I'm a-changin'... of that there is no doubt. And it's the most wonderful thing. In situations that I would have run a mile from just three or so weeks ago, I find myself stepping up to the plate, beating heart and all, and dealing with calmly and clearly. This week during my eleven minute practice of sodarshan chakra kriya, I have found myself breathless far more than last week. It's important in pranayama not to force anything, so when I feel breathless, I have a choice. Do I push on … [Read more...]
Day 15 to 21: Forty Day Sadhana of Sodarshan Chakra Kriya
Read the first posts in this series here: Committing to a Forty Day Sadhana of Sodarshan Chakra Kriya Day 1 to 7: Forty Day Sadhana of Sodarshan Chakra Kriya Day 8 to 14: Forty Day Sadhana of Sodarshan Chakra Kriya I'm over halfway through this sadhana, and the results have been incredible. Last week I shared some of the burning away process, whereby the movement of prana in the body releases old samskaras. This can be a painful and at times bewildering process, yet ultimately it … [Read more...]
Day 8 to 14: Forty Day Sadhana of Sodarshan Chakra Kriya
Missed the beginning of this series? Catch up here: Committing to a Forty Day Sadhana of Sodarshan Chakra Kriya Day 1 to 7: Forty Day Sadhana of Sodarshan Chakra Kriya There have been so many "ah-ha!" moments this week, brought about by a combination of this sadhana, but also an amazing book I am reading called Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, by Stephen Cope. Regular practice of yoga transforms us form the inside out - psyche and all. It's a process I've largely done by myself, … [Read more...]
Day 1 to 7: Forty Day Sadhana of Sodarshan Chakra Kriya
It's one week into my forty day Sadhana and I am loving it. No matter what is going on in my day, no matter how I am feeling, I know I can take eleven minutes out to myself to do this practice of sodarshan chakra kriya, and afterward I always feel better. One of the most noticeable benefits has been clarity in the mind. I've been dealing with a lot of mind chatter in the past week, and the difference after my eleven minute practice is like the difference between the height of a downpour … [Read more...]
Committing to a Forty Day Sadhana of Sodarshan Chakra Kriya
As an avid reader of Steve Pavlina's blog, Personal Development for Smart People, I have long admired his tenacity in determining a course of action and sticking to it. He is the champion of the thirty day trial - a process whereby he'll try something out for thirty days to see how it impacts his life. After thirty days, the practice is sufficiently ingrained into his day so that if the results have been beneficial, it is simple to carry on. It's a great way to make a lifetime commitment to … [Read more...]
How do I squeeze yoga and meditation into my jam-packed day?
It’s the end of the week and while you managed to make it to two yoga classes, you haven’t unrolled your yoga mat at home once. Family, work, & household commitments make finding a 90-minute slot during the day next to impossible. Short of getting up at 5am, or re-prioritizing your life to ditch other commitments, there are other ways to regularly practice yoga. After all, home practice is where the deeper rewards of yoga blossom. So how do you manage to fit regular yoga and meditation … [Read more...]
How to start a home yoga practice
The only way to connect with your internal guide, that yoga teacher that lives inside of you and can't wait to get out, is to start a home yoga practice. And no matter what your level of yoga experience. No matter what you know or think you don't know. Starting a home yoga practice is simple. You just do it... … [Read more...]