  Tapas is a burning inner zeal and austerity, a sort of unflagging hardness of attitude towards oneself which make possible compassion and forgiveness towards others.  Consider how you can cultivate Tapas in your Yoga practices and elsewhere and create more true spontaneity in your life.

Blessings,

paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
417 NE Birch St., Camas, WA 98607
360.834.5994

www.rushingwateryoga.com
info@rushingwateryoga.com

Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington since 2003

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Santosa (contentment) and the ability to Love and be Loved.


Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are considering Santosa (contentment) and the ability to Love and be Loved.

Existence is a strange bargain. Life owes us little; we owe it everything. The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.

                                                                         – William Cowper

We often think that if we go after what we want, we will probably get it; then we will be happy and secure. The mass media have latched onto this line of thinking and intone it like a litany: grab, grab, grab! Yet sooner or later the whole smorgasbord of things begins to lose its luster. Then the sensitive person asks, "If I go on grabbing and grabbing, at what point do I become secure and feel no more need to grab?" This question can lead to some far-reaching changes in our lives.

Our needs are much too big to be satisfied with things, no matter how many we can manage to acquire. The more we try to get, the more acutely we feel those bigger, undeniable needs. Our deepest need is for the joy that comes with loving and being loved, with knowing we are of genuine use to others. The more we give of ourselves to others, the more the Lord within wants to give us. Every day we empty ourselves by giving all we can in the way of kindness and loving help. Then every morning we will find ourselves full again - of love, of understanding, of forgiveness, of energy.

Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran

The homework is to consider the second Niyama (practices of self-purification through discipline) which is Santosa or Contentment.  This is a commitment to being content, reducing desires, becoming cheerful and creating balance of mind.  Additionally, we have to be willing to let things go, especially likes and dislikes.  Ask yourself how the practice of Santosa will impact your ability to Love and be Loved?

Blessings,

paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
417 NE Birch St., Camas, WA 98607
360.834.5994

www.rushingwateryoga.com
info@rushingwateryoga.com

Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington since 2003