Author: cadreyoga

The beauty of the present moment.
The past is a teacher and the future is a dream. The ability to be right here in this moment is a practice. When the lessons or dreams seek attention in the present moment, acknowledge their presence but let them flow away. Release attachment to outcomes …breathe into this moment. Take notice of your beautiful surroundings and have gratitude for the quiet moment you have created for yourself.

”Action without stillness is reactivity
Stillness without action is resignation
Action informed by stillness is purpose” – unknown

Yoga allows us the opportunity to reside in stillness. From that stillness we can be more responsive with our thoughts and actions, leading from a clear and calm space. There is much to discover within stillness.

Connection is essential to our well being. We are social beings, we are created to connect. As we are coming out of a time of disconnect and separateness, connection is that much more precious and important. Yoga is literally to join, union…with ourselves…the mind body connection, and also the external connection, with community, with each other.

“We are like Islands in the ocean, separated on the surface, but connected in the deep” – William James

Yoga is a project of exploration, a practice of becoming aware of our deepest nature. 
A physical path to an internal journey. 
Patience is essential. 

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

 

Without light, darkness would not be noticed. Without darkness, light would not be seen. When we shine from within, we can illuminate our souls as well as recognize where our darkness has seeped back in. This illumination is a gift. Embrace the darkness and see how you are changing the brighter your light is. You can choose to shine, even when darkness is present.

Making progress in any endeavor requires time, effort and focus. What we learn from our teachers and books is important, yet secondary to the knowledge we acquire through direct experience. That which cannot be described in words and only can be alluded to, the knowledge of the inner Self (purusa), absolutely requires turning our attention inward on a regular basis. Abhyāsa is a disciplined, persistent effort to remain focused requiring a committed effort to maintain your chosen practice long enough to reap its rewards. Whether we attend regular asana class or set aside time every morning to sit quietly and meditate, perseverance will ensure some level of progress. Over time, our body, breath, heart, and mind will become more clear, refined, and pure, benefiting not only ourselves but everyone around us as well.                         – The Path of the Yoga Sutras

 

Discomfort is a normal human feeling, we all experience it on a daily basis. But we often abandon ourselves when we don’t “feel good”, when we feel discomfort. What if we dive deeper within that discomfort to find the comfort in the uncomfortable.
Our perception is often that we aren’t supposed to feel pain or discomfort, we rush to make it better or even avoid it altogether. As we practice yoga we learn to recognize discomfort. We learn to acknowledge it and breathe through it rather than resisting.  Yoga practice is a journey through discomfort, a project of exploration, a practice of becoming aware – clearing away all that holds us back from our true nature. Healing lies in never abandoning ourselves. Finding comfort in the uncomfortable – breathing through resistance.

Giving to others selflessly, radiating light through the world and illuminating your own darkness, your virtue becomes a sanctuary for yourself and all beings
-Lao Tzu
Next time you step on your mat, feel the vibration of the energy you cultivate within and share it outwardly with the world. Know that you are doing something to enrich your own life and positively impact the energy of everyone and everything around you.