Australia has voted to retain its conservative government. For some this is good news, for others, bad. Regardless of where you stand, there will always be winners and losers in every election. Indeed, we experience the ups and downs of winning and losing throughout our lives in many different ways: …
Xmas holiday classes Wed 19th Dec 6.30pm Sunday 23th Dec 4.30pm Sunday 30th Dec 4.30 pm Sunday 6th Jan 4.30pm Wed 9th Jan 6.30pm
In this final blog in a series commenting on the Yamas and Niyamas, we look at how “surrender of the ego to love” can help us in a competitive world.
The last of the ten Yamas and Niyamas is Isvara Pranidhana. This is the culmination of a series of steps leading us to that deep sense of peace, tranquillity and overall happiness that is yoga.
Possibly the most misunderstood aspect of yoga is its benefits. People generally think of yoga as an exercise system that aims to improve our flexibility. Yes, yoga will help with flexibility, but that is only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more under the surface that flexibility …
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought “who is that person”? Beyond the name and job title, when we look deep below the surface, right into the soul, who are we really? This is what Svadhyaya is all about. It is the study of our self.
We can achieve things we might have thought impossible, if we have the passion and commitment. This is Tapas. Doing so, though, requires “right effort” so as not to burn out or injure ourselves along the way. Tapas is the 8th of the Yamas and Niyamas.
Where does happiness come from? The answer can be found in Santosha. Patanjali provides the following description of Santosha: ‘By contentment, supreme joy is obtained’ (Yoga Sutra 2.42). This might seem like a large leap – from contentment to supreme joy, but there is much depth to this concept.
The practice of Saucha cleans us, body and soul, so our light can shine more brightly
Do you feel weighed down? It might be from too much clutter in your home or in your life; or from thoughts you can’t seem to shake. If so, Aparigraha might be the Yama you need to focus on.