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"Anusara Inspired" Yoga Instructor and Life Coach
Dear friends, Greetings and salutations on this tale end of Summer. It is amazing how fast the time goes by and how full a Summer can get. This newsletter gently approaches the concept that all of our activities, interactions and relationships are an opportunity to refine the diverse aspects of our like. My invitation to you is to make all of who you are shine out with your innate brilliance and goodness. In this issue: ·
Yoga
Philosophy: Polishing
the Jewel ·
Applied
Yoga: Inward Focus, Outward Radiance ·
Life
Coaching from a Yogic Perspective: Your
Unique Practice ·
Notices:
- My teaching
schedule - Suggested resource for deepening your learning and understanding of the spiritual path ____________________________________ Yoga
Philosophy:
Polishing the Jewel When
I turned fifty I inherited a beautiful ring with a lovely diamond set in
a floral-engraved gold band. It
was a gift from my grandfather on my mother’s side given to my father
when he became a naval officer. As
a child I would look upon the ring and express my delight in its beauty;
now I wear it proudly with the memory of my parents and the resilient
wisdom cultivated by previous generations.
At times, the sun will catch the diamond and will make colorful
patterns where the light is reflected.
I’ve meditated upon the imagery and find that there is great
symbolism behind it. I’d
love to share my thoughts with you now. To
me, the metaphor of the diamond represents the multi-faceted light of
consciousness reflecting through the multiplicity of reality—spirit
shining out in the world. We
are multiple expressions—facets—of the one reality that is created
by the creator for its own delight.
Equally, each aspect of our unique individual self is part of
this beautiful jewel of existence. Our
life purpose is to come to see the unity in which we inhabit and refine
all aspects of our self so as to more clearly shine out this truth of
our unity. Upon being born we are aware of one or two facets of our
totality and we learn and grow within each of those fields of awareness.
There is a sense of the self—our identity as an
individual—and our immediate world of family, friends, and to a lesser
degree, community. We filter our perceptions of reality through these
narrow parameters and with time begin to expand our awareness through
diverse relationships. Siblings,
school mates, teachers, the opposite sex, social rules and judicial law
all broaden our sense of who we are in relationship to our inner and
outer world. Eventually
these same relationships begin to expanded our sense of self;
as we begin to see a bigger picture revealed in how all life and
existence is interrelated the perception that our individual facets are
actually part of a whole becomes more clear.
I refer to this as seeing the polished gem of our existence.
With
this beautiful imagery of ourselves comprising multiple facets of a
jewel we can look at the refinement of our life as its polishing.
One of the yogic technique for this is called in Sanskrit
svadhyaya, or self observation and study.
When we commit to studying ourselves we are open to learn more
about what serves us and what detracts from achieving our highest
potential and equanimity. Shining
a light on our perceptions, behavior, actions and speech is like taking
a cloth to a tarnished stone and wiping off the dirt and grime of
inattention. I know that
when I take the stance that all of my life is yogic practice I look at
each email I write, each phone conversation, each way in which I talk to
my spouse and kids, and all my attitudes and biases as a chance to
reveal who I want to be. Each
aspect of my being becomes a facet of a bigger totality, which becomes
in the aggregate, my brilliant self.
When I am not so clear I seek to find the company of those who
are and then harmony is more easily restored.
Indeed, being in the company of fellow yoga students is one of my
strongest remedies for shining up my dullness of spirit. Cultivating
an awareness of our strengths and weaknesses through self-study makes us
more receptive to interpret the signs along the journey of life.
It also makes us more capable to recognize the different
relationships and levels of awareness around us.
It has become a larger life lesson for me to realize where I can
share my insights and effectively apply my contributions, and equally
recognize where it will be wasted efforts.
I gradually have been learning that in this world of free will
and individuality not everyone shares nor is interested in my values and
perceptions. I can put forth
my best effort to serve the highest but it doesn’t always produce the
desired results. As such,
I’m trying to practice the ancient art of doing my best and then
release the fruits of my actions. Sometimes
I can make a difference and sometimes the momentum or karmic tendencies
of others is too strong to be receptive to my input.
I also recognize that the fruits of my labor may not come about
for some time; they may need to germinate like a seed before they can
sprout. My self study is
teaching me to simply pay attention and diligently do my best; patience
and perseverance do pay off with persistence. Herein
lies one of the deepest lessons I’ve learned around dedication to the
path of refinement. It is
the depth of personal growth that comes from cultivating humility and
the art of letting go of my own self-importance.
Regardless of how dedicated I am to the path of self study I can
never put myself completely in the shoes of another and many times my
desire to help or broaden a perspective has been perceived as arrogance.
It seems like dealing with family is the most precarious of
situations I have faced that calls for caution and skillful practice.
My inner work is relative to my life and in the best of
conditions will reflects the wisdom I have acquired through my efforts;
I can’t expect others to adopt my logic or perspectives independent of
their own world view. This
is not always easy for me to honor but I have learned in time—and
through more than one humbling experience of being put in my
place—that I can recognize and honor my own advancement in
understanding the interconnectivity of life independently. I have to
leave others to fulfill their own path of self discovery and even
radically accept that they may not choose that path at all.
Maybe they will get it in my lifetime and maybe they won’t.
Ultimately we are all free to choose our way, and it is important
that I realize that it is not always about me. I
am heartened, however, to know that they too are individual facets of
the same jewel I am a part of. Indeed,
we are all multiple expressions of a singularity that has intentionally
created individuality. The
yogis explain that this sense of separation and individuality is a
divinely created condition that yields to a natural progression towards
unity awareness. It is
through time and experience that awareness is cultivated and it is
revealed that we all eventually return to unity consciousness, albeit at
separate rates. I am
satisfied to know that I can assume responsibility for my part of
polishing the jewel and am able to take delight in the brilliance that
that effort produces. ___________________________________ Applied Yoga: Inward Focus, Outward Radiance For many of us the complexity of our lives seems to make it too daunting of a task to put much effort into self observation and deep inner work. Demanding work schedules, social activities, oppressive politics and economics conditions, meeting family needs …. All these and more can seem to take all our time and energy, leaving little for cultivating an inner life. I question whether there really was a time in human history when it was any easier? When the weren’t the proverbial Huns banging on the gates? Each age has its challenges and our times—certainly complex as they are—do not hold that much uniqueness in regards to the necessity of doing inner work. So now that I’ve unilaterally put to rest any excuse for not assuming the responsibility for doing the work, how do you start? Or for many experienced practitioners, how do you go deeper? Coming back to the analogy of polishing the jewel, take note that for most gems the biggest facet is the topmost one. To me, this represents the spirit through which most the light passes. It lets in light and makes it possible to dance about between the peripheral facets, then shine back out. Our spiritual work can be like that too; paying attention to the foundation of our holistic self can produce an inner light that can carry you through the hard stuff life dishes out. Indeed, I believe we are in an age where the value of living an inwardly-focused life is gradually being recognized and is supplanting the external gratification values that have produced so much shallowness and isolation. When one individual takes the time to refine their life on every level they become a light for their community, workplace, school and family and momentum is built on a larger and expanding scale. The crown jewel of an inwardly focused life is the regular practice of meditation. An individual practice can be cultivated and nurtured until it fits one’s personality and daily routine; the results can transform your life and make all the other facets take on a new brilliance. By setting the foundation of your practice around going within and steeping in the delight of a few moments of stillness you can place many of your challenges into a new perspective; a new light if you will. Clarity comes from quieting the mind enough to work through the old patterns and accumulation of energetic sludge so something brighter can take its place. The good news is that one does not have to be an expert on meditation to practice it. There even is a saying that “there is no bad meditation, just meditation.” This means that we should simply show up to do the practice and seek to settle the mind down. The rest will follow. The mind may rant and rave against your highest intention but will, in time, get used to your steady diligence and become more still, finding delight in the practice and routine. I find that challenging life circumstances (read: belonging to a big family that never is lacking for some conflict or other) can dominate my meditations and keep me from achieving tranquility. However, I have learned the simple and yet very powerful formula of choosing to rest into love, perceiving it as an all-enveloping embrace. Upon opening up to the sweetness of higher consciousness within and around me I can let go of the tension and settle down into my preference of experiencing some inner peace and a connection to a higher power. So setting the foundation by going inward first is paramount. Then comes parsing out the individual aspects of your life. Where do you see the most need for work? What areas cause the most heartache or stress? Building your awareness of what is showing up time and again will help you to systematically try new steps to let your inner light shine out. By this I mean the realization you cultivate through meditation that a peaceful life is achievable if you start with refining yourself first. If passions and desires are sucking up all your energy re-think your strategies and where you place the emphasis on your life. Personally I’ve learned that backing off from getting more and making an effort to give more of what I desire is a powerful way to paradoxically receive more of that which is desired. The emphasis is upon giving rather than getting so the law of attraction brings more of what I’m willing to share in my life. Behavior and perspective are key in refining a spiritual practice. I have found that it really isn’t that hard to be kind in thought and action once I have committed to it as a part of my desired way of being. I’ve come to understand that I can actively nurture more balance and harmony in my relationships by demonstrating how I want to be treated. Choosing to remain patient when others are insufferable furthers my equanimity; it also seems to bring more tolerance from others when I am less than perfect. Additionally, I’ve found that giving others the benefit of the doubt relieves me from the onerous task of being judge and jury and helps to serve my desire to cultivate humility and compassion. In a nutshell, simply being kind and generous, treating others as you would like to be treated, and emphasizing the positive whenever possible will foster grace and wisdom, two of the most brilliant facets to be cultivated in the development of one’s jewel of a life.
Getting to this place of a balanced heart full of
equanimity sufficient to keep from getting swept away by the waves of
emotions, sensations and thoughts requires practice and commitment to
the process of expanding mindfulness.
Cultivating balance in an ever-changing world whose conditions
more-frequently-than-not are beyond our controlled is like surfing
turbulent waves. In time it
can be les of a challenge and more of a skillful art.
In practical terms there is little we can control other than our
own reaction to circumstances. Equanimity
can be instrumental in giving us the energy to persist, regardless of
the outcome, because we are connected to the integrity of the effort
itself. Through mindfulness
we can observe our inner world and see when the mind is reactive or
under control. Through this practice we can choose radical acceptance of
what we can’t change or take a course of action that reflects our
highest aspiration. In
the ancient Yogic scripture, The
Bhagavad Gita, Techniques I have found very useful for cultivating equanimity begin with sitting quietly so as to connect with the calming aspect of the breath. Two specific practices include metered breathing and alternate nostril breathing. The first requires you to count internally to a sustainable number as you inhale and then exhale to the same count. Make sure the length of your count is sufficiently long to slowly breath in and out; also comfortable enough that you are not straining. Try starting out with a six-count in and out and observe the results. You can experiment over time and shorten or lengthen your count as you see fit. Another variation of this is to expand your count by one with each complete round until your breath is at a maximum length and you can observe your quiet mental and physical response to pushing the edge. Another powerful breathing practice is alternating your in and out breath from nostril to nostril. In this practice you will start by blocking your right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through your left nostril; follow by inhaling through the left nostril then block it closed with the ring finger and exhale through the right nostril. Continue alternating from side to side for three to five minutes and see how effective this technique is for quieting the mind and balancing out your sense of inner quietude and calm. These and any other practice that moves you into your heart center will help you gain control of your reactive mind and will facilitate making optimal choices in forming your behavior and perceptions. It is imperative to recognize that what I’m suggesting be embraced as a life practice that can evolve over time. It takes time to clear out old patterns and re-shape your life into a brilliant gem. Showing yourself compassion when you fall short of your ideal and recognizing that you will have plenty more opportunities to get it right will put things into perspective and add ease to your efforts. We all come from different places and circumstances and face any number of challenges. With the cultivation of the right perspective they can be seen as opportunities in which to apply your practice. As my kids say, “Its all good.” With dedication and an open heart applying this concept may become less of a challenge and more of a way to embrace all the facets of life as a reflection of the innate goodness that is Supreme Consciousness pulsing through all creation. ___________________________________ Life Coaching from a Yogic Perspective: Your Unique Practice Learn how to cultivate your unique practice and path in life with my individualized support. Many have found that a few sessions of one-on-one support can be transformational. Find how you can begin your unique path to health and vibrancy by checking out my website at www.TheYogaCoach.com, or call me directly at 206 861-2775 to discuss setting up a free introductory coaching session. ___________________________________ Notices: ·
I will be expanding
my study of Anusara Yoga with John Friend in
I will also be out of town for the Labor Day weekend. ·
My teaching
schedule: Sunday: 11:15 am – 12:30 pm at Olympic Athletic Club in Ballard
6:30 pm – 7: 45 pm at
Olympic Athletic Club in
Ballard Monday: 12:00 noon to 1:15 pm at Olympic Athletic Club in Ballard Thursday: 7:30 pm to 8:50 pm 7-week class series in my home yoga studio. (Yoga on the lawn—dependent on the weather—with plenty of space available)
Friday:
12:00 noon to 1:15 pm at Olympic
Athletic Club
Saturday: 10 am
morning class at the General-level class open to everyone – bring your neighbors, family and friends!
(Classes
start back up Saturday, September 11th.)
Private Yoga Instruction and/or therapy: For those who want individualized instruction and guidance I also teach private students out of my home. I also offer yoga therapy for individual physical concerns. Private classes are $40 for an hour when a commitment to ten classes is made, or $45 for a single individualized session. Also, I’m available for special group classes at your location. ·
Suggested resource
for deepening your learning and understanding of the spiritual path:
Check out this very readable book from the long-time
practitioner of meditation and yoga, Linda Johnsen:
Meditation is Boring?
Putting life in Your Spiritual Practice. May your heart be filled with peace, joy and light. Namaste,
Will PS. Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to your friends. A link to archived issues can be found at http://www.theyogacoach.com/.
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