Class Theme- Week 4 March 2014- Distractions and Strategies

Patanjali’s Sutra 1.4 reminds us that at times (perhaps most times) we are caught up with the activities of the mind- our thoughts, feelings, what is happening around us.  We lose that sense of stillness that enables us to cut through all the noise around us and connect with what is real, with what matters. The light of our true selves is dimmed when we turn away from it. 

Yoga gives us many strategies to turn toward our own inner light for nourishment and enlightenment.  And as mentioned last week, our yoga practice helps hone our skills in focusing the mind.

This week we explore Mula Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha deep in our core: how to deploy them in a flowing way, engaging them subtly sometimes and more fully at other times, aware of taking what we need, when we need it, and letting it go when it is no longer required.  We observe how being attentive within can enhance the outer expression of our asana work, silencing the distraction of its details.  Instead, we feel how the essence of a pose is nourished from deep within us, we learn to trust ourselves to find and use that resource wisely, and when it all connects it is a true wonder- for us and those around us.