“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” – Helen Keller
Weekly Focus: The [5] Kleshas: Avidya (ignorance), Asmita (egoism), Raga (attachment), Dvesha (aversion), Abhinvesha (fear of death)
Klesha means “poison” in Sanskrit. A klesha is a dark or negative mental state that clouds the mind and allows suffering to rise. There are [5] Kleshas that lead to suffering: Avidya (ignorance), Asmita (egoism), Raga (attachment), Dvesha (aversion) and Abhinvesha (fear of death). THIS article breaks it down pretty well.
To have fault is to be human. There is nothing wrong with having a shadowy-side to your Self. It is how you deal with and react to your shadowy-side that makes a difference. It is easy to forget that areas of darkness provide opportunity to let the light in and to seek the possibility in growth!
Overcoming the Kleshas comes down to self-reflection and humility. We focus this week on permitting ourselves to peer into the dark spaces of ourselves. Challenge yourself to look within and stare your darkness in the eyes. Rather than averting your gaze, acknowledge what you have to work on, and see the opportunity for you to become more than you already are.
What lies within us that we are actively avoiding? What fears or attachments are we ignoring? This week, we give ourselves a good, long look and acknowledge the things we usually avoid.
Here is a simple practice in self-reflection and acknowledgement:
- Take 10 minutes to journal before bed — set aside time to self-reflect on your day through journaling. Ask yourself the following questions as prompts: What went really well today? What did not go well today?
- Acknowledge your contribution — consider what you wrote for each question. How were you involved? What were your reactions? Your participation? Write with honesty.
- Find space to overcome — now focus on what did not go well. Look at your involvement with the situation and ask yourself which Klesha may relate. What would you do differently? What can you learn from this experience?
Passive Pose of the Week: Baddha Konasana (bound angle)
This posture grounds and brings confidence to the body and mind — offering the support needed to look into the dark spaces of ourselves.
- Begin sitting on the floor with the legs straight out in front of you.
- Slide the feet together so that the soles of the feet touch.
- Allow the knees to open up like a book or butterfly. Use the hands to pull the feet in as close to the body as is comfortable.
- Your hands can continue to grab hold of the feet or ankles as you use this bind to gently draw you into the pose.
- Use about [3] breaths to gradually enter the pose. Wants you come to your most comfortable posture, take about [7] breaths before gently lifting out of the fold.
Baddha konasana may not be a very deep fold for you, that is OK! This pose allows us to find a deep inner groin stretch, and we don’t necessarily have to fold forward very far to find that experience. Rather than forcing yourself to fold forward and round the back, think about relaxing the hips to allow them to open up more deeply. You may choose to place blocks or folded blankets behind the back of the knees or thighs. This will signal to the body that it is safe to release and allow your to eventually find a greater opening in the hips. This is a posture that may be more enjoyed from an upright position!
Active Pose of the Week: Parvritta Trikonasana (revolved pyramid)
Twists are an excellent practice during the fall season as they help soothe transition and all us to reset. Allow this twist to help you reset after peering and analyzing our relationships to the kleshas.
- Begin in a standing Mountain pose (tadasana).
- Step your left foot back about 2 – 3 feet like Pyramid Pose. The left toes will turn out about 45 degrees.
- With your hands at your hips, start to lengthen the spine and fold over the front leg.
- Place your left hand to the floor beneath your shoulder and bring your right hand to your hip.
- Begin to twist your torso to the right looking straight ahead over the right leg.
- If it feels comfortable, you can reach the right arm up to the ceiling.
- Hold for 3 – 5 breaths and switch sides.
Revolved Pyramid is a deep twist and a big tug on the hips. Here are a few tips to make this posture more accessible. First, don’t feel like the feet have to be on a balance beam. Take your feet wider on the mat left and right – think riding a bicycle. Once you fold, bring your grounded hand to a tall block to create more space in the torso for the twist. As you twist to the right, use your right hand at the hip to help pull the hip back and open up. Remember, there is not perfect alignment for any one posture. There is your body and the alignment that suits your unique structure. Seek the space that provides sensation with out escessive discomfort.
Join us in class this week to practice your self-reflection and acknowledgment of the Kleshas. See the full schedule HERE.
