Meditation is not something we do; it’s something we fall into when the conditions are right. And how do we set the right conditions? By training the mind to concentrate—to be able to focus on an object of some kind without straying. Is it Meditation? The techniques we’ve been led
For community time after the Breath Practice each day, we are in month four of a fascinating journey into the exploration of the Yamas and Niyamas. This month we have opened the treasure chest of Brahmacharya. It has not disappointed. We’ve been surprised and challenged. Brahmacharya’s meaning includes moderation, non-excess, energy management and its translation is “walking towards creation.” I think of it as gathering energy, avoiding wasting energy, to serve my vitality and the highest good.
Our exploration of Asteya began with stories of childhood and adolescent petty larceny. Shoplifting. Stealing from Dad’s wallet. Taking money from that pumping gas job. The blurred boundaries of the college years when sharing drifted into rationalized taking, “he doesn’t need that as much as I do.” One person shared that “we used to call it ‘stealing from the man,’ reflecting a common attitude that a corporation takes more than it gives.
And, don’t forget tax loopholes, pay phone coin returns and illegal parking.
We acknowledged some regret, remorse, humility, a bit of shame. Yet, we were unaware that we hadn’t really begun the deep exploration of non-stealing that was about to evolve.
Yoga has been a saving grace in my life. This ancient practice has served as an anchor through many challenges over the years. It has enabled me to develop a deep relationship with my body, mind and spirit. It is from this place that I teach.
I first began exploring yoga when I was 17. It touched me at a tender time through a small book on yoga my mother gave me shortly before she passed away at that time. I followed the guidelines given and started to feel soft shifts within. I practiced mostly on my own through college, then started with a few teachers.
Does the idea of doing yoga with a chair sound unappealing? Do you imagine chair yoga is not “real yoga,” that it’s for others who are less mobile, or maybe more limited than you? I hear over and over again variations on this sentiment, “I never expected how good I would feel after a chair practice.” Consider chair yoga is not just an alternative to mat/floor yoga; in many ways chair yoga can be an enhancement. The chair is a surprisingly versatile yoga prop and can help you go deeper in your practice.
This is the first in a series of videos from graduates of the Dynamic Gentle Yoga Teacher Training with Rudy Peirce. Are you interested in making yoga more accessible to people who may not think they can do yoga? Learn why Tammy chose this training and how it changed her
Is there anything to be learned from the thousands-of-years-old Yamas and Niyamas? Last month we began with Ahimsa, do no harm in thought word or deed. I was amazed at how many aspects of myself I had to look into. Subtle ways I harm myself through my shyness to ask
The GentleYogis 8am Breath Practice has been going on since March 19, 2020. Joyce and I have suited up for nearly every one of these mornings. Many in the community have done it nearly everyday. Many others have been on as regularly as their schedule allows. Mostly, we do it every day. The practice is the same. 5 breath practices. 3 Yoga stretches. 3 Oms. 35 minutes generally. Doesn’t it get boring, you might ask?
The following is a transcript of an excerpt from community time following the Breath Practice on May 31, 2021 in which Rudy gave a short talk on the yogic principles called the Yamas and Niyamas. He describes the first Yama called Ahimsa which translates to non-harming. Today is the beginning
Announcing…a new focus for community time following the Breath Practice / Chair Yoga! Beginning on Monday, May 31, we will be exploring the Yamas and Niyamas, ancient yoga wisdom for daily living, spiritual growth and well-being. We will focus on one of the ten Yamas and Niyamas each month. transitioning