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