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What is your Practice?

When it comes to discussing Yoga with others it can sometimes be a heated, difficult conversation. For most, Yoga is an exercise. A series of movements that help to tone the body and relax the mind, which is 100% true. However, it's not just that; it's a practice. A mental, physical, emotional, and for many, a spiritual practice. And when I say spiritual I do not mean religious or Hindu. Though, Yoga is rooted in Hinduism, it can be adapted to any religious/spiritual practice.

No, Yoga is more than touching toes and saying "OM." Yet, this post is not about what Yoga is, or is not, it's about what your Yoga is. What your "practice" is. Something you do almost everyday, or on a pretty steady basis. Something that you go deeply into and give your all. It can be anything, from sports to art.

What is it that you practice? 

Think hard about this one because you may have more than one, and they may not always be the best for you. For instance, you could practice art, which can be a very spiritual and self reflective process, just like Yoga. Or you could put lots of energy into partying. Always thinking about what bar to go to, or how wasted you got last weekend. For some this is just a phase, but for others it becomes an addictive practice.

Take a moment now and think about your everyday practices, your life patterns. Maybe even write them down and see which ones you would be better off without. And find ones that you need to do more. Just by doing this process of finding these patterns is part of Yoga, so now you can add Yoga to your list.

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John Kabat-Zinn on Mindfulness

Update on Ram: The Boy with Divine Powers

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A Boy with Divine Powers

The Boy With Divine Powers (5/5)
by circusoflife

A video I stumbled upon. Very interesting story about a boy who goes into a deep trance meditation and survives for days without food or water. Then, one day he is just gone!

Silence & Walking

Amazing!!! What an accomplishment and all by not speaking and not using motorized transportation.

What do you think would happen if you stopped talking for one day? What would you hear and learn about yourself? Imagine what the silence could do for you. Imagine truly listening not only to others, but to yourselves.

PRACTICE: Try for one day to not speak and right down what happens throughout your day. Be bold try to not speak for even longer periods of time. Do it with family and friends; together be silent. See how this can help your relationships to grow.

Try making a point one day each week to not talk...A Silent Day.

Russell Simmons Connecting Breath w/Movement

No Time to Meditate?

  As a mother of two I know that finding time to do formal meditation is pretty much nonexistent. Don't worry meditation isn't all about sitting with legs crossed and eyes closed. It's about focus.

Throughout your day when you find your mind wondering from what you are doing (paperwork, laundry, dishes, DRIVING, etc.) just bring your attention back to your task. This practice of focusing the mind on the present situation IS meditation. This makes everything we do an opportunity to meditate and focus on the now.

When I think of an example to use from my daily life I think of trying to get my kids to laugh and smile. I notice that when I try to get our 4 month old to laugh I am completely focused. I make silly faces and noises just to get a simple little smile, and nothing else matters while I am doing this. Even if my attention does get interrupted I immediately go back to the baby until I finally get that laugh. And once he starts to laugh the joy I feel is indescribable.

Another practice to incorporate throughout your day is focusing on your breath. Just like focusing on a task bring your awareness to your breath at points during the day. Remember meditation is a journey. Don't expect to be a master overnight and don't beat yourself up if you lose focus or forget to do so. The journey is what it is all about. We learn from the practice not the end result.

Bringing thisfocus to your tasks and breath will help you to relax during stressful situations (like driving, especially if you live in NJ) and can help you to experience life to the fullest. This makes every moment an opportunity to meditate, so really you always have time.