Ok, so last night I took the easy way out and didn't attempt to write much in my blog. I apologize to those of you who actually read these posts and were expecting something other than my succinct couple of sentences. However, I am convinced that had I attempted to express any thoughts they would have come across incoherent as a result of my tired mind and body. I will say though that I forgot to thank my roommate Jen for helping me study Tuladandasana (Balancing Stick posture) in Gabe's absence. So thanks Jen!
And now for today. What a day! I thoroughly enjoyed both the 9 am and 4:30 pm classes. I even felt as if the afternoon class went by faster than usual (although it was obviously still held for the full 90 minutes). I think this is a result of becoming more accustomed to the practice and timing. Instead of anticipating the next posture (and the oh-so-delicious water breaks), I'm now focused more on staying in the moment and going further in each pose.
After this morning's meditation, which by the way isn't easy at all for me, the word "discipline" came up in a conversation. Related to yoga, discipline is extremely necessary not only in a physical aspect, but in a mental fortitude. Discipline requires focus, dedication, and determination. When I was in Cross Country during high school, I was a disciplined runner, always waking up on the weekends to run and practicing every day after school. I did this because I needed to, I wasn't a fast runner by any means but I could build endurance through determination. My proudest moment was when I ran 10 miles - the most I had ever run without stopping. The sensation of accomplishment that I experienced afterward was unlike anything I had ever felt before, and even today I can only describe it as an overflow of joy felt from head to toe.
This exact feeling is what I experience each time after yoga. Surviving 90 minutes in the heat, feeling sweat drip down every inch of my body, and staying mentally focused is extremely rewarding because I know my endurance has rewarded me through a strong and healthy mind and body. Today we read from The Key to the Kingdom of Health through Yoga (Volume 1) by Buddha Bose. The following passage somewhat illustrates this exact experience:
"Asana or correct posture is one of the first steps to God-consciousness because it tunes the body-radio to receive the high voltage of cosmic energy and divine enlightenment."
Wow! Take from that what you will, but I personally see this as an invitation to constantly strive for more in yoga, in relationships, and in life. Yet this gratification would not come without discipline and the determination to achieve more. Continue to be diligent in whatever it is that you are passionate about and ultimately you will receive more than you ever imagined.
_Peace and Love
And now for today. What a day! I thoroughly enjoyed both the 9 am and 4:30 pm classes. I even felt as if the afternoon class went by faster than usual (although it was obviously still held for the full 90 minutes). I think this is a result of becoming more accustomed to the practice and timing. Instead of anticipating the next posture (and the oh-so-delicious water breaks), I'm now focused more on staying in the moment and going further in each pose.
After this morning's meditation, which by the way isn't easy at all for me, the word "discipline" came up in a conversation. Related to yoga, discipline is extremely necessary not only in a physical aspect, but in a mental fortitude. Discipline requires focus, dedication, and determination. When I was in Cross Country during high school, I was a disciplined runner, always waking up on the weekends to run and practicing every day after school. I did this because I needed to, I wasn't a fast runner by any means but I could build endurance through determination. My proudest moment was when I ran 10 miles - the most I had ever run without stopping. The sensation of accomplishment that I experienced afterward was unlike anything I had ever felt before, and even today I can only describe it as an overflow of joy felt from head to toe.
This exact feeling is what I experience each time after yoga. Surviving 90 minutes in the heat, feeling sweat drip down every inch of my body, and staying mentally focused is extremely rewarding because I know my endurance has rewarded me through a strong and healthy mind and body. Today we read from The Key to the Kingdom of Health through Yoga (Volume 1) by Buddha Bose. The following passage somewhat illustrates this exact experience:
"Asana or correct posture is one of the first steps to God-consciousness because it tunes the body-radio to receive the high voltage of cosmic energy and divine enlightenment."
Wow! Take from that what you will, but I personally see this as an invitation to constantly strive for more in yoga, in relationships, and in life. Yet this gratification would not come without discipline and the determination to achieve more. Continue to be diligent in whatever it is that you are passionate about and ultimately you will receive more than you ever imagined.
_Peace and Love
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