Brahmacharya: This Yama asks us to think about where we are putting our energy and if it is getting us closer to or further away from our aspirations.
To allocate energy with wisdom, the yogi keeps their eyes on the prize (liberation) and does not waste energy on things that do not serve their greater purpose - or, at least, they try. The world is full of shiny objects, sexy people and delicious chocolate - making it easy to get distracted from your spiritual aspirations. As part of an ascetic tradition, the early yogis renounced all sensual pleasure and practiced celibacy. In fact ‘Brahmacharya’ is often translated as ‘celibacy’ - which, understandably, makes this principle VERY unpopular. For modern, urban yoga practitioners that are not interested in living like monks, there is another way to understand the meaning of ‘brahmacharya’ and what it asks us to do. We don’t have to renounce the material world, but we do take a page from the ancient’s books and ask ourselves whether the pursuit sensual pleasures is de-railing our pursuit of other aspirations. If it is, we adjust. We simply re-direct our energy. We always have a choice between spending our energy/thoughts/actions on pursuits of the not-so-purposeful kind OR directing them towards pastimes that serve us well and lead to lasting freedom, peace and fulfillment. Brahmacharya can be as simple as that. Here are some ways you might incorporate Brahmacharya into your practice on and off the mat: Intention/Affirmation: I make uplifting choices Contemplation: Autobiography in 5 Chapters a poem by Portia Nelson (swipe to view) To get where you want to go, you may need to choose another avenue next time;) Off the mat: Notice which activities and people in your life raise you up and bring you closer to your goals and which do not. Adjust who and what you devote your time and energy to. On the mat: Explore energy management through postures and breathing. What kind of practice will give you the energy you need to do your life today?
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Yoga is a process of turning focus INWARD to find peace, freedom and fulfillment. So, if you are a yogi and you find yourself stealing other people's stuff, it strongly suggests that you are searching for fulfillment in the wrong place - the EXTERNAL world. When your yogic values are in order, adding to your pile of stuff just isn't a priority. Especially when it involves stealing, which violates the first two principles of practice - it's harmful and dishonest. Asteya is about not stealing things, sure. It is also about valuing things appropriately. Our actions are determined by our thoughts. Where we spend our resources like attention, energy and money and the way we interact with others is a reflection of our values. The yogic prescription for peace and freedom involves loosening our attachments to material things so we can pursue fulfillment within. “You can’t even see the real yoga.” -D Swenson Here are some ways you might practice asteya - both on and off the mat: Affirmation/Intention: 'I acknowledge the value of things.' Supportive Breath/ Mudra: Shanmukhi Mudra and Bramhari/Bumblebee breath (swipe for video) to focus attention internally On the Mat: recognize that the value of yoga postures is not in creating the shapes themselves. Poses are a tool to help you practice mindfulness, focus and presence in the moment. Off the Mat: practice recognizing the value of non-material things: time, energy, health, loving and harmonious relationships, engaging in meaningful activity, having a sense of purpose. Also, don’t steal stuff. |
AuthorAmanda Tripp, Yoga/body nerd and woman of a 1000 opinions Archives
February 2024
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