pronounced: svah-dyah-yah

​स्वाध्याय

WHAT IS SVADHYAYA?
Self Study
One's Own Reading
Self Reflection 

Study thy self, discover the divine.
— Patanjali’s Yogasutra, II.44

We are observing, not interpreting or analyzing. Do not impose your meanings upon it. 
Without any judgment or prejudice, just watch. 

PHYSICAL FOCUS
Flow
Connection

PHYSICAL POSTURES
Sukhasana - Easy Pose
Marjaryasana / Bitilasana - Cat / Cow 
Salabasana - Locust Pose 
Garudasana - Eagle Pose
Malasana - Garland Pose
Supta Padangusthanasa - Reclining Hand to Big Toe Pose
Halasana - Plow Pose
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana - Bridge Pose

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

It is important to be open and honest about who you are in this moment. It is easy, once you begin to dive into all the facets of your being, to become hard on yourself. If you condemn a thought, it may become suppressed. When we are pushing things down, we are not able to view them, accept them and let them go. Our first step is to begin to observe without trying to fix or question or interpret or judge. 

In a world where we spend much of our focus on action, let's take a seat and watch as each layer begins to unravel on their own.

​Observe both the shadow and the light equally and fully. Both are part of us. Both make us beautiful... and deep... and whole.

​~Wren

pronounced: Tah-pahs
​
WHAT IS TAPAS?
Discipline
Austerity
Passion
Fire 
Courage

First of all, ‘discipline’ doesn’t strictly mean pushing ourselves harder in a physical sense. Sometimes just actually making the time to get on the mat and meditate, or practice for 10 minutes every day is difficult enough! For some, Tapas will mean making time to be still and observing the mind, and for others it’ll mean working on strength ...-Ekhartyoga 

Use of Intention -
What is the first thing you think about when you wake up?
Do you ever take time to stop in the day and notice where your mind has been wandering?
Take some time today or tomorrow to notice your intentions. 
Your mind is meant to create, grow, learn. 
Lead it in the right direction.


PHYSICAL FOCUS

Pranayama - Kapalabhati - Breath of Fire
Core
Balance

PHYSICAL POSTURES

Chaturanga Dandasana - Four Limbed Staff Pose
Natarajasana - Dancer Pose
Vasisthasana -  Side Plank
Navasana - Boat Pose
Ardha Chandrasana - Half Moon Pose
Bakasana - Crow Pose
Ananada Balasana - Happy Baby

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

At times finding our fire is easy. We feel motivated, focused, ready to go. Other times, even getting up in the morning with any sort of fervor can be challenging. I'm not here to tell you that these practices will cure everything and make things easy (I know that would be nice). But they may make things easIER. By changing our mentality and aligning our mind in what direction we want to go, the rest of us (our body, our spirit, even the parts of our mind in the way back that don't want to do ANYTHING difficult) will begin to follow. We are creatures of pattern and habit. We cling to information. If you do not create your own intentions, the mind will cling to something else in it's vicinity. Hence, the fear of peer pressure, the fear of toxic relationships, the fear of watching too much violence on television. The more we surround our minds with patterns of strength, perseverance, and confidence, the more focus we have of the direction of our path. 

Class Exercise: Imagine or remember a time where you felt fired up, excited, motivated to wake up and live life. Cultivate this idea. Breathe it in. Bring it to class.
​
~ Wren

pronounced: Sahn-toe-sha
​
WHAT IS SANTOSA?
Contentment
Honoring all that you are
Acceptance
Equanimity
Satisfaction
Stable Harmony
Do your best 

You are truly enough
All that you have is enough
Enjoy the now
No matter what circumstance you are in, be okay in the moment

"The cultivation of contentment is to make the mind a fit instrument for meditation​ as contentment is the seed of the meditative state." - B.K.S. Iyengar
​
Use of Pranayma -
Finding contentment
...when you are full of breath and have nothing left to sip in.
...when you have exhaled everything out and sit in emptiness.
...when you are traveling from one extreme to the other. 
...always.

PHYSICAL FOCUS

Pranayama - Nadi Shodhana
Modifications - Understanding where your limits are, accepting them and using them to your benefit 
Heart Openers 
Balancing Postures

PHYSICAL POSTURES

Balasana - Child's Pose
Padangusthasana - Big Toe Pose
Dhanurasana - Bow Pose
Ardha Chandrasana - Half Moon Pose
Bakasana - Crow Pose
Ustrasana - Camel Pose
Navasana - Boat Pose
Viparita Karani - Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

We are all so different. Each of the niyamas we are exploring may affect each person in the class differently. For some, Santosa may be easy-peasy... you continuously think about what you are grateful for, you are supportive of yourself and you are growing from a realistic understanding of where you are starting from. For you, this is a great reminder to keep this mentality strong.

For others, it may be one of the most difficult things in the world for you. You may be imbedded with self-criticism and not even be aware of it. Wherever we are on this spectrum, first we need to accept the reality of who we are and where we are starting. Love yourself fully from exactly where you are in this part of your journey.

What is one thing that is difficult for you to accept about yourself? Bring this to class on Tuesday. This will be your intention. If you are open to it, I'd love for us to share with one another before our physical practice begins. Everything I ask you to do in class is an invitation. Participate as much or as little as you are able. THIS is part of self acceptance as well. 

See you Tuesday!
​
~ Wren