Yoga

The Path of Yoga

“Yoga is the science of joining together the individual self with the higher self, the invisible spark of God that resides within everyone.” – Pantanjali (Father of Ashtanga Yoga)

“It takes discipline to be a free spirit.” Gabrielle Roth

Both yoga and dance have been key in my journey towards freedom, and healing. The constant search for the truth has brought me to walk this path. It is the shattering and the rebirth.. What arises from the ashes, is the life that I have been blessed with. So here, I offer it to you. May these lessons start you on your journey towards the one true destination we all seek, freedom.

Breath and Movement-The Dance Begins

“The practice begins and here breath and movement are married. In their union we find the yoga practice. What in the beginning tastes like poisen, eventually becomes the nectar of bliss. Meaning that we must work through the blockages of the body and find freedom. Then we begin to taste the reward to the blissful energy as it is channeled through the body. As the awareness of the breath grows, we can deepen the practice, discovering new possibilities. Where we have breath and movement, we have awareness.” David Swenson

I use yoga and dance to compliment each other. Yoga helps me to find discipline and dance helps me to find freedom. Used together, I can bring both aspects into my body and life.

The Foundation

“The entire foundation of ashtanga yoga is based upon the dynamic flow of Suryanamaskara “A” and “B”, also known as Sun salutations. The idea of blending breath and movement into a serpentine flow is what sets this system of yoga apart from other methods.  It is here that we begin the journey and it is here that all answers about the practice live. The simple act of breathing holds the key to life and death.”

This explaination of the yogic practice I quote from my teacher David Swenson’s book Ashtanga Yoga. For more information on his retreats and training go to www.ashtanga.net

I have also found great value in the sitting meditation practice of Vipassana. In times of great suffering this practice has allowed me to find equanimity and peace. I thank all those whole have given danna (donations of good will) to make it possible for Vipassana to be brought those who are suffering in the world.

May all beings be free of suffering. May all beings be at peace. May all beings share in harmony.

For a heartfelt and gentle approach, I highly recommend working with Robert Hall in Todos Santos, Mexico. For Dharma talks and retreats check him out at www.eldharma.com

For a more in-depth and intense experience of Vipassana, I recommend Northfork Vipassana Center. www.mahavana.dhamma.org

MAY ALL BEINGS BE HAPPY!!!