“Be universal in your love. You will see the universe to be the picture of your own being.” – Sri Chinmoy
Weekly Focus: Sutra 1:3 Tada Drashtuh Svarupe Avasthanam (The Seer (Self) abides in its own nature)
Yoga Sutra 1:3 (of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras) reminds us of the ultimate goal of yoga — the discovery of our true inner nature. This true nature becomes visible through our connection to everything that is around us. As we come to an awareness that we are exactly as we are meant to be, we may shift from a state of doing in life, to simply being in life. But what does that mean?
In Yoga, we often talk about the “Self” with a capital “S.” Why? What is Self?
Anytime you hear the words authenticity, true nature or alignment within the context of Yoga, you are hearing words synonymous with the Self. This means the inner most part of ourself, that we seek to discover, a space within us that exists in purity, with no need to be adjusted or molded, it simply is a state of being. Some may reckon this as “spirit” or “soul.” When we discover this space, this is Self-realization, the ultimate goal of Yoga. Sutra 1:3 speaks to just that. If we are able to still or quiet the disturbed mind, we are able to exist as our pure, unclouded consciousness. Yoga helps guide us to a place where we can embrace this concept and build the tools to reach Self-actualization.
This concept is very heady, and hard to conceptualize. That is OK. While it takes a lot of practice to understand, it also takes a lot of practice to reach this state. Practice in releasing control, releasing action, and allowing ourselves to be as we are. And afterall, Yoga is a practice.
We may not understand this at first glance, but as we return with patience to the practice, the layers unfold and reveal themselves to us with time. Eventually, we may see ourselves as pure consciousness, with no need to be more than just that.
Here is a meditation to practice seeking your authenticity:
- Set up comfortably — be sure to find space where you feel comfortable and free of distratction. You might lie down, sit in a chair, or on the floor with the wall at your back. Ensure that you will not be interuppted, dim the lights and set a time for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Focus on your breath — begin to center yourself by focusing on your breath, and noticing where and how you are breathing. Imagine breathing a sense of calm into your body and mind with each inhalation.
- Consider the following — 1. What is my heart’s deepest desire? 2. What values are connected to my deepest desire? 3. What would it look like to live life with my deepest desire fulfilled?
- Reflect & Journal — once your meditation is complete, allow yourself time to reflect on what came up, and to journal freely on any thoughts, reflections or inspirations.
Passive Pose of the Week: Ardha Hanumanasana (half splits pose)
Ardha hanumanasana is a bow and surrender. As you literally turn towards your self, the pose allows your to metaphorically turn the gaze inwards to consider your true nature.
- Begin in a tabletop position on hands and knees.
- Step your right foot forward inside the hands. Pad your back knee with a blanket if you like.
- Shift your hips back and allow the right leg to straighten as you do.
- To steady yourself, hands might come to the floor, blocks, or perhaps books or water bottles (at home) to help you gave a supported position.
- Fold forward to any degree. Take 5 – 7 breaths and switch sides.
We traditionally take ardha hanumanasana with the hands framing the straight leg, but you can have some interesting sensation when you adjust that placement. Before straightening the right leg, try bringing both hands inside of the right leg. This will mean shifting the right foot a little wider. Now straighten the leg. How does that feel? After a few breaths there, rebend your right knee. Move the foot more towards the center of your mat and straighten the leg. Take both hands to the outside of your right leg (blocks are super helpfuly here!) How does that feel? Can you sense the differences between each stretch?
Active Pose of the Week: Dandasana (staff pose)
Dandasana is upright, alert and active, as we sit in a strong and steady seat. Here, we might figuratively “sit” in the seat of the Seer, taking time to simply observe.
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you.
- Adjust the legs so you feel comfortable. You may like the legs touching, or you may prefer them aabout hips-width distance or slightly wider even. The pose is simple, so play around with this position.
- Press your hands into the floor straight down from your shoulders. If you can’t quite reach the ground (we all have different arm to torso length ratios!) bring blocks or books under the hands. Feeling something firmly under your hands allows you to feel a grounding sensation.
- As you inhale, imagine lengthening through the crown of your head, visualize yourself growing taller through the spine.
- Hold for 7 – 10 breaths and release.
So many of our yoga poses are big and expansive, sometimes it can feel really nice to get contained. Dandasana is a perfect pose to build a container for yourself. To enhance this supported and contained feeling, trying using a wall in the pose. You can do this in two ways: 1. a more obvious option, you can find this position with your back at the wall, so you can lightly press that back of the head and shoulders into the wall; 2. another option is to turn and face a wall, pressing your feet against the wall. Make sure you are close enough to press firmly through the heel and the ball of the foot. Which do you prefer? Does it change based on your needs?
Join us in class this week to consider Sutra 1:3. See the full schedule HERE.
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