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[‘Self Study’] – Svadhyaya – the 4th Niyama
The meaning of Yoga is union. Union of the body, the mind, the soul and the spirit 🙂 On our class we practiced Svadhyaya, the 4th Niyama from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali which function as a guide towards that union. The Yoga Sutras is one of the yoga philosophy texts. It contains 196 Sutras, it discusses the aim and the practice of yoga. Each Sutra has a teaching, but we today will focus only on the 4th Niyama. Patanjali describes the essence of the first sutras: ‘Yoga is the progressive settling of the mind into silence. When the mind is settled, we are established in our own essential state,…
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Thunderstorm Sunday
The beginning of August has brought some cooling rain, accompanied by some loud thunderstorms. Bringing contrast from a hot humid day with fluffy clouds turning into dark heavy pockets of rain. It makes it perfect for taking some time to go back indoors and connect with our body. After a busy week and a Saturday visit to the city which turned into a 6 mile walk, we recharge the body and the mind with healthy food (ok, we kind of do that everyday). I cannot take credit for the cooking, I’m definitely the sous-chef. Today it was the turn for a dish called African peanut stew, which has some sweet…
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Be Playful
If there is something that my Yoga practice has taught me throughout the years, is that we cannot take everything so seriously. When we live within our daily practice it doesn’t mean that all our worries will disappear, but it will allow us manage the situations with a lighter heart. It provides a different state of mind where you can be present and decide how to move along within your day. Daily meditation and asana practice can take you there and curving your lips upward when you feel like a situation is getting out hand, might be what you need for the day.
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What is Yoga and what role does it play in your life
“Submit to a daily practice. Your loyalty to that is a win at the door. Keep knocking, and the joy inside will eventually open a window and look out to see who’s there.” – Rumi What comes to your mind when you hear the word yoga? Yoga is so much more than that, actually in Sanskrit Yoga means union. This is one of the reasons why yoga encompasses so much more than the Asanas (yoga poses). If you are curious and want to learn more about it, a really good book is The Yamas and Niyamas, by Deborah Adele. The Yamas are external ethics and Niyamas are internal ethics. They…
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Two practices to bring joy into your life
Gratitude When you notice that in your life there are big things and small things that you can be grateful for, you realize that you can always be thankful. Bringing gratitude into your life will expand the joy you get from within. Meeting up with friends, taking the dog for a walk, playing with your children. All these interactions are moments that can bring joy within, when you feel gratitude for the opportunity to be with the ones you love. Meditation Carving time to yourself to take a break and build a practice of inner grounding is a great way to bring joy into your life. Our everyday lives are…
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World Meditation Day 2023
Yesterday was World Meditation day, which is a good opportunity to highlight the benefits of such an amazing habit. Meditation has been practiced for over hundreds of years and now there is scientific proof of all it’s benefits. Scientific studies have shown how meditation can help you: These are just some of the benefits by practicing everyday. There are many types of meditation: Primordial Sound Meditation, Mindfulness, Mantra meditation, Transcendental Meditation, Kirtan Kriya, to name a few. Regardless of which one you choose, the positive effects in your body and mind are undeniable. Feel free to find out more about my meditation offerings
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Is it all about Habits?
I had to get this book! I usually like to read books more than listening to them, but once in a while when I go out on walks listening to books adds to the journey. A friend recommended Atomic Habits, so I decided to listen to it. To my surprise and I enjoyed it so much I had to get the actual book. The author, James Clear, shares great stories and practices that served him throughout his life. It was one of those books that you can keep on reading and reading again. I am really looking forward to take notes and this time take my time to practice some…
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Welcome 2023!
I woke up with a headache today, and I have to clarify that I didn’t party last night. The headache was a good reminder that I should do some self caring today, specially being that it is the beginning of the year and it is a Sunday! The best action to take? Rest and relax. The suggestion was to take a bath with with epson salts and hot water and just sink into it while letting my muscles relax. I have to say that it wasn’t my idea my other half was the one that suggested it. As I tried to let the muscles in my neck relax I started…
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A little Yoga Nidra for the end of your week
https://insighttimer.com/feryogini/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-love-and-compassion-2 We are always busy and on the run, and always need a reminder to stop and smell the roses!! The practice of Yoga Nidra is a practice of rest and relaxation. It is also an an opportunity to connect to our inner self. Yoga Nidra is a form of a guided meditation where all you have to do is lay down on your mat and listen to the voice of a teacher. It is one of my favorite practices both teaching it and practicing it. If you haven’t tried it, I added one recently to InsightTimer, which is a meditation app that offers an extensive meditation library. The link…
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What to do when vacations come to an end?
After a summer filled with activities, visiting with family and work we finally took some time off and traveled to attend a friend’s long planned wedding. This presented as the perfect opportunity to plan time to wind down and connect with others. Their wedding was beautiful, filled with love and joy, and of course lots of dancing. I danced until I got blisters! When it comes to dancing I don’t understand the word moderation 😉 We took advantage of our trip and decided to see new places, enjoy food, relax, recharge and celebrate with family and friends. Walking was one of the daily activities that I looked forward to do…
