Monday, March 6, 2017

How our Yoga Practices Prepare us to be Mindful in the Work we do in the World


Greetings Sadhakas,

This week in class we are considering how our Yoga practices prepare us to be mindful in the work we do in the world.

What we take in by contemplation, that we pour out in love.

-Meister Eckhart

The old dispute about the relative virtues of the active way to spiritual awareness versus the contemplative way is a spurious one. We require both. They are phases of a single rhythm like the pulsing of the heart, the in-drawing and letting go of breath, the ebb and flow of the tides. So we go deep, turn inwards in meditation to consolidate our vital energy, and then with greater love and wisdom we come out into the family, the community, the world. Without action, we lack opportunities for changing our old ways and we increase our self-will rather than lessen it; without contemplation, we lack the strength to change and are blown about by our conditioning.

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

The homework is to observe for yourself how attention (Dharana) and breath (Prana) prepares you for the movement (Karma, action) of your body in asana. Apply this same concept to your contemplation practices and the work you do in the world. One of the best ways to learn about this connection is to stop praying (or whatever your contemplation practice is) in the morning for a few days and see how your energy is throughout the day. Start up again and notice if your energy is more balanced.

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

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