Brahmacharya: Moderation

We continue the series of the first two limbs of yoga, yamas and niyamas, with the next gem known as Brahmacharya.

Brahmacharya is a yama (or constraint) which literally translates to "walking with one’s highest self" as one comes into awareness of the sanctity of life. (Adele, 2009). In modern practice, brahmacharya refers to non-excessiveness or put even more simply, finding moderation or a middle path (Seiberling, 2018). That is, not too much of this and not too much of that.

Moderation or non-excess means not going to either extreme. To find our highest selves, practicing in the middle is just right to finding your bliss. It is like Goldilocks finding Baby Bear's bed, not too hard, not too soft, but just right for a comfortable sleep. We can find more comfort by being non-excessive, rather than going one extreme or the another.

Like a high wire act, tightrope walkers must find their center of gravity to successfully move forward and avoid falling into a disaster on the ground. With all the adventures that our lives have to offer, it is a high wire act. By keeping our focus in the center we can find a less bumpy path forward no matter our current situation or hardships.

In yoga asana practice, brahmacharya means listening to the body. Do you really want to go that deep into the pose where you can risk an injury or can you pull back a bit and allow your body and mind to settle into the present reality before going toward the next reality in the next moment. Bringing ongoing awareness to your body, your mind, and your breath as you go about daily life can keep your centered and moving inward toward finding your highest self.

Upcoming Classes

Yoga nidra classes continue online at 7:30 ET Monday nights. Join me and Henri the Cat tonight for a beautiful relaxing journey that will help you to heal, relax, and de-stress for an hour. Tonight's theme is an internal journey for nourishing ourselves.

Valentine's Gift Special

If you are looking for a Valentine's gift, maybe a private yoga lesson will do the trick. Be sure to check the box for gift on checkout. Give a private two for one pack to your loved one. 5 packs and 10 packs for online group classes are available at a discounted pricing especially if you plan to gift yourself.

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Yoga for Organizations

Using yoga and meditation techniques, I am available to support an organization's institutional mission and values tailored to the needs of employees. Meditation and yogic exercise have been shown to promote wellness that boosts employee morale, effectiveness, and productivity (Sheelu, Garg, & Rastogi, 2022). If you know someone who may be interested in setting up a meditation or yoga class for a retreat or as a regular amenity in their organization please forward this link to them.

"The body cannot live without the mind." The Matrix (1999). The Wachowskis.

References:

Adele, D. (2009). The yamas & niyamas: exploring yoga's ethical practice. On-Word Bound Books. Kindle Edition.

Seiberling, C. (2018). Yoga's yamas and niyamas 10 principles for peace & purpose. Kindle Edition.
Original Christianity and Original Yoga (2022). Chapter 7. The Meaning of Brahmacharya.