MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES BY LIVING YOUR YOGA
JANUARY 13TH, 2010: Yoga is about wholeness, healthy & vital living in the body, mind, & spirit.
The foundation for this is based on fundamental yogic philosophy written in the Yoga Sutras Chapter 1.30 to Chapter 1.33. The sutras speak about the potential imbalances we may encounter on the physical, mental and emotional levels. They obscure the knowledge of our true nature, which is happiness. Offered are various ways to prevent these imbalances as well as ways to regain balance if lost. They show why the peaceful path is often like walking on the razors edge. The most practical advice teaches how to “informally” integrate these suggestions into everyday life in addition to the “formal” practices of doing yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation.
The Yogic model proposes that the four keys to an open heart and calm mind are to nurture these attitudes:
- Kindness and friendliness to those who are happy
- Compassion for those that are suffering or less fortunate
- Respect and honor for those that who embody noble qualities
- Equanimity for those whose actions oppose our values
At first these four keys to help enable us to retain our inner peace in all circumstances seem easy. But applying these in day to day life is more challenging than we think. We often fool ourselves into believing we are kinder than we really are and can use this practice to really see where our actions are not aligned with what we believe ourselves to be. Most of all this teaches us that we are responsible for co-creating our life. We have the four keys to our happiness. Love in all ways, Silvia