When was the
last time you looked at the clouds and just watched them sail by forming shapes
with them in your mind?
Time is a
funny concept. It seems like forever
that we have been living in our new house yet it has only been a matter of
weeks. Yoga teaches us that time is an
illusion. The present is fleeting and
cannot be grasped and the past and the future are non-existent in the present
but when we are fully present (here now) time passes unnoticed.
See Swami
Sivanandas explanation below....
‘ When the mind is fully
concentrated, time passes unnoticed, as if it did not exist. When the mind is
focused, there is no time! Time is nothing but a modification of the mind.
Time, Space, and causation and all external experiences are mental creation.
All
happiness achieved through the mind is temporary and fleeting; it is limited by
nature. To achieve that state of lasting happiness and absolute peace, we must
first know how to calm the mind, to concentrate and go beyond the mind. By
turning the mind's concentration inward, upon the self, we can deepen that
experience of perfect concentration. This is the state of Meditation".
The Techniques of Meditation
Meditation
is an experience that cannot be described, just as colours cannot be described
to a blind man. All ordinary experience
is limited by Time, Space and Causation. Our normal awareness and understanding
do not transcend these bounds.
Finite experience, which is
measured in terms of past, present and future, cannot be transcendental.
Concepts of time are illusory, for they have no permanence. The present,
immeasurably small and fleeting, cannot be grasped. Past and future are
non-existent in the present. We live in illusion.
The
meditative state transcends all such limitations. In it there is neither past
nor future, but only the consciousness of "I am" in the eternal NOW.
It is only possible when all mental modifications are stilled.
During the
several weeks that we have been living in Horning home improvements have been
constant, family have visited and at times my head has been spinning. I have felt the need to meditate, cultivate
happiness and let go of the future and the past more than ever. We will be exploring more on meditation in
the coming weeks.
This week we
have been looking at how Yoga is not just exercise but is so very healing for
the mind and the body. Yes we can nourish our physical body but as explained in
the Yogic concept of the body (a multi layered Jacket) each layer or Kosha
nourishes the next. There are 5 layers
or Koshas each becoming more subtle as you travel inwards.
Anandamaya
Kosha – The physical body
Pranamaya Kosha
– The energy body
Manumaya
Kosha – The lower or thinking mind
Vijnamaya
Kosha - The higher or psychic mind
Anandamaya
Losha – The bliss Body – our Inner Self
If we do not
nourish our subtle inner layer the outer manifestation of our body becomes
disordered and unharmonious. So how can
we nourish our Inner Self. Take time for
ourselves. Sit and breathe.
Nadi Shodhana
or alternate nostril breathing is a very balancing healing pranayama practice.
Sit
comfortably.
Raise your
right hand in a fist. Extend thumb, little and ring finger. Place Ring finger and thumb to your
nostrils. Thumb closes the right nostril
and ring finger closes the left. Try and
keep your thumb and finger in connection with your nostrils throughout the
practice.
Take a deep
breath in through both nostrils then out through both nostrils. Block your right nostril and inhale with the
left, at the top of your inhalation block both then release the right nostril
and exhale out through the right. Inhale right, at the top of your inhale block
both then release the left nostril and exhale out through the left. That is one complete round. Continue in your own timing breathing full
and deeply into your belly and chest.
Never force the breath, keep it flowing with ease.
Continue for
several minutes (15 or more if you have the time) then release your hand and
place it gently onto your thigh. Focus
your breath on both nostrils noticing the sensations here. When you are ready slowly open your eyes
keeping your gaze soft.
You are ready
to head into your day feeling fresh, recharged and revitalized.
UP AND COMING WORKSHOPS
I have had
some great feedback about practicing Yoga Nidra in class, except that it is not
long enough! This gave me an idea and I
would like to offer a workshop 2.5 hours of practice including Pranayama
(breath awareness) Asanas (postures) and a lovely long Yoga Nidra. The workshop is to be held on Silver Road at
the Baptist Church Hall on Saturday 21 July, 10:30-1pm. Cost £25 Seniors/concessions
£20
Birth Preparation Workshop
For you and your birthing partner to learn breathing techniques, birthing positions, relaxation and massage techniques. Plus loads of Handy information to help you on your baby's birthing day.
When: Saturday 30 June 1:30-4:30pm
Where: Baptist Church Hall Silver Road
Cost: £35 per couple
Contact jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk for further information and reservations.
SUMMER CLASSES
The current Baby
Yoga course runs until 26 July. The
following course will commence 6 September.
If you are interested in booking on this course please contact Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk
Pregnancy Yoga. The next course runs 11 July-15
August inclusive. The following course
commences 5 September, please contact Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk
for further information and reservations.
General Yoga
Currently the
final InnerSpace class is 23 July although I may be able to run a class
on 30th July, please let me know if you would be interested in booking
onto this class – I will keep you posted. Classes resume 3 September.
Catton. Final class is Wednesday 18 July
due to the hall being unavailable on 25th. I may be able to run 2 extra classes 4th
& 11th August, please let me know if you would like to book onto
these classes. Classes resume 5
September.
NOTICE BOARD
This is a new
feature of the Newsletter where you can really get involved. This is an opportunity for you to share
information about events, services or people in your community. Share readings, poems or anything that you
find of interest. This week I would like
to share a reading that was given to me by one of my students – so lovely, so
perfect.
Doha
by Ven. Lama Gendun Rinpoche
Happiness cannot be found through
great effort and willpower,
but is already there, in relaxation
and letting go.
Don’t strain yourself, there is
nothing to do.
Whatever arises in the mind has
no importance at all
because it has no reality whatsoever.
Don’t become attached to it.
Don’t pass judgement.
Let the game happen on its own,
springing up and falling back
- without changing anything -
and all will vanish and reappear,
without end.
Only our searching for happiness
prevents us from seeing it.
It is like a rainbow that you run
after without ever catching it.
Although it does not exist.
It has always been there and
accompanies you every instant.
Don’t believe in the reality of good
and bad experiences;
they are like rainbows.
Wanting to grasp the ungraspable,
you exhaust yourself in vain.
As soon as you relax this grasping,
space is there -
open, inviting and comfortable.
So, make use of it. All is yours already.
Don’t search any further.
Don’t go into the inextricable jungle
looking for the elephant
Who is already quietly at home.
Nothing to do,
nothing to force,
nothing to want -
And everything happens by itself.
...NOTICE BOARD
I would also
like to share my recent Farm Shop discovery.
Hill Farm fruit and veg. Either
produced on the farm or locally sources.
I have found the prices to be so much cheaper than the supermarkets and
the taste is heavenly. I was told that
the carrots are hand picked each morning – cant get much fresher than that :0)
Hill Farm is
on the North Walsham Road just after Crostwick.
Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Last but not
least... One of my students makes bunting that she donates to the Cats
Protection charity. If you have any
oddments of material lying around your house that you would like to pass on
please bring them into class and I will ensure they are donated.
Many thanks
for taking the time to read. Enjoy the
sun, and remember to take time to watch the passing clouds [remember not to
look at the sun ;0) ]
Much love
xxx
