Yoga Arts and Crafts

"The illumined sages say Knowledge is twofold, higher and lower. The study of the Vedas, linguistics, r ituals, astronomy, and all the arts, Can be called lower knowledge. The higher is that which leads to Self realisation." (Mundaka Upanishad, I, 1)

Your sankalpa is a word or phrase that you choose yourself that reflects your most important intention in life, (what gives you your sense of purpose). We silently repeat our own individual sankalpa 3 times during Yoga Nidra (systematic yogic relaxation). Repeating this whilst in a relaxed state (when we are most receptive), and with the guidance of an experienced teacher can strengthen our will power and brings us the energy to pursue our intentions in a non - harming way, with respect for others and at a comfortable pace. (Remember, that the first natural law of Yoga is non -violence, or ahimsa, and that every posture must be firm but relaxed. We not only apply this in the physical yoga postures, but take this into whatever we do, so we can see the relaxing and strengthening benefits of yoga in our daily lives). You find your sankalpa by observing sensations, thoughts and feelings during your practice. If you dont find it on the first lesson, don't worry! The sankalpa can ...

Surya Namaskar 

Simple techniques for meditation include: i. meditation on the breath ii. meditation on a visualized or actual object such as an area of the body for healing, the chakras within the body, a deity, mandala, candle, yantra, or a quality such as compassion, and/or iii. the repetition of a mantra , (a sacred sound), which can be with the use of a mala , or prayer beads. Don't Worry About "Achieving" the Meditative State - This Occurs Naturally After Some Time Once you are well on your way in your yoga practice and healthy in body and approach you may be able to sit still and focus your awareness on a single point. This, according to the Yoga sutras of Patanjali, will lead you spontaneously into meditation. So it is actually concentration that we sit down to practice, i.e. the continuous focus on a specific point, not meditation. Meditation is the stage that follows it. Some Benefits of Meditation Meditation offers a chance to bring our attention to our rich inner and ...