Finding the Peace in the Pose

In the presence of one firmly established in non-violence, all hostilities cease. --Patanjali, 2:35

This quote from the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali calls for one to find peace within oneself when devoted to a yoga practice. Patanjali points out that we tend to be at war within ourselves and once we can establish non-violence within, we can find inner strength and it's existence within. This same essence is found in chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita called "The War Within." Previously, I've discussed here the concept of "ahimsa" or non-violence. Taken a step further we can look at the aspect of non-violence as peace.

As you practice your yoga postures, pushing yourself to execute the pose in a certain way can put you at war with yourself. Ceasing hostilities means avoiding the violence you do to yourself. Instead, allow yourself to move into the pose as you listen to your body. As you move into and maybe hold the pose for a few breaths allow yourself then to begin to engage the different parts of your body that you instinctively know help you get deeper into the pose. Listen to your body and find the peace in the pose.

Yoga itself is really a meditation. All that we do in yoga whether it is postures, breathwork, or any of the higher branches, we are still meditating. Concentrating the mind on moving peacefully into a pose is a form of meditation. Doing something with your body helps your mind to be singly focused on that thing or things within the body helping you get into that pose. Whether you are doing a flow practice or slower paced alignment practice where you hold the poses, avoid forcing yourself into the posture. Make peace with it first.

Yoga Nidra Tonight

Yoga Nidra tonight at 7:30. This week's theme is a healing journey using a volcano as our landscape. Come for this deep meditative experience. If you are traveling, you do not need video to do yoga nidra. You can always listen in via phone. Register here.

Private Lessons

I continue to be available for private one-to-one lessons tailored to your needs. Those with joint replacements, bone health concerns, and other issues that face those 50+ are my specialty. Contact me using the form below to find out more.

Resources

Easwaran, E. (translator). (2007). The bhagavad gita. Tomales, CA: Blue Mountain Center of Meditation.

Satchidanandanda, S.S. (translator). (2012). The yoga sutras of patanjali. Buckingham, VA: Integral Yoga (r) Publications.