I'm a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) who loves all things spiritual. Find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/JivaniLisaDYoga
In the deep fall don’t you imagine the leaves think how comfortable it will be to touch the earth instead of the nothingness of air and the endless freshets of wind? And don’t you think the trees themselves, especially those with mossy, warm caves, begin to think of the birds that will come — six, a dozen — to sleep inside their bodies? And don’t you hear the goldenrod whispering goodbye, the everlasting being crowned with the first tuffets of snow? The pond vanishes, and the white field over which the fox runs so quickly brings out its blue shadows. And the wind pumps its bellows. And at evening especially, the piled firewood shifts a little, longing to be on its way.
While Yoga isn’t primarily a “workout,” it balances all types of activities from golf to racket sports to running and weight lifting. It also brings safe, healthy physical activity to those who find themselves sedentary on many days. The reason Yoga helps us feel so good is that it works through what’s known as the five koshas (“sheaths” or “layers”) of our bodies.
The first, most obvious kosha is the physical body itself, annamaya kosha. The Yoga poses (asanas) keep the body both strong and flexible, and assist with balance and coordination.
Deeper than the physical body is the energetic body, pranamaya kosha, which we most easily access through working with the breath in our Yoga classes. A good Yoga class leaves us feeling refreshed with just the right amount of energy – not so much that we feel restless and not so little that we feel exhausted or lethargic.
The next layer is the mental kosha, known as manomaya kosha, which includes our thoughts and emotions as well as our “witnessing” mind, the part of us that knows how to simply be “present” and aware of what’s actually happening moment to moment.
Deeper than this is the wisdom body, vijnanamaya kosha, which contains all knowledge, understanding, and intuition. We experience this when we get a flash of insight seemingly out of nowhere.
The deepest layer, anandamaya kosha, represents deep contentment, peace, even bliss. According to Yoga philosophy, this is the deepest, truest part of who we are. No matter what’s happening externally in our lives or in the world, we always have the ability to connect with this deep inner peace and contentment.
When we do Yoga poses, breathing exercises, and concentration/meditation in a practice session, we automatically access all five of these koshas (because they’re interconnected), cleansing them and freeing us to face whatever we need to face in our daily lives.
Yoga is for everyone! Please practice on your own, or locate a suitable in-person or virtual class to suit your needs. BE well!
“In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33)
“If you are alive and breathing, you will have trouble in this world. Either you will hunt the dragon, or the dragon will hunt you. There is no escaping it.” (Jim Burgen)
Sea monsters jump and dive with gaping mouths and teeth of daggers never satisfied. Hunt for the next meal composed of human souls, men and women of faith.
Pray and work, then pray and work. Gasp for breath, just one more breath before going under yet again. Remember how to swim, reach and kick. The surface is not out of reach.
Relax and float, trust the arms, strong arms of support bearing the weight. Yes, float and trust. Risk a breath now – breathe – air fresh and new.
Happy International Yoga Day (June 21)! In gratitude to mother India for giving us the great science of Yoga.
Planet Earth has been blessed by the profound teachings of Yoga, which go so far beyond stretching and strengthening our physical bodies: The ethical practices, the training in concentration and meditation, the emphasis on selfless service (karma yoga), devotion to the Divine (bhakti yoga)… and the list goes on!
In gratitude to the Yoga Masters who came in particular to the United States to teach. I’m thinking of Swami Vivekananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Rama, and Swami Satchidananda in particular. The ancient teachings given to the modern world are priceless.
In gratitude to my guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda, for showing us how to use the practices of Yoga to bring us an easeful body and a peaceful mind – to be in service to making this world a better place! For Integral Yoga, the LOTUS, etc.
Yoga therapists work with individuals and groups looking to move beyond illness/diagnoses into a place of flourishing and thriving. Yoga becomes an entire holistic lifestyle meeting physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Contact me for more info! Be well! ❤
Holistic Yoga & Spiritual Guidance 