"Spiritual director" is a term for someone who companions someone else on their exploration of how the divine is moving in their lives. Most commonly known in the Catholic monastic tradition, monks and nuns who spent a lot of time in meditation and prayer would check in with a superior to guide them on the path. Also a universal phenomenon, most religions and cultures have a way of making space for spiritual seekers to have conversation and receive insight from someone else about how they are using ritual and making choices.
At this point in my life, I feel called to offer spiritual direction and to teach yoga. The two have common ground in Sutra II.1. Tapah Svaadyhaya Isvarapranidhana Kriya Yoga. This means that we follow a discipline, we practice self-reflection, and we acknowledge a divinity.
Certainly, it is clear in the U.S. today, from stereotypical yoga, that the postures take discipline and practice. And one pretty soon finds out that self-awareness is helpful and surfaces whether one is seeking it or not. Emphasizing faith in the divine is not common in all yoga classes today, and yet many teachers creatively slip it in, especially as Anusara teachers remind us: "Open to Grace!"
In a parallel way, a healthy prayer life has the discipline of a regular practice. This might mean attending Taize services, walking the Labyrinth, or doing daily private scripture reading. Also, a healthy prayer life includes space for self-reflection: we allow humbling insights to show us our patterns and convert us to new ones. Finally, a healthy prayer life means we surrender to a higher power and acknowledge that we are not the master of all things.
On Saturday night at 8 pm, I joined the "Coming of Age" teens at the Unitarian Universalist church during their overnight "lock-in", and offered them an experience of yoga and discussion of spiritual practice. I used Kriya yoga to frame the discussion, because I believe those three elements are present no matter what path a person chooses.
So, I wish for each of us, whether we call ourselves yogis or not, to know the richness of Kriya Yoga: that we make time for a discipline that purifies our body and mind, that we attune to our inner workings, and that we take faith in that which is greater than we are.
In coming days and weeks I hope to add more reflections here about tapas, svadhyaya, and Isvarapranidhana and how each of them shows up in the postures and in our lives, and the Sanskrit etymology.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Monday evening classes at TJMC UU
I am so excited to be teaching a class which blends philosophy, discussion, asana, breathing, and meditation. After teaching at studios and fitness centers for many years, I have found that the church is a perfect place to offer a class blending the ancient sacred theory with the modern perception of yoga postures.
All are welcome to come to Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist on Monday evenings, 5:30 - 7 pm through November 23. $10 donation requested. Each week we will take up a new set of sutras. Bring along a towel or mat, and a journal. This class is open to any member of the Charlottesville community---TJMC is a welcoming congregation affirming many paths to the Divine.
After the holidays, we will begin again in February, continuing through April. Mark your calendars for Monday evenings as winter turns into spring. Please register with the church office so that we'll have your contact info in case of weather or other class changes.
All are welcome to come to Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist on Monday evenings, 5:30 - 7 pm through November 23. $10 donation requested. Each week we will take up a new set of sutras. Bring along a towel or mat, and a journal. This class is open to any member of the Charlottesville community---TJMC is a welcoming congregation affirming many paths to the Divine.
After the holidays, we will begin again in February, continuing through April. Mark your calendars for Monday evenings as winter turns into spring. Please register with the church office so that we'll have your contact info in case of weather or other class changes.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Doors to Learning
I am finally, a week later, writing the final report on my experience at the San Francisco workshop with Desikachar. I have been reflecting on obstacles and structures in learning.
I guess it comes as no surprise that every person who came to the workshop had something else on their mind --- in addition to the poses, breathing, and meditation. At the breaks, as I chatted with people, I heard about family illnesses, marital strife, economic worries, and physical pains.
This reminds me of many years ago, when a teacher said, "The thoughts that pass through your mind during the poses---they are part of the yoga."
On the one hand, they are distractions. For, they are not the chosen focus at the time. To practice vairagya, we need to set aside whatever thoughts are not on task.
But on the other hand, once we have finished our practice, the yoga has --- we hope --- made us more clear-headed. So then, we can focus on these life issues and make more intelligent, compassionate responses.
The other area of learning that I've been reflecting on in the last week is how Desikachar taught. He didn't have much, if any, Q&A time. I am curious about this choice. When I saw him at the week-long Omega conference in 2000, he did have Q&A. But perhaps he has decided that it is best to give people an experience and let that be the learning.
Also, contrary to popular conception of yoga, we didn't do much asana. We did a lot of breathing, meditation, and chanting. Perhaps this was because he didn't want to strain people, and he couldn't easily assess 150 people on the spot. Or, perhaps his notion of what we needed were the tools of breathing, meditation, and chanting. In Desikachar's system, these simple, clear, accessible techniques are crucial to creating positive change.
I guess it comes as no surprise that every person who came to the workshop had something else on their mind --- in addition to the poses, breathing, and meditation. At the breaks, as I chatted with people, I heard about family illnesses, marital strife, economic worries, and physical pains.
This reminds me of many years ago, when a teacher said, "The thoughts that pass through your mind during the poses---they are part of the yoga."
On the one hand, they are distractions. For, they are not the chosen focus at the time. To practice vairagya, we need to set aside whatever thoughts are not on task.
But on the other hand, once we have finished our practice, the yoga has --- we hope --- made us more clear-headed. So then, we can focus on these life issues and make more intelligent, compassionate responses.
The other area of learning that I've been reflecting on in the last week is how Desikachar taught. He didn't have much, if any, Q&A time. I am curious about this choice. When I saw him at the week-long Omega conference in 2000, he did have Q&A. But perhaps he has decided that it is best to give people an experience and let that be the learning.
Also, contrary to popular conception of yoga, we didn't do much asana. We did a lot of breathing, meditation, and chanting. Perhaps this was because he didn't want to strain people, and he couldn't easily assess 150 people on the spot. Or, perhaps his notion of what we needed were the tools of breathing, meditation, and chanting. In Desikachar's system, these simple, clear, accessible techniques are crucial to creating positive change.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Why I Believe Yoga Can Help All Believers
Prayer. What does that conjure up for you?
In my twenties, I discovered that my most reverent times were during yoga practice; especially when I slipped off during church retreats and did yoga on my own in nature.
My friend and teacher, Chase Bossart, asserts that the second sutra should be translated that yoga directs the thoughts (instead of "ceases" the thoughts).
Thus, yoga can help us direct our mind to any chosen object. Including God. Or the Holy Spirit. Or the Virgin of Guadalupe. Or, Mother Earth, or the Full Moon. Or whatever connects you to the Greater, the Divine, the Source of All Life.
Now, along with this mental focus comes a handy trick: lots of people, especially young people, have trouble sitting still. So...being able to move along with prayer really helps!
Last month I spent an evening with thirty Episcopalian college students at UVA. We used arm movements to represent the Trinity. Next month I will meet with junior high age students at the Unitarian Universalist church. They are just beginning to define their spiritual practices. I want them to know that movement, including yoga, is one of many ways to pray.
When I was a brand new teacher in central Virginia in 1994, some of my students got together on their own to practice yoga one day, and reported, "Well, we just felt like having a prayer circle after that, so we did!"
I am grateful that Starr King School for the Ministry allowed me to get my Masters of Divinity following my call to a yoga ministry, even when some people weren't sure what that meant. And now, I am finding people around me in Charlottesville hungry to integrate their faith and yoga together.
TKV Desikachar has observed hundreds of yoga students over the years and has seen many agnostics become interested in a higher power. I wish for you and for all seekers that you let the Spirit guide your yoga, and your yoga guide you to the Spirit. May mental focus and movement be with you. Amen.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Heat, Cool, and Balance
Here continues my report from the Heart of Yoga conference with Desikachar in San Francisco this week. On Monday he taught the concepts of brahmana, langhana, and samaana.
Brahmana are activities which raise our energy. These can be useful when we are sleepy, lethargic, blue, or any other emotional/mental/physical state of slowness. Brahmana activities in yoga include backbends, inhale retention during pranayama, meditating on the sun, or chanting at a higher pitch.
Langhana activities lower our energy. These can be useful when one is feeling hyper, scattered, overly wakeful or warm. Langhana activities include twists, mild forward bends, slow exhalations, holding an exhale out, meditating on the moon, and chanting at a low pitch.
Samaana activities balance and maintain balance. These activities mix forward and back bends, and might include meditating on water or the lotus.
What I found remarkable about doing these practices in a group of a hundred or more people, was that on the breaks, different people were feeling benefit or agitation from the practices. Some hyper people didn't need more brahmana! Some slow people didn't need more langhana. And this is exactly why Desikachar continuously reminded us: "Practice self observation. Practice self observation."
So, I wish for all of us to have many pauses during the day to observe our energy level. And when our time for yoga comes, to choose the proper practice to raise, lower, or balance our energy.
Brahmana are activities which raise our energy. These can be useful when we are sleepy, lethargic, blue, or any other emotional/mental/physical state of slowness. Brahmana activities in yoga include backbends, inhale retention during pranayama, meditating on the sun, or chanting at a higher pitch.
Langhana activities lower our energy. These can be useful when one is feeling hyper, scattered, overly wakeful or warm. Langhana activities include twists, mild forward bends, slow exhalations, holding an exhale out, meditating on the moon, and chanting at a low pitch.
Samaana activities balance and maintain balance. These activities mix forward and back bends, and might include meditating on water or the lotus.
What I found remarkable about doing these practices in a group of a hundred or more people, was that on the breaks, different people were feeling benefit or agitation from the practices. Some hyper people didn't need more brahmana! Some slow people didn't need more langhana. And this is exactly why Desikachar continuously reminded us: "Practice self observation. Practice self observation."
So, I wish for all of us to have many pauses during the day to observe our energy level. And when our time for yoga comes, to choose the proper practice to raise, lower, or balance our energy.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Day 2 - Conference Report: Choices and Layers
We can not live without food and therefore should be grateful for our food.
We can not live without breath and therefore should be grateful for our breath.
We should be grateful for education because it helps us in life.
We should apply our knowledge correctly.
We should have fun.
On Saturday morning of the "Heart of Yoga Conference," Mr. Desikachar structured the chanting and meditation around these five points.
After he introduced the concept of fun, I had expected him to use the Sanskrit translation: िलल lila. This is commonly translated as play, including divine play. Yet, he used the word ananda, which is often translated as bliss. Hmmmm....I would be curious to ask him about this distinction. His examples implied that our fun should lead us to laughter, which has healing qualities.
He also spoke on the origin of illness. He named three factors. First, illness of our own making due to our expectations and disappointments. Second, genetic factors. Third, external factors. He said that treatments are often effective when medications and meditations are mixed. I found it ironic, and meaningful, that as I jotted my handwritten notes, I used the abbreviation med'n to mean both "meditation" and "medication"!
As in the previous evening's lecture, he emphasized that faith, hope, and positive attitude play a huge part in healing. He quoted Jesus as saying "Your own faith has saved you."
Desikachar called on his student, Chase Bossart to speak. Because Chase was raised in this culture and is similar to my age, I find his perspective a helpful bridge. Chase pointed out that the only vehicle we have for getting around in this life is...our body. Since the body is affected by how it interacts with different foods, or different teachings, that we must choose carefully what we put in our bodies and minds so that we get a desired outcome.
In the afternoon, Menaka Desikachar spoke on therapeutic aspects of yoga. She also emphasized the layers of the body, breath, mind, emotions, and soul, each of which can be a location of illness or an input for healing. Because the layers pervade each other, we can chose to affect one by affecting the other. For example, although asthma may be an illness of the breath, it can also lead to stooped posture and mental agitation. Conversely, calming the mind or straightening the posture can be part of the avenue to making space for the breath and remedying the asthma.
Systems. Layers. Choices. Hope.
May each of us on the path remember the many parts that make up the whole, and when one isn't working, may we harness hope, and try a different way through.
Visit this blog again in the coming days for more updates on the conference.
We can not live without breath and therefore should be grateful for our breath.
We should be grateful for education because it helps us in life.
We should apply our knowledge correctly.
We should have fun.
On Saturday morning of the "Heart of Yoga Conference," Mr. Desikachar structured the chanting and meditation around these five points.
After he introduced the concept of fun, I had expected him to use the Sanskrit translation: िलल lila. This is commonly translated as play, including divine play. Yet, he used the word ananda, which is often translated as bliss. Hmmmm....I would be curious to ask him about this distinction. His examples implied that our fun should lead us to laughter, which has healing qualities.
He also spoke on the origin of illness. He named three factors. First, illness of our own making due to our expectations and disappointments. Second, genetic factors. Third, external factors. He said that treatments are often effective when medications and meditations are mixed. I found it ironic, and meaningful, that as I jotted my handwritten notes, I used the abbreviation med'n to mean both "meditation" and "medication"!
As in the previous evening's lecture, he emphasized that faith, hope, and positive attitude play a huge part in healing. He quoted Jesus as saying "Your own faith has saved you."
Desikachar called on his student, Chase Bossart to speak. Because Chase was raised in this culture and is similar to my age, I find his perspective a helpful bridge. Chase pointed out that the only vehicle we have for getting around in this life is...our body. Since the body is affected by how it interacts with different foods, or different teachings, that we must choose carefully what we put in our bodies and minds so that we get a desired outcome.
In the afternoon, Menaka Desikachar spoke on therapeutic aspects of yoga. She also emphasized the layers of the body, breath, mind, emotions, and soul, each of which can be a location of illness or an input for healing. Because the layers pervade each other, we can chose to affect one by affecting the other. For example, although asthma may be an illness of the breath, it can also lead to stooped posture and mental agitation. Conversely, calming the mind or straightening the posture can be part of the avenue to making space for the breath and remedying the asthma.
Systems. Layers. Choices. Hope.
May each of us on the path remember the many parts that make up the whole, and when one isn't working, may we harness hope, and try a different way through.
Visit this blog again in the coming days for more updates on the conference.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Report from The Heart of Yoga Conference in San Francisco
This photo shows Grace Cathedral, high on a hill in San Francisco, where TKV Desikachar spoke tonight.
He traveled from India, some attendees traveled from other countries, and I traveled
from Charlottesville, Virginia. First in a car. Then a plane. Then the BART, a local train which whooshes at high speed in a tunnel under the San Francisco Bay, an engineering feat which repeatedly amazes me. Then, finally, I took a cable car, with its old wooden slats, hand-operated brakes, and open air railings where passengers hang on. What a mix of old and new technologies. In San Francisco, the cable cars have been preserved as a highly useful technology.
Maybe kind of like yoga? An old and useful thing for travelers on a journey.
About 400 people gathered to hear Desikachar speak, and I'd like to summarize his points. He began by emphasizing his reliance on his teacher, "his Master," who happened also to be his father.
Next he expressed concern that yoga is too often limited to postures. Much more than that, he says: "Yoga is inner reflection." Going on, he quoted Sutra 2.1, which defines three aspects of yoga as action, knowledge, and faith. He claimed that he has seen many students over the years begin yoga as agnostics, but that the asana and pranayama practice make them curious about a higher power, and eventually leads them to faith. And after that stage, he emphasized that asana remains a critical element in order for a person to stay healthy and clear.
Speaking about the title of the event, "The Heart of Yoga," he says that a long time ago, the highest deity decided to wait inside people's hearts. And that if we can realize that God is in our hearts, then we will be happy and calm.
I admire how Desikachar is constantly finding teaching moments. In front of this large gathering, he asked specific questions of two of his long-time students, Kate Holcombe and Chase Bossart, about their yoga journeys. Both emphasized the choices found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, saying that this makes it very accessible for real life. Depending on one's inclinations, circumstance, challenges, or opportunities, many avenues into yoga are possible.
I hope for each of us to consider our journeys, how they turn and change, how the new meets the old, and what choices for spiritual discipline will lead us further into our hearts.
Tune in for more conference insights in the coming week!
He traveled from India, some attendees traveled from other countries, and I traveled
from Charlottesville, Virginia. First in a car. Then a plane. Then the BART, a local train which whooshes at high speed in a tunnel under the San Francisco Bay, an engineering feat which repeatedly amazes me. Then, finally, I took a cable car, with its old wooden slats, hand-operated brakes, and open air railings where passengers hang on. What a mix of old and new technologies. In San Francisco, the cable cars have been preserved as a highly useful technology.Maybe kind of like yoga? An old and useful thing for travelers on a journey.
About 400 people gathered to hear Desikachar speak, and I'd like to summarize his points. He began by emphasizing his reliance on his teacher, "his Master," who happened also to be his father.
Next he expressed concern that yoga is too often limited to postures. Much more than that, he says: "Yoga is inner reflection." Going on, he quoted Sutra 2.1, which defines three aspects of yoga as action, knowledge, and faith. He claimed that he has seen many students over the years begin yoga as agnostics, but that the asana and pranayama practice make them curious about a higher power, and eventually leads them to faith. And after that stage, he emphasized that asana remains a critical element in order for a person to stay healthy and clear.
Speaking about the title of the event, "The Heart of Yoga," he says that a long time ago, the highest deity decided to wait inside people's hearts. And that if we can realize that God is in our hearts, then we will be happy and calm.
I admire how Desikachar is constantly finding teaching moments. In front of this large gathering, he asked specific questions of two of his long-time students, Kate Holcombe and Chase Bossart, about their yoga journeys. Both emphasized the choices found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, saying that this makes it very accessible for real life. Depending on one's inclinations, circumstance, challenges, or opportunities, many avenues into yoga are possible.
I hope for each of us to consider our journeys, how they turn and change, how the new meets the old, and what choices for spiritual discipline will lead us further into our hearts.
Tune in for more conference insights in the coming week!
October 18 workshop on Yoga Sutras
One of the richest times of my yoga study was when I journaled about one Sutra each day. A wonderful book by Bernard Bouanchaud called The Essence of Yoga gave me reflection questions for each sutra. I would like to help more people access and use the Sutras this way.
So, on October 18, I'm teaching a yoga class with no asanas, no mats, no sweating. Well, maybe sweating---if philosophical concepts are highly exciting to you.
Using a mix of lecture (and that means teeny lecture), discussion, and journaling, I'll help people understand how to dive into (or dip your toe into) the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. We will compare translations, summarize the four books, discuss the Eight Limbs (ashtanga), and explore the verses relating to posture (asana). You will leave with an idea of how to study the Yoga Sutras at home to enhance your outlook on daily life and your yoga practice.
If you have a favorite translation of the Yoga Sutras, bring it along! Although we are meeting at ACAC, you don't have to be a member, although there's a $15 visit fee. Please come join us... 1 - 3 pm on Sunday October 18 at ACAC Albemarle Square in Charlottesville.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Matters of Life and Breath
In my hospital chaplaincy work last year, I spent time with people who were dying or the bodies of those who had died. I saw breath happening, and then cease happening. So, in my own yoga practice, when I am instructed to pay attention to the pause after the exhale, I am very aware that one day, I will pause after exhaling, and then not inhale again.
Perhaps this seems like a scary thought. If one has not resolved ones notions about death and what comes next, then yes, it could be scary. Even if one is sure that good things lie ahead after death, it is still an unknown journey and could be scary.
But what I find amazing is how yoga helps us practice for death, for the ultimate surrender. And if I practice this everyday as part of my yoga practice, then surely the annoyances of daily life seem much smaller! Thus, as many spiritual teachers have taught us, when we make peace with death, we make peace with life. Yoga is one way to do this.
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