Dear all,
I would like to start this newsletter with this sutra of Patanjali.
ANUBHUTA VISYA SAMPRAMOSAH SMRTIH
Patanjali Yoga Sutra Book I - 11
click here to listen to the chant
"Memory is when an experience continues to live within you, haunting you like a ghost."
Memory is our attachment of the impression created by our past experiences.
Every time we remember we revive the same initial emotional response. All of our negative emotional memories are stored in our physical cells.
Not so long ago, someone sent me an email asking me to sign a petition against fur farming in China . (Which I think all of you should sign too. click here if you are interested) Anyway, this is not the topic of this newsletter. The writer of the mail made a point to warn us not to watch the accompanying video stating that it was too cruel.
Of course, what did I do, I watched it and I was completely shocked. I wasn't even able to watch it in its entirety. In this video there were skinning alive poor animals. Of course, afterwards, every time I would think about it, my whole body was shrieking. I was really upset at my deep core.
What did I learn from that experience beside that I am bit rebellious?
I learned that if I wanted I could choose to stop thinking about it. Every time I would think about that, I would choose to not revisit it. I had to discipline my mind to not go there. I had to stop thinking about it before I would see the little legs moving in the inner vision of my mind. Otherwise, I would want to cry and my body and soul would ached.
We have no control on our thoughts but yogic science says we have the choice to dispose of them. Our thoughts are controlling us because we let them: fear, worries, grudges, jalousie, envy… We ignite the story, run with the thoughts and relive it.
Patanjali give us solutions in the sutras, here are a few quotes:
The clouds that obscure knowledge disturb your breathing.
Inhale and notice your breath.
Exhale and blow away the grief, hopelessness, and fear.
Breathe and dispel the clouds.
(Sutra I-31)
Still your mind and all clouds disappear.
Contemplate a single truth
And clear sky appears.
(Sutra I-32)
So many ways to still the mind,
Make friends with those who live in joy;
Have compassion for those who suffer,
Delight in those who shine with virtue and integrity,
Turn your thoughts away from those who dwell in darkness.
(Sutra I-33)
Easier said than done some of you say!
The ancient yogis understood the connection between posture, breath, and emotions. Emotions are created by our thoughts, so as the mind becomes still our emotions are dispersed and loose grip on us. The various aspects of the yoga practice (pranayama, mantra chanting, asana, mudra and meditation) affect our mental state and help us balance our thoughts and emotions.
Our yoga mat is a microcosm of our world. We first practice on the mat - meditation and asanas - and then we can apply what we have learned in the real world. When you move the body through asana we release blockages and begin to shift negative thoughts and behavior patterns. While focusing on the asana you calm your minds and emotional state. Eventually, you will be applying this in your meditation.
If you practice yoga in this spirit, you will experience profound peace and serenity during and after your asana practice. It is with this in mind that I have opened the Sanctuary.
I am please to anounce that I will be leading a retreat at Kumara Shakti at the end of April 2010. The details will be soon on the website.
In peace and light,
Linda Madani
about the location To view a map how to get the sanctuary, in pdf file click here... or in photo jpeg click here. |
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