Student Spotlight!

Student Milestone Spotlight:
Nancy E. reaches 250 classes!

Reaching 250 classes is a remarkable achievement!  What has motivated you to continue showing up on the mat?

I know that yoga is the healthiest thing that I can do for my body and well being, especially as I get older. I look forward to going to the Iyengar Yoga Source studio twice a week and it makes me feel good that I'm following a healthy path for myself. I've tried many other styles of yoga over the years and found Iyengar to be the best fit for me. At IYS, I love that the teachers are highly skilled, devoted practitioners and teachers, making classes varied and challenging. Each class is special and unique - I learn something new at every class.

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How has your relationship with yoga and our studio community evolved throughout your journey to 250 classes?

I started doing yoga 50 years ago with friends using Sri Swami Satchidananda's book. I recall that he breathed in one end of a thin towel in each nostril. I didn't go that far, but I did, and still do, the eye exercises. Over the years, I practiced on and off and tried many varieties of yoga. The first time I came across Iyengar Yoga was here at IYS and took to it immediately. I learned to breath more easily while doing pranayama and how to keep my foot from slipping in vrksasana in my first couple of classes. I feel confident that I'm learning the proper positions for all the asanas and am evolving as a yogi. I challenge myself at every class, even though somedays that means just getting to the mat. I have a goal of developing my home practice, including shirshasana and adho mukha vrksasana.

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Are there any significant lessons or insights you've gained from practicing yoga consistently and attending such a significant number of classes?

To move in a pose toward the ultimate posture, it helps to visualize various parts of your body moving, e.g., back of ears, shoulder blades (upper and lower), sides of calves, outer ankle, middle or top of the butt, little toe, big toe, fourth toe, skin of the back, top of knee, bottom of knee, etc. Often when I'm given a suggestion/instruction like this, "move your right sit bone toward left ankle," I can feel how that movement changes the overall posture. Then once I feel the effect, my body can remember it. That's the goal. Those various adjustments build up over time to a point where you can feel the pose without thinking too much with your brain, or rather, "your brain is all over your body". Also, it often is not the easiest way to hold a pose that is the best way, so you have to watch out for that. I want to keep going to IYS and further develop that ability to feel the poses the correct way.

Embracing Wellness: The Transformative Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

As we gracefully navigate the golden years, prioritizing our well-being becomes increasingly essential. One practice that stands out as a gentle yet powerful tool for enhancing physical and mental health is yoga. Tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors, yoga offers a myriad of benefits that contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life. In this blog, we'll explore the transformative advantages of yoga for seniors.

1. Enhances Flexibility:

Yoga is renowned for its ability to improve flexibility, a crucial aspect of maintaining mobility as we age. Gentle stretches and poses in senior-focused yoga sequences work to release tension in joints and muscles, promoting increased range of motion and reducing the risk of stiffness.

2. Builds Strength:

Maintaining muscle mass and strength is vital for seniors, contributing to overall stability and reducing the risk of falls. Senior-specific yoga sequences incorporate strength-building exercises that target key muscle groups, fostering physical resilience and vitality.

3. Promotes Balance and Coordination:

Yoga places a strong emphasis on balance and coordination, essential components of healthy aging. By practicing poses that challenge equilibrium, seniors can enhance their stability, leading to increased confidence and a lower likelihood of accidents.

4. Supports Joint Health:

Yoga's gentle movements and mindful approach benefit joint health by promoting lubrication and reducing inflammation. Seniors with conditions such as arthritis may find relief through the low-impact nature of yoga, allowing them to engage in physical activity comfortably.

5. Boosts Mental Well-Being:

The mind-body connection is a central theme in yoga, and this holds particular significance for seniors. Through breath awareness, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, yoga helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a positive mental outlook.

6. Enhances Respiratory Function:

Pranayama, or breath control exercises, are integral to yoga practice. These techniques not only improve lung capacity but also enhance respiratory function, providing seniors with a practical tool for maintaining optimal health.

7. Encourages Social Connection:

Engaging in yoga classes tailored for seniors creates a supportive community environment. Building connections with like-minded individuals fosters a sense of belonging and encourages regular participation, contributing to both physical and mental well-being.

8. Adaptable for All Levels:

Yoga for seniors is inherently adaptable, recognizing the diverse range of abilities within this demographic. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, the practice can be tailored to suit individual needs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Conclusion:

As we embrace the wisdom that comes with age, prioritizing our health becomes a gift to ourselves. Yoga, with its tailored approach for seniors, offers a holistic path to well-being—nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. By incorporating yoga into your routine, you embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and enhanced vitality. Embrace the transformative benefits of yoga for seniors, and let your golden years be a celebration of wellness and joy.

Learn more about our yoga for seniors series here.

Elevate Your Well-Being: The Ultimate Guide to the Benefits of a Weekly Yoga Class

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, carving out time for self-care can feel like a challenge. Yet, committing to a weekly yoga class can be a powerful investment in your overall well-being. In this article, we explore the profound benefits that stem from the regular practice of yoga and why dedicating time to a weekly class can lead to transformative changes in your life.

Cultivating Mindfulness:

A weekly yoga class serves as a dedicated space to cultivate mindfulness. In the midst of our busy lives, the practice of mindful movement, breath awareness, and meditation allows us to anchor ourselves in the present moment. This heightened awareness extends beyond the class, influencing how we approach challenges and opportunities in our daily lives.

Physical Well-Being:

Consistency is key when it comes to physical health. A weekly yoga class provides a structured routine that contributes to increased flexibility, strength, and balance. The varied asanas (postures) and sequences promotes overall physical well-being and preventing the stiffness that can result from a sedentary lifestyle.

Stress Reduction:

Yoga is renowned for its stress-relieving properties. The cumulative effect of these practices over time can lead to a more balanced nervous system, improved resilience to stress, and a greater sense of calm in daily life.

Building Community:

Attending a weekly yoga class provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals on a similar journey. The shared experience of the practice fosters a sense of community, support, and encouragement. This communal aspect not only enhances the joy of the practice but also creates a positive environment for personal growth.

Emotional Balance:

Yoga is a holistic practice that addresses not only the physical body but also the mind and emotions. A consistent weekly practice can contribute to emotional balance by providing tools to navigate challenges, release tension, and cultivate a positive mindset. The mindfulness cultivated on the mat gradually extends into our emotional responses off the mat.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery:

Over time, a weekly yoga class becomes a journey of self-discovery. The introspective nature of the practice encourages self-reflection and personal growth. As you delve deeper into the layers of your practice, you may uncover new strengths, overcome limitations, and develop a greater understanding of yourself.

A Weekly Commitment to Self:

In a world characterized by constant movement, a weekly yoga class offers a precious pause—a dedicated moment to reconnect with yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. By committing to this consistent practice, you embark on a journey of self-care, personal growth, and holistic well-being. The transformative power lies not just in the individual sessions but in the cumulative effect of embracing the practice week after week. So, roll out your mat, breathe deeply, and let the journey unfold—one class at a time.

Maintaining the Essence of Yoga: The Significance of Svarupa in Asana Practice

In the pursuit of physical and mental well-being, yoga has emerged as a holistic practice that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Central to this ancient discipline is the practice of asanas, or physical postures, which are designed to promote physical strength, flexibility, and balance. The quote, by B.K.S. Iyengar "Whatever asana one performs it should not distort the normal or original structure of the anatomical body. Each and every part of the joints and muscles must be kept in their natural shape and form (svarupa)," encapsulates a fundamental principle in yoga—one that emphasizes the preservation of the natural and original state of the body during asana practice. In this article, we will unpack the profound meaning behind this quote and explore its implications for a wholesome and sustainable yoga practice.

Understanding Svarupa

Svarupa, a Sanskrit term, translates to "one's own form" or "true nature." In the context of yoga, it refers to maintaining the natural alignment and structure of the body during the performance of asanas. The essence of svarupa lies in honoring the unique anatomical structure of each individual, recognizing that no two bodies are identical. This principle discourages the adoption of extreme or unnatural postures that may lead to distortion or strain.

Preserving the Integrity of Joints and Muscles

The quote underscores the importance of safeguarding the integrity of joints and muscles. Yoga asanas are not meant to force the body into shapes that it is not naturally inclined to take. Instead, practitioners are encouraged to move through postures with awareness, allowing joints and muscles to articulate in a way that respects their inherent range of motion. This approach not only prevents injury but also fosters a deeper connection with the body, promoting self-awareness and mindfulness.

Avoiding Distortion: The Pitfall of Overambition

In the pursuit of mastering advanced yoga poses, practitioners may sometimes be tempted to push their bodies beyond their natural limits. However, the quote warns against such overambition, emphasizing that the true essence of yoga lies not in achieving complex postures but in the journey towards self-discovery and well-being. Distorting the body for the sake of appearance or accomplishment runs counter to the core philosophy of yoga, which seeks harmony and balance in all aspects of life.

Holistic Well-being: Beyond the Physical

While the quote primarily addresses the physical aspect of yoga practice, its implications extend beyond the anatomical body. Svarupa in asana practice serves as a metaphor for embracing one's true self in a broader sense—accepting oneself without judgment or comparison. By cultivating a mindset that values authenticity over external standards, practitioners can experience a more profound and holistic sense of well-being.

In the world of yoga, the quote on svarupa in asana practice serves as a guiding principle for practitioners on their journey to physical, mental, and spiritual harmony. It urges us to approach yoga with mindfulness, honoring the unique form and structure of our bodies. By doing so, we not only reduce the risk of injury but also tap into the deeper dimensions of the practice, fostering a sense of self-discovery and acceptance. Ultimately, the essence of svarupa invites us to embrace the true nature of both our bodies and our selves, fostering a more authentic and enriching yoga experience.

Restorative Yoga Postures: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding moments of stillness and tranquility is essential for our overall well-being. These postures provide a path to profound relaxation, rejuvenation, and healing. In this article, we will explore the key benefits of restorative yoga postures and provide you with a step-by-step guide to experience these benefits in your own practice.

Benefits

1. **Deep Relaxation:** Restorative yoga postures can involve the use of props such as blankets, bolsters, and straps to fully support the body in each pose. This allows you the opportunity to release tension and experience deep relaxation. Postures are held for an extended period, enabling the body to surrender and find stillness.

2. **Improved Flexibility:** Restorative poses gently stretch and open the body, promoting flexibility without strain. Over time, this can lead to increased mobility and a greater range of motion in joints and muscles.

3. **Stress Reduction:** The practice of restorative yoga encourages mindfulness and conscious breathing. This combination helps reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and alleviate anxiety.

4. **Healing and Recovery:** Restorative yoga is often used for therapeutic purposes, aiding in the recovery from injuries or medical conditions. The gentle nature of the poses allows the body to heal naturally.

5. **Enhanced Circulation:** Certain restorative poses, when held correctly, can improve blood circulation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with circulatory issues.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. **Set the Mood:** Find a quiet, clutter-free space. Use soft lighting to create a peaceful ambiance. Prepare your props, including blankets, bolsters, straps, and yoga blocks.

2. **Choose Your Poses:** Select 2-4 restorative poses for your practice. Common restorative poses include Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose), Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose), and Savasana (Corpse Pose).

3. **Savasana Preparation:** Begin with Savasana. Place a folded blanket or bolster under your knees and one under your head. Close your eyes and focus on your breath for a few minutes.

4. **Supta Baddha Konasana:** For this pose, use a bolster to support your back and a folded blanket under your head and neck. Bring the soles of your feet together and let your knees drop to the sides. Breathe deeply, feeling your chest and abdomen rise and fall.

5. **Viparita Karani:** Place a bolster or folded blankets near a wall. Sit with your side against the wall and your knees bent. Gently swing your legs up the wall and lie back, extending your arms to the sides.

6. **Stay in Each Pose:** Hold each pose for 5-10 minutes, or as long as comfortable. Focus on your breath and let go of any tension in your body with each exhalation.

7. **Release and Rest:** To release from a pose, gently remove the props and take a moment to feel the effects before you move on. Allow the benefits of the pose to integrate into your body.

8. **Complete Your Practice:** When you've completed all your chosen poses, lie in Savasana for a few minutes, letting go of any remaining tension. Slowly sit up and return to your daily activities, feeling rejuvenated and centered.

Restorative yoga poses offer a powerful means of relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation. By incorporating these poses into your regular practice, you can experience their numerous benefits and achieve a deeper sense of peace and well-being in your life.

At Iyengar Yoga Source, we have a weekly Sunday Evening Restoratives class at 5:30pm and teach Restoratives and Pranayama every 5 weeks in our Intermediate classes.

Self aware or self conscious?

BKS Iyengar often discussed the importance of developing self awareness and distinguishing it from self consciousness. 

First, it’s important to define these two terms. Self awareness is the ability to observe oneself and one’s actions without judgment or criticism. It involves being mindful of our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment. Self consciousness, on the other hand, is a state of being overly aware of oneself and one’s appearance or actions in a way that can be self-critical or self-consciousness. 

According to Iyengar, self awareness is a crucial component of yoga practice, as it allows us to understand our bodies and minds more deeply. We can identify areas of tension, imbalance, or resistance and work to release or improve them. Self awareness also helps us to recognize patterns or habits of thinking that may be holding us back or causing stress. By tuning in to our own experience, we can cultivate greater intimacy and understanding with ourselves. 

However, Iyengar also cautioned against self consciousness, which can detract from our ability to be present and focused in the moment. When we are overly aware of ourselves, we may become distracted or preoccupied with our own thoughts, judgments, or insecurities. This can interfere with our ability to fully engage in our practice or our relationships with others. 

So how can we cultivate self awareness without slipping into self consciousness? Iyengar suggested that we begin by simply observing ourselves, without judgment or attachment to any particular experience. We can watch our breath, notice our posture, and observe our thoughts and emotions as they arise. By practicing this kind of detached observation, we can learn to become more aware of ourselves without getting caught up in self-critical or self-conscious thoughts. 

Additionally, Iyengar emphasized the importance of practicing yoga poses with alignment and precision, as this can help to bring the mind into a state of focused awareness. When we are fully engaged in the details of our practice, we are less likely to become distracted by self-conscious thoughts. Instead, we can direct our attention to the sensations in our body, the breath, and the present moment. 

Overall, self awareness is a valuable tool for deepening our understanding of ourselves and our relationship to the world around us. By learning to observe ourselves without judgment or attachment, we can cultivate a greater sense of intimacy and compassion for ourselves and others. At the same time, it’s important to remain mindful of the distinction between self awareness and self consciousness, and to work to cultivate a state of focused awareness in our practice and in our lives.

Yoga: A holistic system for achieving balance in your life!

Yoga is often misconstrued as just a physical practice of contorting your body into different poses. This image of yoga is reinforced by the countless Instagram posts of yogis bending their bodies into impossible shapes or doing handstands on the beach at sunset. However, yoga is much more than just the asana or physical practice – it's a holistic system for achieving balance in your life.

The practice of yoga originated in ancient India as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment. It is a system that includes eight limbs, of which asana or the physical practice of yoga is just one. The eight limbs are, in order: yama (abstinence), niyama (observances), asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (union).

Asana is just one aspect of yoga, and while it is important for strengthening the body and increasing flexibility, it is not the end goal of the practice. The physical postures are meant to prepare the body for the other limbs of yoga, which focus on controlling the mind and achieving inner peace.

In addition to the physical practice, yogic philosophy focuses on cultivating a positive mindset, developing ethical behavior, and achieving self-realization. The yamas, or ethical principles, include non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence, and non-greed. The niyamas, or personal observances, include cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender to a higher power.

Another important aspect of yoga is pranayama, or breath control. This practice involves regulating the breath and using it as a tool to calm the mind and increase energy levels. Pranayama techniques include alternate nostril breathing, ujjayi breathing, and kapalabhati.

Pratyahara, or withdrawal of the senses, is the practice of turning inward and detaching from external distractions. This is necessary for achieving concentration and meditation, which are integral components of yoga. Concentration involves focusing the mind on a single object or thought, while meditation is a state of deep awareness and inner peace.

The ultimate goal of yoga is samadhi, or union with the divine. This is achieved through the practice of the other seven limbs, and involves transcending the limitations of the ego and connecting with a higher consciousness.

We hope that through attending classes at Iyengar Yoga Source that you discover how yoga is much more than just the physical practice of asana. It is a holistic system for achieving balance and harmony in all aspects of your life. By incorporating the other limbs of yoga – including ethical behavior, breath control, concentration, and meditation – into your practice, you can cultivate a positive mindset and achieve inner peace. If you are interested to know more about the philosophy of yoga, drop in on our Sunday evening yoga sutra discussion group! Email iyengaryogasource@gmail.com for more information!

Student Spotlight: Elizabeth's 30 day Pranayama Challenge

Reflections on a 30-day Pranayama Challenge

Several months ago, Kathleen sent out a challenge (I LOVE a challenge!) to practice Pranayama every day for 15 minutes for 30 days. It's two months later, and I'm still practicing. I genuinely don't want to miss a day. To support my practice, I rented Linda's 4-week pranayama class and would ask for a new lesson when I was ready - about every week or two. I've been doing 20 to 40 minutes a day and have noticed some significant benefits. I'm sleeping better; my pulse oximeter tells me that my oxygen levels have increased from 94 to 98%. I have much less air hunger which has to do with the structure of my chest due to mild scoliosis.

I can take a deep breath now when I want one. I would recommend the classes to get instruction as there are a lot of factors involved. My neck is stronger and less stiff because of practicing Jalandhara Bhanda during Pranayama. I'm more alert and motivated and have been accomplishing more of my higher aspirations rather than being driven by my conditioned habits!! According to Linda, BKS Iyengar said that Pranayama strengthens the connection to the Soul, and it does seem to be facilitating that for me. It's subtle, but it does seem easier to do what is challenging and yet beneficial. I'm delighted I took this challenge and find it amazing to have received all of these benefits.. the surprising thing is that the benefits come all day... not only when I'm practicing. Thank you, Kathleen, for suggesting this challenge and to Linda for her excellent instructional videos!

Elizabeth T.

Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your experience!

Student Spotlight: 30-Day Pranayama Practice - Judy J.

A 30 day challenge was just what I needed to jump start a daily Pranayama practice. With a feeling of excitement I began on the 24th of February. Early in the challenge I made note to self about the movement of breath in both supine and seated positions. As the month progressed, I noticed when practicing supine, the inhale became more full and the fill line higher in the chest while the exhale became longer and more controlled. The changes when practicing seated were not as transformative. This position gave me more challenge. But I found that by lifting my sternum, and pressing my back and arms to the wall, I could maintain an open chest which seemed to help. Now after 30 days I have come away from this with: 1. a couple setups which I found work well for me 2. Practice is everything, in Yoga, in Pranayama and in life.

Thanks to Judy for sharing her story!

Take on a 30-day pranayama or home practice challenge, write a short paragraph about your experience for a free drop in class!

Kriya Yoga in asana

This year we have been exploring Kriya Yoga, mentioned by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. The first sutra of the second pada states, Tapas (self discipline, burning drive toward purification, heat), svadhyaya ( reflection on one’s own self, study of wisdom revealing texts, mantra repetition),  isvara pranidhanani ( surrender of ego, humility, radical openness, devotion) kriya yogaha (yoga of action).  

The three great paths, as Iyengar calls them, are represented by these three components. The practice of tapas is the path of selfless action, karma-marga; svadyaya is the path of the mental self discipline, jnana-marga; and the path of loving devotion, isvara pranidhana is bhakti-marga. These paths purify the body, speech, and mind. For the yogi, these are well worn paths.

How do we bring Kriya yoga into asana work? We must revisit the concept of will power and the concept of consciousness to fill out the multidimensional palate that Kriya yoga inhabits.

When we practice asana the process of involution begins. We work with our outer most layer, the muscles, bones and skin to create the iconic shape of a pose. The physical effort and intelligence required involves a certain amount of self-discipline. Will power, attention with intention, is applied as well. The ego (asmita), a dimension of consciousness involved with the sense of self, creates a burning drive in the physical body that aims for the perfectly aligned pose. This particular dimension of will power is the “will to do”. The physical process of practicing an asana is a manifestation of tapas.  It falls in to the category of karma-marga.  

Can you maintain the pose in order to discover the inner layer, the organic body? The element of will power required to study in this way is the “will to maintain”. One must be curious and interested in what has transpired. The mind (manas), another dimension of consciousness, acts as a data processor. Left to its own devices, it will sabotage your pose. It jumps around like a flea attempting to survey anything that comes into its view.

With discerning observation one can narrow the focus of the mind and hone the attention to a particular point. This state of concentration can be applied to study alignment, the breathing pattern, the organic body’s response (systems), and the sensitivity of the intelligence. This form of self-study is a manifestation of svadhyaya and comes under the heading of jnana-marga. 

As one’s practice matures and deepens the discriminating intelligence (buddhi), a third dimension of consciousness, directs the asana. We move beyond the will to do and the will to maintain and settle down into the “will to become”.  We arrive at the point where we are done with the doing and move to a deep state of being.  We inhabit our pose and exist in the seat of the seer.  When Mr. Iyengar deepened his poses, he said he experienced isvara pranidhana. For him, alignment was the path to enlightenment. He existed in the “will to be”. In this state the ego is no longer striving and a sense of humility, sanctity, devotion, clarity, and purity come into being. We operate from a layer deeper than the physical body, the organic body, the mental body, and the intellectual body. It is possible to experience a profound sense of bliss when one practices in this manner. This is the domaine of bhakti-marga.  

Introductory Yoga Perfect for New Students

Beginning yoga students are in a class of their own. In a literal sense they need their own sacred space in order to learn.  A dedicated class away from those who know the basics and are more interested in the next stage of learning yoga. In a figurative sense, they are raw students, as BKS Iyengar would say, and have no habits to break from wrong practice. In the realm of yoga they are tabula rasa. Frequently they are timid, curious, stiff and occasionally hyper-flexible. As a teacher of yoga, it is my quest to teach the basics and set the novice on a life-long transformative journey.

We begin with standing poses. To be sure that students get off on the right foot, we teach the poses feet first. Once a beginner has the correct foot position, the foundation will stabilize and the legs can be trained to rotate and straighten. It is surprising that one may not know if the leg is straight or bent, rotated externally or internally, but that is the nature of the beginner. We use basic instructions to state which actions will straighten the leg, for example, "press the foot and lift the knee cap".  While some students may understand these words, others will have to be shown and some will need the instruction of a skillful touch of the teacher’s hand to awaken their legs. Once this is accomplished, the upper body can be addressed with the same sensitivity.

Self Study from the periphery to the core is one of the guiding principles of yoga. In the process of learning the biomechanics of their physical body, new students increase body intelligence. With repetition of the poses, proficiency in alignment develops.  Neuromuscular connections are awakened, confidence is increased, balance improves, and expansion and extension emerge. Over several weeks the raw beginner transforms into a more knowledgeable practitioner. Skillful practice is cultivated and motivation is internalized.

Physical body, breath body, and mental body begin to awaken. Yoga is so much more than stretching muscles, the most superficial level of the practice.  As the student learns the physical shape coupled with the actions muscles must perform in order to align the skeleton, awareness deepens. Engaging the art of concentration to observe the components of the pose is the start of the inward process. Once a muscular mental body is cultivated and students can pay attention to what is happening on their mat, stress levels decline and concerns with daily living activities are left with their shoes at the studio door.  

At Iyengar Yoga Source we teach Introductory classes and introduce 25 poses to new comers. In the store on our web site you may purchase a poster with the poses and names in English and Sanskrit or download the digital file. 

Continuing Evolution of Will Power

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Continuing with Prashantji’s concept of Will Power from my last blog, let’s revisit the Will to Know.  When we know about a topic we are more proficient in that area and are able to do that particular task better.  Whether it is making a vase, cooking a delicious dish, or practicing an asana, if we know more the quality improves. In asana, self study is a major component of our practice.  We get to know a pose in depth with an introspective attitude.

Scientific,  Technological or Yogic Mind

Our grey matter gets involved with cognitive activity, ego activity, logic, deliberation, and synthesis when we practice. As you may recall, the scientific and technological mind is typically only interested in effect, a materialistic approach. The yoga mind has an eye on consciousness and is interested in cause, effect and consequences, a philosophical holistic approach. The impact of yoga sets in when you are consequence minded rather than effect minded. The question is, are you practicing sagaciously, with wisdom? Or are you only practicing with your ability?

Will to Become

Yoga will evolve your consciousness when you work in a sagacious manner. Once we have practiced the will to do (involves the ego and the body) and the will to know (involves the mind), we evolve into the will to become.  We cannot be trained to evolve, we can only get prepared with practice. Once we have put in the time and become a seasoned practitioner, then we evolve and change. When we get to this level we discover that we have become. We are being rather than doing.

Will to Be

The breath has a philosophers mind, prospective, vision and is the bridge to a philosophical culture. Engaging breath awareness, breath activity culture, breath sensitivity culture will help you go for this negotiation. When we work in an asana we have to reach a certain plane. If we get caught in a technicality of doing dynamics then we will never be close to the essential asana. We have to reach a certain level of preparedness, and this means watching something steady.  If you are caught in the posture and constantly doing something all the time, doing, doing, doing, you are constantly hurling pebbles into the lake of consciousness and that lake will never become steady. The ripples keep emanating. As if we get caught in the bewitching, beautiful, pearl necklace and don’t bother about the thread which runs through it at all.

When you come to a particular level of becoming, the being will be there.  When we are prepared we evolve from the will to do, to the will to maintain, to the will to know, to the will to become, to the will to be.  

My deep appreciation to Prashant Iyengar for the material in this blog on Will Power.

DIMENSIONS OF Will Power

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BKS Iyengar describes will power as, “Intention with attention”.  If one can get clear about what is to be done and stay in the moment with rapt attention then it is very likely that this agenda will be carried out. When you consider how a momentary distraction can cause one to fall out of balance in a pose, the understanding of lack of attention is instantaneous.

The Will to Do

Prashant Iyengar deciphers will power into a assortment of scenarios. When we practice asana there is the will to do.  We are eager to do a particular pose that may be out of our reach.  It is our will to do that motivates us to practice and our ego drives our will to do. We achieve egoic satisfaction from striving to do.  While the will to do may get us into a challenging pose, there has to be more substance than simply to do if we want to remain interested.  Yoga has a strong mental component. It makes our mental body (manomaya kosa)  more muscular, but that is just one dimension.

The Will to Maintain

When we continue on our journey and probe more deeply beyond just doing, our will to maintain can be engaged.  If we want to penetrate from the periphery to the core, we have to stay, maintain. The asana experience becomes more than enter, pause, and exit.  By maintaining we have an opportunity to be in the state of the pose. Our physical body (annamaya kosa) receives benefits of increased strength and stability, flexibility and stamina. We begin to understand the psychology of the asana. While practicing in this manner has tremendous value, there is still more to receive from deeper work.

The Will to Know

Practicing with the will to know opens the doorway to the laboratory of Self. We take time to explore our organic body. We study the particular pattern of breath associated with a given pose, the channels of energy where prana will flow, and the compression or extension of various organs. Ultimately, we penetrate beyond the organic body and move towards the stillness of being in the moment. The mind and consciousness move toward the Self, a profound benefit of engaging one’s will power. The intellect of the head surrenders to the intelligence of the heart and we become benevolent in spirit. This, in turn, inspires us to be committed to our practice.

Mastering Profound and Deep Relaxation

What is the purpose of such a practice?

Restorative poses are supported in a manner that allows practitioners to remain in a relaxed position for an extended period of time. Typically the body is still while the breath is mobilized and the mind is stabilized. Various poses target specific areas, similar to a more active practice, except in this case the body is still.

What are restorative poses?

The simplest answer is to teach one to deeply and profoundly relax and to tone the Sympathetic Nervous System. Once relaxation is learned under optimal conditions and we encounter stressful events, then we are are less likely to have a fully blown over-reaction.  Restorative poses replenish energy after a demanding day or week, or can provide a less demanding practice during one’s menstrual cycle. When a variety of poses are used the body will be purified, soothed and refreshed. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclinded Bound Angle Pose) is seen below.

What is the process of such a practice?

The inner work practiced in asana is more easily done when the body is still and “points of the pose” are not demanding one’s attention as they do in a more active practice.  The physical body is put at ease. Poses are propped to make them comfortable based on individual differences. The breath is encouraged to move in a rhythmical manner, and the consciousness can then be directed in a specific pathway.  

Yoga Philosophy teaches us that the manomyakosa, the mental sheath of our embodiment, is comprised of components with unique functions. The goal is to quiet the mind, manos, which is concerned with the human condition, to quite the ego, asmita,  which is absorbed with issues pertaining to “me, my and mine”, and to exist in a witnessing state from the perspective of our discriminating intelligence, buddhi.  Once these components are deciphered then one can cultivate a steady state of mental calmness. Stilling the fluctuations of the mind, the goal of yoga, becomes more pronounced as one cultures the manomyakosa.  

At Iyengar Yoga Source we practice Restorative Poses once a month for each level of class.  Once a student learns the proper set up for the poses, then they can cultivate the art of relaxation.

Yoga's Stress Free Zone

When stressful events strike, powerful hormones are released into the blood stream. A toxic stew wears and tears our organic body and weakens the immune system. My first exposure to the biochemistry of stress came from The Stress of Life by Hans Selye. It was a fascinating read for me at the time. Modern inventions such as voice mail, cell phones, and computers were accelerating the pace of life. Cigarettes were being revealed as the killers they are. Heart disease, cancer and diabetes were on the rise. As a budding yoga teacher, I felt passionate about yoga's ability to reduce the strength of the fight of flight (or freeze) response and bolster one's resistance to stress. My experience showed me how a regular yoga practice toned the parasympathetic nervous system, the pathway to relaxation and digestion. 

Practice and Detachment

B.K.S. Iyengar said these principles are two wings on the bird of yoga. We are encouraged to practice diligently, uninterruptedly, for an extended period and to let go of those habits that prevent us from doing so. On a practical level, when we step on our mat to practice, we become detached from distraction. We cultivate a muscular mental body and concentrate on the task at hand: our practice, which must be heartfelt rather than mechanical. With the tools of yoga we create a state of concentration on the physical body and the breath. 

What are the tools of yoga?

The more one studies the Self, the more one discovers the power of these hidden jewels. The most obvious tool is our vehicle, the body, our ride while on this planet. We use our muscles and bones to mold ourselves into iconic shapes called asanas, yoga poses. As the asana is held, the organic body is stretched, squeezed, flushed and rinsed in a unique manner. The breath is the second tool. The point is to engage the breath in a deliberate manner to energize the body, deliver prana, and rid oneself of impurities. While these first two aspects are more superficial, when we engage our consciousness, the third tool, the practice becomes more absorbing and we penetrate inward. We exist in a witnessing state and are at the threshold of Yoga's Stress Free Zone. 

Moving from Learning to Understanding to Mastery

At Iyengar Yoga Source students learn to practice in this manner and as the weeks go by they become more proficient with the process. One can learn the process with simple poses which makes these teachings accessible to first year students. There are many other tools to utilize while practicing yoga. Come and practice with us and find your Stress Free Zone. It will make you feel whole, together and in harmony with your Self. 

Standing on your own two feet.

by Linda DiCarlo

Life is constantly challenging us to maintain stability, strength and stamina under unusual circumstances. Occasionally we are thrown off balance, feel sluggish or run out of gas and have to retreat. To remain focused during these tough times requires physical as well as mental muscles. A standing pose yoga practice can transform your legs and your core, improve stability and equilibrium as well as develop your mental acuity. 

Each Standing Pose Has a Different Shape

By working with a wide variety of standing positions the legs are engaged to maximize stability in the hips, knees and ankles. Even though the position may be held for less than a minute, when repeated on a regular basis, these muscles, bones and joints become stronger and more flexible. Equally important is the vestibular system, located in the inner ear. It impacts your ability to balance and is challenged to become more adapt by the demands of unique positions. 

Upper Body Strength and Coordination are Engaged in a Deliberate Manner

While the lower body has its clear intention, the upper body is held steady to compliment the work of the lower body. The standing poses become full body poses. Extension and expansion of the entire embodiment becomes a reality and this awakens one's awareness in an interesting manner. 

The Breath is Called to Action in Each Pose

Of course we breath on a regular basis, but in yoga poses normal breathing is not enough. The breath works as diligently as the body and interestingly works as a tool for purification. In addition to the unusual task of gaseous exchange occurring in the alveoli of the lungs, the positive life force of prana rides on the breath. The body becomes saturated with these initial components and the end result is that consciousness spreads and awakens the intelligence in your vehicle, the body. 

We practice Standing Poses in just about every class. Certain sequences place a greater emphasis on this category of poses. Come and practice with us and experience the points I have mentioned above. See for yourself.