Recently a student thanked me for class and shared her love of the "silent moments" during our practice. She reflected that those moments of quiet are a rarity in our busy lives, something that I'm sure we can all appreciate.
Early in my years of yoga study, I too came to appreciate silence. At first, the intentional pauses during class would seem jarring, and the long-held silence of savasana was very near torture. The busyness of my mind seemed louder than any music or voice. It seemed that when the calm sound of the teacher's voice ceased, the real noise took over...what was up with that?
But slowly I got used to that silence. And funny enough, the noise in my everyday life, which I'm sure I had never even noticed before, suddenly became so obvious! The music blaring from the car radio, the chitchatting in the university cafeteria, the tv playing in the background even though nobody was watching. Where had all this noise come from? Surely I would have noticed this before!
During one especially significant moment I was speeding down the highway rushing to yoga class. As my mind raced "I'm late, I should have left earlier, I'll interrupt everyone" loud music blared from the radio. I hardly noticed. As I kept up this speedy inner dialogue my whole body tensed and my foot pressed more firmly on the gas pedal. Until suddenly I noticed the noise and turned the radio off. With that, my breath slowed, the car slowed and my mind switched to a more mindful, appreciative inner dialogue: "I'm going to yoga, I'm going to nourish my mind and body, it's ok if I'm a few minutes late, I'll enter quietly and everyone will understand".
Since then I've been very mindful of the effect sound has on our well being. Sounds of all sorts have their time and place. Loud isn't always bad, sometimes loud music is just what the soul needs! But the key is to choose how sound will be a part of your life rather than always having it in the background and just never noticing. If I want to listen to music in the car, I do. But sometimes I don't want to and so I turn it off and enjoy the silence. Sometimes I like to play music when I practice or teach yoga, but sometimes my well being or that of my students is better served without music.
Yoga teacher and writer Georg Feurstein says "it is in silence and as silence that we discover our authentic identity, the Self". Ultimately integrating moments of silence into your life will lead you to stillness, which is the ultimate goal of yoga. Here are a few easy ways to experiment with quiet:
- the next time there is a moment of silence during a yoga class, or even a longer silence as in savasana, notice your reaction to it. Don't judge your reaction or label it as "bad", just notice. This will help you understand your existing relationship to quiet. From that place of understanding you can begin to accept the silence. Use your breath as a point of meditation and follow the inhale and the exhale, letting thoughts go as you breathe.
- when you find yourself having a conversation with a friend or family member notice other sounds in the space. Is there music? Is the television on? Maybe you even notice the sound of a fan or a computer humming. If these are sounds you can control, turn them off and notice the change in your attention level during the conversation.
- take 10, 15, 30 or even 60 minutes out of your day and commit to the practice of mauna, or silence (not speaking). The beginning or end of your day, or beginning or end of your yoga class is a good time to practice mauna. Notice the effect that not speaking has on you and those around you. At first you may feel silly or anti social, but as you continue to practice, you and the people around you will come to appreciate the positive effects of silence (even in small doses!)
- turn off the stereo, car radio, television and/or any other electronic device that creates sound when it is not actively being used and enjoyed.
- before you fall asleep at night and before you get up in the morning take a few moments of silence to observe the natural noises during these inherently quiet times. Maybe you can hear birds in the morning or the sound of the wind. In the nighttime perhaps there's music coming from a home nearby or the sound of dogs barking. Acquaint yourself with these natural sounds and enjoy them for what they are. These are noises that already exist around you. When you speak, play music, or turn on the hairdryer these new sounds are being layered on top of the natural noises to create the everyday hum of life!
In silence and stillness,
Meaghan
Showing posts with label life tools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life tools. Show all posts
Monday, May 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Studentship
As you know, I spent last week studying Anusara yoga with Barrie Risman. It was so revitalizing to be a student again! During our week-long session we touched on the importance of studentship - what it means to be a good student and how important that is to our practice and our teaching.
Yoga is a tradition that for thousands of years was passed orally from teacher to student. What we know of yoga today is the result of years and years of dedicated studentship. Individuals interested in the yoga teachings often had to prove themselves to the Guru (teacher) before he would accept them as students, ensuring that each student had the discipline and will to study seriously.
Today of course, we don't have to prove to our teachers that we're "serious students". The modern practice of yoga means many different things to many different people. Some of us are "serious students" and some of us are not - and where you fall in that categorization totally depends on your definition of "serious".
For me, the study of yoga has taught me a lot about being a student. It teaches me over and over that this path is not black and white. That there are different ways of doing things - different perspectives on the same practices - and that no way is right or wrong. It's all yoga. My study has shown me that things I thought were impossible actually become available to me with dedication and commitment (headstand, handstand and hundreds of other poses - i'm talking about you!). The study of yoga has shown me that to be a good student you must listen, decipher and respect the person doing the talking even if you disagree with him or her.
When you break that list down it's easy to see that what I've learned is relevant outside of yoga too. Understanding, dedication and respect are traits that this yoga has cultivated within me and that I am deeply appreciative for.
So the next time you find yourself in the position of "student", take a moment to consider how that studentship is affecting you at the deepest layers of the Self. For me this contemplation makes me hungry for more learning, more teachers, more moments in the role of student because I know that in the end, being a student makes me a better person and teacher.
With thanks to my many teachers (and with gratitude for the opportunity to study),
Meaghan
Yoga is a tradition that for thousands of years was passed orally from teacher to student. What we know of yoga today is the result of years and years of dedicated studentship. Individuals interested in the yoga teachings often had to prove themselves to the Guru (teacher) before he would accept them as students, ensuring that each student had the discipline and will to study seriously.
Today of course, we don't have to prove to our teachers that we're "serious students". The modern practice of yoga means many different things to many different people. Some of us are "serious students" and some of us are not - and where you fall in that categorization totally depends on your definition of "serious".
For me, the study of yoga has taught me a lot about being a student. It teaches me over and over that this path is not black and white. That there are different ways of doing things - different perspectives on the same practices - and that no way is right or wrong. It's all yoga. My study has shown me that things I thought were impossible actually become available to me with dedication and commitment (headstand, handstand and hundreds of other poses - i'm talking about you!). The study of yoga has shown me that to be a good student you must listen, decipher and respect the person doing the talking even if you disagree with him or her.
When you break that list down it's easy to see that what I've learned is relevant outside of yoga too. Understanding, dedication and respect are traits that this yoga has cultivated within me and that I am deeply appreciative for.
So the next time you find yourself in the position of "student", take a moment to consider how that studentship is affecting you at the deepest layers of the Self. For me this contemplation makes me hungry for more learning, more teachers, more moments in the role of student because I know that in the end, being a student makes me a better person and teacher.
With thanks to my many teachers (and with gratitude for the opportunity to study),
Meaghan
Thursday, December 3, 2009
How Often Should I Practice?
Most people who practice yoga hope to find something special within their practice. And so they should! Yoga, in all it's many manifestations, can be absolutely life-changing. Whether you are seeking a form of physical therapy to aid in injury recovery or are looking for a more meaningful, spiritual life, yoga can lead you there. However, a key question that we all consider at one time or another is "how often should I practice?".
The easy answer is about three times per week. Three yoga classes each week is enough to feel the physical and mental benefits of the practice. It's also enough to incorporate yoga into your weekly routine, making it a part of your life.
The more complicated answer is: you should practice yoga every single day. Yoga is very different from an exercise regime - yoga is actually a lifestyle. It's a comprehensive system designed over thousands of years to cultivate peace and wellness - not just during your 75 minute yoga class, but in every moment of your life. We can be mindful in performing all actions, breathe deeply throughout the day, feel gratitude for the life we have and take care of our bodies and minds. This is the practice of yoga.
So if you find yourself wondering if you are practicing yoga with enough regularity, broaden your scope of thought to not only include the yoga asana classes you attend, but the way you carry yourself through life. Are you aware of your body and breath? Do you practice compassion and mindfulness? Is your physical yoga practice trickling into your everyday life to make you a more calm, loving person? You may not notice these things happening right away, but yoga will eventually steep into your being and manifest itself in a multitude of ways.
Om shanti,
Meaghan
The easy answer is about three times per week. Three yoga classes each week is enough to feel the physical and mental benefits of the practice. It's also enough to incorporate yoga into your weekly routine, making it a part of your life.
The more complicated answer is: you should practice yoga every single day. Yoga is very different from an exercise regime - yoga is actually a lifestyle. It's a comprehensive system designed over thousands of years to cultivate peace and wellness - not just during your 75 minute yoga class, but in every moment of your life. We can be mindful in performing all actions, breathe deeply throughout the day, feel gratitude for the life we have and take care of our bodies and minds. This is the practice of yoga.
So if you find yourself wondering if you are practicing yoga with enough regularity, broaden your scope of thought to not only include the yoga asana classes you attend, but the way you carry yourself through life. Are you aware of your body and breath? Do you practice compassion and mindfulness? Is your physical yoga practice trickling into your everyday life to make you a more calm, loving person? You may not notice these things happening right away, but yoga will eventually steep into your being and manifest itself in a multitude of ways.
Om shanti,
Meaghan
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Holiday Rush
It's not hard to tell that Christmas is just around the corner. If the pretty snowflakes and colorful decorations didn't help you clue in, the full parking lots and shopping madness would! It seems that over the last week, St. John's holiday shopping has begun in earnest.
If we look on the bright side, we can remember that this surge of energy and excitement is happening with the best of intentions. People looking for gifts to present to their loved ones during a holiday with love, gratitude and joy at its core.
If, however, we're more inclined to hone in on the throngs of people pushing and rushing, the full parking lots and the garish display of materialism, then this "energy" may represent something totally different.
The difference between these two scenarios is, of course, perspective. Each of us has the power to experience holiday excitement in a positive or a negative way. Chances are we will experience moments of both. One minute we'll happily anticipate the Christmas season and another we'll just wish it could all be over.
The practice of yoga can help us to choose a more positive outlook. At the core of yoga philosophy is the concept of unity - the belief that we are all one. Awareness of this union of yourself with those around you can help cultivate a more forgiving attitude. When we think of ourselves as part of a larger "whole" we find that suddenly, small differences aren't quite so important. So, instead of being angry at the woman who just skipped ahead of you in line at the grocery store, you may find yourself wondering why she's in such a rush today. It's not to say that these injustices won't exist anymore - but your reaction to them can change when we step back from the here and now, and look instead at the larger picture, our part of the larger whole.
Another important concept at this time of year is non-attachment. Non attachment is often misunderstood. It does not mean that we should not care about the people or things in our life. It does not refer to a hazy state of uncaring. Instead, non-attachment is about being liberated from the grasp of material goods and the outcome of life situations so that we can achieve a more even state of being. In the Christmas rush, it's easy to get caught up in the "way things should be". When we set out looking for a specific gift item but can't find it we get upset. When we throw a holiday party and things don't go according to plan we feel disappointed. This attachment to outcomes causes pain; it prevents us from experiencing joy in the moment. By being present and letting go of rigid expectations we can reduce our attachments and more freely enjoy the Christmas season.
Of course, the concepts of unity and non-attachment are more easily discussed than implemented. Yogis spend their whole lives trying to incorporate these concepts into their everyday lives. For most of us, we need a few practical tips to deal with the holiday madness. So here are my suggestions:
1. Breathe! Don't let deep, calming breathing be something only practiced during a yoga class. When you get stuck in a busy shopping mall or a long line, draw your attention onto the breath. Feel your inhalations become a little deeper, and your exhalations a little longer. Let all other external thoughts and sensations slip into the background. It only takes a moment or two for this to slow the heart rate and calm your nervous system.
2. Relax! Literally. Check in with your shoulders. Chances are, in a moment of tension, they've crept up to your ears! Relax them. Draw the shoulders back and down as we do in Tadasana or Adho Mukha Svanasana. This targeted movement tells your body and your sympathetic nervous system that the crisis is over; that you can relax again.
3. Set an intention! Before you go out into a potentially high-stress situation, ask yourself why you are going. If you're going to the grocery store to stockpile for a family dinner, your intention could be "I'm going shopping so that I can bring home delicious food to nourish my family". When you get stuck in a long line, come back to this intention and remind yourself of your ultimate purpose. If you can remember the genuine purpose of any action, the obstacles that suddenly get in the way may not seem quite so daunting.
4. Practice yoga! Whether it's a full class with a teacher or a quick 10 minutes in your own home, don't let your yoga practice slip during this busy season. We have all kinds of excuses to keep us from doing what our bodies and minds really need - but if you know that yoga makes you feel good, do everything possible to find a little time for this nourishment. It will serve you well when you most need it. As one of my teachers, Baba Hari Dass, says "if you work on yoga, yoga will work on you".
These are just a few suggestions. Your own yoga practice will help you develop tools to deal with stressful situations and you'll start to see what works best for you. Take notice and take action so that you can move through this holiday season with joy and gratitude.
Namaste
Meaghan
If we look on the bright side, we can remember that this surge of energy and excitement is happening with the best of intentions. People looking for gifts to present to their loved ones during a holiday with love, gratitude and joy at its core.
If, however, we're more inclined to hone in on the throngs of people pushing and rushing, the full parking lots and the garish display of materialism, then this "energy" may represent something totally different.
The difference between these two scenarios is, of course, perspective. Each of us has the power to experience holiday excitement in a positive or a negative way. Chances are we will experience moments of both. One minute we'll happily anticipate the Christmas season and another we'll just wish it could all be over.
The practice of yoga can help us to choose a more positive outlook. At the core of yoga philosophy is the concept of unity - the belief that we are all one. Awareness of this union of yourself with those around you can help cultivate a more forgiving attitude. When we think of ourselves as part of a larger "whole" we find that suddenly, small differences aren't quite so important. So, instead of being angry at the woman who just skipped ahead of you in line at the grocery store, you may find yourself wondering why she's in such a rush today. It's not to say that these injustices won't exist anymore - but your reaction to them can change when we step back from the here and now, and look instead at the larger picture, our part of the larger whole.
Another important concept at this time of year is non-attachment. Non attachment is often misunderstood. It does not mean that we should not care about the people or things in our life. It does not refer to a hazy state of uncaring. Instead, non-attachment is about being liberated from the grasp of material goods and the outcome of life situations so that we can achieve a more even state of being. In the Christmas rush, it's easy to get caught up in the "way things should be". When we set out looking for a specific gift item but can't find it we get upset. When we throw a holiday party and things don't go according to plan we feel disappointed. This attachment to outcomes causes pain; it prevents us from experiencing joy in the moment. By being present and letting go of rigid expectations we can reduce our attachments and more freely enjoy the Christmas season.
Of course, the concepts of unity and non-attachment are more easily discussed than implemented. Yogis spend their whole lives trying to incorporate these concepts into their everyday lives. For most of us, we need a few practical tips to deal with the holiday madness. So here are my suggestions:
1. Breathe! Don't let deep, calming breathing be something only practiced during a yoga class. When you get stuck in a busy shopping mall or a long line, draw your attention onto the breath. Feel your inhalations become a little deeper, and your exhalations a little longer. Let all other external thoughts and sensations slip into the background. It only takes a moment or two for this to slow the heart rate and calm your nervous system.
2. Relax! Literally. Check in with your shoulders. Chances are, in a moment of tension, they've crept up to your ears! Relax them. Draw the shoulders back and down as we do in Tadasana or Adho Mukha Svanasana. This targeted movement tells your body and your sympathetic nervous system that the crisis is over; that you can relax again.
3. Set an intention! Before you go out into a potentially high-stress situation, ask yourself why you are going. If you're going to the grocery store to stockpile for a family dinner, your intention could be "I'm going shopping so that I can bring home delicious food to nourish my family". When you get stuck in a long line, come back to this intention and remind yourself of your ultimate purpose. If you can remember the genuine purpose of any action, the obstacles that suddenly get in the way may not seem quite so daunting.
4. Practice yoga! Whether it's a full class with a teacher or a quick 10 minutes in your own home, don't let your yoga practice slip during this busy season. We have all kinds of excuses to keep us from doing what our bodies and minds really need - but if you know that yoga makes you feel good, do everything possible to find a little time for this nourishment. It will serve you well when you most need it. As one of my teachers, Baba Hari Dass, says "if you work on yoga, yoga will work on you".
These are just a few suggestions. Your own yoga practice will help you develop tools to deal with stressful situations and you'll start to see what works best for you. Take notice and take action so that you can move through this holiday season with joy and gratitude.
Namaste
Meaghan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
