Tribe.net. Local Connections Sam http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#68b9a92a-1f50-4076-8223-640e6b78c2c6 2007-11-17T21:21:03Z 2007-11-17T21:21:03Z

Asanas are central to the practice of yoga. They help one to remain focused and mindful throughout the day. When I find myself slacking off on asanas, its time for an examination of the circumstances. Is there some internal or external obstacle that needs to be overcome, or am I just tired? Maybe its time to re-evaluate my goals for my yoga practice. What am I trying to accomplish? Like anything else in life, yoga requires some discipline. But like anything else, sometimes you just need to step back and take another look.

Sam 2007-11-17T21:21:03Z jr ranger http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#c2a8e7f9-b428-459c-9172-cd61f7d3c673 2007-11-14T01:28:45Z 2007-11-14T01:28:45Z

right on, chris. practices are different every day. sometimes its turning on music and dancing through a vinyasa. sometimes its just sitting in meditation. sometimes a very traditional ashtanga practice. for me, its easiest to maintain a regular practice if i have an area that is dedicated to yoga. an area that i like being in, so i want to go back. decorate it with something that puts you in the mood to practice. i used to have an apt with an extra walk-in closet that was large enough for solo yoga practice. a couple candles and mandalas and i was good to go.

jr ranger 2007-11-14T01:28:45Z Tanemon http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#e233d67b-78c2-455f-8053-1c2e06960256 2007-11-13T16:09:19Z 2007-11-13T16:09:19Z

People have, above, shared a lot of good stuff already... so I'll just mention my own perspective on priorities. I've found that if my time is cramped and either my physical energy or available time limits me, I've simply done some sitting meditation. A morning and evening sitting if possible, and one sitting if two wind up being impractical. I do asanas and pranayama when my time allows. I see the deep, internal connection with soul (atman) as the central thing in yoga - both theoretically and practically. One bit I'll add is that much that I was hoping for quite a few years to realize or actualize through asanas and even pranayama in I seem to have found via my Reiki attunements and Reiki practice (which includes self-treatment). I said "much" but not "all". I still think asanas and pranayama each have special value of their own. But I suppose I have my own way of priorizing things. Namaste, Tanemon

Tanemon 2007-11-13T16:09:19Z Ananta http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#b5d29bab-0dd3-44d6-98ed-0fcb69066685 2007-11-13T15:40:01Z 2007-11-13T15:40:01Z

your practice should be one that helps you relax and rejuvenate ( I think) mine does that, it's like a key to survival in this day and age, and I can always feel connected to spirit and creative with out the use of drugs or anything external really.

Ananta 2007-11-13T15:40:01Z Charles http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#67b90bd3-b16f-468d-a703-737b032844a7 2007-11-11T22:49:48Z 2007-11-11T22:49:48Z

"remain mindful of every breath throughout the day irrespective of whatever else you are engaged in. This is the goal of yoga, to yoke the mind using various foci such as the breath, movement, concentration, and so forth. Take your practice off the mat and into the streets- enter the stream of life!" Michael, on the surface the sentences above strike a positive chord, yet respect to how the mind operates - the realization of what you've written is impossible, whether it be attempted by the Buddha himself or the postman. I'd say that our attempts can enable us to realize the actual lack of control we have, and that the realization of this is far more valuable than achieving even a small success with respect to what we set out to do. The mind is designed to scan and hone in on the most appropriate course of action for any given moment. While it is possible to alter the brain's physical configuration and corresponding mental dynamic, whatever it becomes configured to is the new dynamic. In other words - we can (if it is our destiny) affect modifications which alter our course of action, yet this modified state is no more our 'true nature' than where we came from or where we're going to. Our practice on the mat and on the street are both equally valid perspectives of who we are. There is no distinction.

Charles 2007-11-11T22:49:48Z michael http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#0b5daaca-94f8-4d35-a308-208264d4d952 2007-11-11T16:56:21Z 2007-11-11T16:56:21Z

Absolutely, in highest yoga tantra there are eleven 'yogas' the first three of which are sleeping, rising, and daily activities. These are taught as an endless cycle in which the remaining yogas may be practiced within. The goal is to realize the true nature of ātman and develop uninterrupted awareness of the Dharmakaya. One simple way to practice this is to remain mindful of every breath throughout the day irrespective of whatever else you are engaged in. This is the goal of yoga, to yoke the mind using various foci such as the breath, movement, concentration, and so forth. Take your practice off the mat and into the streets- enter the stream of life!

michael 2007-11-11T16:56:21Z Charles http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#f738557b-ea7a-4826-948b-52d2a7c4da3f 2007-11-10T19:21:53Z 2007-11-10T19:21:53Z

To think it possible for us not to be in the midst of our practice...

Charles 2007-11-10T19:21:53Z Sam http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#9b7501fb-fdd0-4365-85e0-9e34f235b11e 2007-11-10T18:12:03Z 2007-11-10T18:12:03Z

Others have touched on the idea that there are other ways to practice yoga besides asanas. I would like to offer an interpretation that expands on this idea. In Sutra 1.14, Patanjali states that practice is firmly grounded only after is has been cultivated properly and for a long time "uninteruptedly" (Georg Fuerstein's translation). This may suggest that yoga should be practiced not only every day but every minute of every day. Obviously it is not possible to practice asana's constantly, but in Sutras 1.33 - 1.39 Patanjali suggests several methods of practice that could enable one to practice all of the time. Does anyone else read the Sutra's this way? Anyone disagree with this interpretation?

Sam 2007-11-10T18:12:03Z JustMe http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#4e832751-9fb9-4e55-a060-7ee2f3f85d89 2007-11-07T20:25:54Z 2007-11-07T20:25:54Z

It has been a success. For the past couple weeks (since I posted this), i've been getting up earlier than my alarm clock and doing at least 20 minutes of yoga and meditation. it's been a great start for me. it's also made me continue when I get home from work and work on things a little longer. it feels great! :-) My response was a little belated, sorry I just read the original before I posted....it seems you're working it out~! Good for you. *S*

JustMe 2007-11-07T20:25:54Z Liz http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#2b252586-7657-48d0-b65a-e4ea799d8449 2007-11-07T20:23:48Z 2007-11-07T20:23:48Z

Aqua, I know what you mean. When I'm tired I always go for the restorative because that what my body and mind needs at that moment (especially during menstrual cycle). I love restorative yoga. thanks, -Liz

Liz 2007-11-07T20:23:48Z JustMe http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#8334cc35-b7bf-4e7d-bd8d-b2a46e4f5f2d 2007-11-07T20:20:24Z 2007-11-07T20:20:24Z

I hit and miss a lot---now that I'm not working. I'm sticking to my regiment better than I was---very carefully I might add, not wanting to over do. It seems though I'll stick to it better if I work it in via the morning----if I put it off until laterl. I'm inclined to put it off period. I'm going to participate in a restorative class Friday, poses for those days when you feel exhausted and just lying in a position, breathing, is about all you can manage. Being a teacher I'm sure you're aware of these asanas, I'm not yet......*grin. But I'm thinking if you're too tired to do, maybe this could be a substitute during those times, until you feel more like doing something a little more intense? As long as you keep in touch with your body, they tell me it never forgets Yoga. *grin*

JustMe 2007-11-07T20:20:24Z michael http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#c80c8b1d-371c-4c5c-b91c-6ed15f31a577 2007-11-07T19:54:08Z 2007-11-07T19:54:08Z

Yes, especially at times when we are physically weak we may emphasize the other seven limbs of ashtanga or even practice the yoga of sleep. Even when I was in the hospital unable to move and having a machine regulate my breath I was able to practice the yoga of devotion and listen to my guru with an open heart. At that time it was the most powerful limb of all- faith.

michael 2007-11-07T19:54:08Z Shi Fa Jun Shakya http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#01c7bd4d-0302-4fa6-96f9-bc9d1a54d1e0 2007-11-07T19:08:55Z 2007-11-07T19:08:55Z

Wow! congratulations!

Shi Fa Jun Shakya 2007-11-07T19:08:55Z Liz http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#1e6b5f57-b96a-4ba0-8442-edd8d793dd6f 2007-11-05T17:51:05Z 2007-11-05T17:51:05Z

It has been a success. For the past couple weeks (since I posted this), i've been getting up earlier than my alarm clock and doing at least 20 minutes of yoga and meditation. it's been a great start for me. it's also made me continue when I get home from work and work on things a little longer. it feels great! :-)

Liz 2007-11-05T17:51:05Z Curry http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#1fb29019-9e4e-4d58-9f20-cabb9431c60c 2007-11-05T00:18:14Z 2007-11-05T00:18:14Z

Hi Liz, You have lots of good replys. My practice is a collection of small parts. Sometimes I do not do all of them. You could make a small practice that you do no matter what, even if only for a few minuets. When you want you can do more. It is like keeping a small flame burning for the new fire. You know there is a lot of yoga fire in your future.

Curry 2007-11-05T00:18:14Z Laura/Priti http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#cc263f22-a68c-448e-9857-263f53454b8c 2007-11-04T02:36:46Z 2007-11-04T02:36:46Z

I find it helpful to redefine "practice". In my own busy life, I don't always have time for 1-2 hours of asana and meditation, although that would be very nice. Sometimes all I can squeeze in at the end of an exhausting day is a few claming forward folds, supta baddha konasana, legs up the wall and then savasana. Give yourself permission to have an "easier" practice, especially if you teach a lot of classes. Namaste

Laura/Priti 2007-11-04T02:36:46Z Roric http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#125d51ee-961a-4c8e-a9a2-b7dcca65640d 2007-11-03T17:23:12Z 2007-11-03T17:23:12Z

Remember that yoga is much more than asana. Perhaps some more soothing/restorative/breath work is what the body is calling for. Balasana (child's posture), for instance, can be very rejuvinating. Also, maintaining the ethical aspects of yoga philosophy (yamas/vegetarianism, niyamas...) can be satisfying too. ~

Roric 2007-11-03T17:23:12Z Shi Fa Jun Shakya http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#fe7ba0b2-0133-488e-a677-ba368f137003 2007-10-12T18:54:10Z 2007-10-12T18:54:10Z

I find that daily practice of some kind is beneficial for all of us - but not necessarily the same kind of practice every day. Some of us just won't benefit from a full 90 minutes of hatha yoga in the morning... some days 30 minutes will be better, some days 2 hours. I know for myself that having a dedicated asana practice that happens 4 days per week is very beneficial - i do it first thing in the morning, both because then i get it out of the way, and don't have to worry about finding a time to practice, and because it also juices the rest of my day. I find it is good for me to do the practice regardless of any excuses i have - in most cases i feel better from practicing than I would have from resting.. and i begin to realize that the excuses are rarely really valid ... more like attempts for the habitual mind to through me off track before I actually start to change. many blessings to you.

Shi Fa Jun Shakya 2007-10-12T18:54:10Z Katrina http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#85173361-a8e2-4035-8183-d36cf3d7692d 2007-10-10T05:17:59Z 2007-10-10T05:17:59Z

I also really enjoyed reading what V mentiones here about not feeling guilty. Ebbs and flows. I guess I have to decide where my feelings are coming from and for me, it's more of a lack of motivation, where I wish I felt motivated, than beating myself up because I haven't been keeping up. My motivation falls off and from time to time, and that's ok when I'm ebbing but when I know I'm ready to flow again, sometimes I will need something to rekindle my motivation. : )

Katrina 2007-10-10T05:17:59Z Liz http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#fc3525f9-89f4-4db3-b2d8-d15e9815b8cb 2007-10-09T23:29:53Z 2007-10-09T23:29:53Z

Thank you all! Inspiration is what I need and I'm taking a yoga intensive this weekend and i'm looking forward to it. I do feel like i'm doing the same thing over and over. today I taught my coworkers and I felt completely disconnected. it wasn't a great feeling at all. I hope this weekend helps and i'm pretty sure it will . thanks again. You guys rock!

Liz 2007-10-09T23:29:53Z Princess Judy http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#e3b6c308-3651-4ad2-8661-65017a6e5738 2007-10-09T23:24:09Z 2007-10-09T23:24:09Z

Hi Liz, I'm not a teacher (at all), but self discipline is something we all have trouble with every once in a while (or actually ever so often :). Like Katrina said, workshops will give new inspiration. So do classes. They motivate me, anyway. I also love yoga magazines, buying some gorgeous books or looking up inspirational sites. It can also help to set goals, but keeping them small and doable, like promising yourself to do one asana first thing in the morning (hey, you can do one asana easily, right?), and that first step really gets you started and before you know it, you've done twenty plus some deep meditation too, and are actually doing a regular home practice! At the moment I'm working with a new yoga program from a book and promised myself to stick to it. Even though I already know a lot of the poses in there, and I'm not really a beginner, I needed some fresh inspiration/insights, because I was getting in a rut, doing the same things in the same manner... And the same old favorite poses... Doing this program really helps me to get back to the basics and view things from a different and fresh angle, and it also covers meditation and breath awareness, two other important aspects I can use more of. I also promised myself that after each week that I'd finish (it's an eight week program), I'd buy myself a little something, like a reward and this can be yoga related to keep myself in the yoga mood (like a new yoga book), but doesn't have to be. After the first week, I treated myself to a yoga book I had my eye. And after the whole 8 week program I'm gonna treat myself to something big... I don't know... A retreat perhaps? Or just something I wanted to have for some time... There are lots of things :) Anyway, the presents are nice to look forward to, however, it's not only meant as a reward, but as a true celebration. Celebrations always give me new energy!

Princess Judy 2007-10-09T23:24:09Z $item.owner.firstName http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#56424fe3-40cb-4002-8738-342725f5ab82 2007-10-09T19:06:55Z 2007-10-09T19:06:55Z

I would think that ones practice has its ups and downs, like life, like many things, regardless of the seriousness and dedication one might have to a practice. To somehow feel guilty, inadequate, lazy, etc because one isn't obsessively adhering to some rigid set of expectations - self generated or external - seems rather wrongheaded to me. Of the many things yoga has to offer, flexibility is one of many positive attributes to cultivate and practice, literally and figuratively speaking. ~V~

$item.owner.firstName 2007-10-09T19:06:55Z Katrina http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#afa48ea4-49df-4792-98a4-6e4278ed213f 2007-10-09T19:05:12Z 2007-10-09T19:05:12Z

Hi Liz, I've been dealing with this as well and I find what helps to re-motivate me is signing up for weekend intensives or any kind of workshop that spans beyond a regular 60 or 90 minute class. I just finished a 20 hour weekend course and I really think that was one of a very few things that could have lifted me from my funk. I found a sub for my Sat / Sun class and was able to go. It was GREAT! I think that like anything else, we have the ability to fall in and out of love with our practice if we don't constantly nurture it. I liked what Carolyn mentioned about starting her practice before she gets out of bed. That's something that I don't always take the time to do, but really should. I imagine many of my days would run a bit smoother if I started them out more positively : ) Katrina

Katrina 2007-10-09T19:05:12Z Caroleeena http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#b94d0372-2864-42c5-b7d3-6e229e29f7df 2007-10-09T18:28:16Z 2007-10-09T18:28:16Z

It helps me to start my practice before I even get out of bed in the morning. I try to wake up, count my blessings (the things I'm grateful for, the things I'm looking forward to), then start my first stretches right in my bed. Then I find it easier to get up, run to the bathroom, finish my practice and start my day. If I miss that first jump start though, I am less likely to practice. Hope this helps.

Caroleeena 2007-10-09T18:28:16Z Liz http://allyoga.tribe.net/thread/b0aa259f-b7ed-400a-b200-8b7f2eae5a33#ee23b5ce-a477-4922-9ebe-e8218cb64b1a 2007-10-09T16:34:33Z 2007-10-09T16:34:33Z

Hello, I've been finding myself not practicing as much as I would like to. I know this takes a lot of discipline and I encourage my students to do a little practicing everyday. But I'm not and I feel that's wrong of me to do that! I've been through this before and I'm trying to get myself going. I work fulltime so there are days when I'm exhausted and just want to relax. anybody have any suggestions, words of wisdom.....? thanks, -Liz

Liz 2007-10-09T16:34:33Z