Yesterday’s post on cell phone use in the studio sure started a lot of commentary, positive and negative, so thanks for reading and responding! Most of you thought it was “morally” wrong to even bring your phone into the studio, nevermind actually using it to text, check messages and whatnot. It got me thinking to morals and how they are basically concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human nature. Now do I think you are a bad person if you sneak your phone into class even if you aren’t planning on using it? No, of course I don’t. But as a yoga teacher and the person who is responsible for holding the energy in the studio, I have to hold high principles for proper conduct in class. And that was the point of my post yesterday. It wasn’t to offend you, but instead it was to provoke thought, discussion and insight on yoga etiquette.
Me, holding the energy n this scared space! Namaste!
In yoga, we have our own set of guidelines and they are called Yamas, or universal moral commandments. The five Yamas help control a yogi’s passions and emotions and keep them in harmony with their fellow practitioners. Teachers refer to the Yamas as “right living” and “ethical rules” that are needed for any yogi to transform negative energy and cultivate a deep abiding sense of peace. Here’s a brief summary of the Yamas and to find out more, definitely pick up a copy for BKS Iyengar’s Light on Yoga. It is an excellent source on the study and tradition of yoga. And just like we practice our yoga asanas or postures, the Yamas take practice too! Practice what you preach, right?!
1. Ahimsa (non-violence) This is more than a negative command not to kill for it has a wider positive meaning, love. The yogi believes that to kill or to destroy a thing or being is an insult to the Creator. Every creature has as much right to live as he has and the yogi believes that he is born to help others and he looks upon creation with eyes of love. Practice being more kind and patient with others and forgiving yourself and others too.
2. Satya (truth) This is the highest rule of conduct or morality in the yoga world and is not limited to speech alone. Included are forms of abuse and obscenity, dealing in falsehoods, calumny or telling tales and lastly, ridiculing what others hold to be sacred. Practice speaking with kindness, compassion and clarity to others while refraining from telling lies and hurting someone’s feelings.
3. Asteya (stealing) The desire to possess and enjoy what another has, drives a person to do evil things. From this desire spring the urge to steal and the urge to covet. This includes not only taking what belongs to another without permission but also using something for a different purpose to what was intended, or beyond the time permitted by the owner. Practice giving food, money and time to those in need and through that selfless giving, your sense of inner wealth may bring you outer wealth. The holiday season is an excellent time to practice what you preach!
4. Brahmacharya (moderating the senses) According to Iyengar, this can mean a life of celibacy, religious study or self-restraint. It also means to turn your mind inward in order to supervise the senses against overstimulation. Thus sensual pleasures may be replaced by inner happiness. Without experiencing human love and happiness, it’s not possible to know divine love. Practice moderation in all sensual activities so that your mind will stay balanced and focused!
5. Aparigraha (non-possessivness) Parigraha means hoarding or collecting in Sanskrit and to be free from hoarding is aparigraha. Inyengar says, just as one should not take things one does not really need, one should not hoard or collect things one does not require immediately. Neither should one take anything without working for it or as a favor from another for this indicates poverty of spirit. Practice asking yourself if you depend too much on others or “stuff” you know, things that you really don’t know why you need yet you still hang onto. The end of the year is a great time to go through your closets, clean out your bookshelves, and declutter!
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I’ll leave you with a craft instead of a recipe today! This is my favorite way of displaying my Christmas cards and since I usually get so many (because I’m so popular HA!) this truly looks like a HUGE wreath by the end of the holiday season. All you’ll need to make this is an embroidery hoop, some gold spray paint, clothes pins, a hot glue gun, and a big bow. Easy peesy! Spray paint the wheel first and while it’s drying, spray paint the clothes pins. Then using your hot glue gun, affix the clothes pins on the wheel about two inches apart. If you receive a lot of cards like I do, make the pins only an inch or so apart. Then, tie a big bow on top and begin pinning your cards up!
Can you spot your card?
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Shout out to my baby girl Sugar who turned 10 this week! Thank you for always listening, cuddling, allowing me to dress you up for funny pictures and for caching anything that falls out of my mouth and onto the floor!