April has arrived, ushered in by Easter Sunday, and we find ourselves a third of the way through the year. This month brings with it promises of wind and warmer weathers as we move deeper into the heart of spring. Our March Matness Challenge has come to an end and it's been great to see how many people participated, and deepened their practice while they were at it! We've tallied up the stars on the board and we had a whopping 6 people who made it to or past 21! All the names were put into the raffle and the winner of the raffle was Denyel! Congratulations, you'll be receiving your prize soon!
These past few weeks we've been going over the first two of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, The Yamas and the Niyamas. Now, we finish off the last of the five Niyamas: Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Isvara pranidhana. While the first two Niyamas help us create an ideal healthy environment, and broaden our perspective of the world and our experiences, The last three Niyamas help us direct and utilize our energy in ways that are helpful in awakening to our true nature.
The Last Niyamas
3. Tapas: Discipline, Internal Fire, Austerity,
"The Fire Within"
Building heat through consistent asana practice
Creating space for comfort in times of discomfort
Practicing meditation of any kind, mudras, or reciting mantra
Tapas is that inner fire that builds through consistency and movement. It is the freedom that is found through practiced discipline and deep breath in tough asana classes. Tapas helps cultivate our will, build vitality, and find freedom through self-discipline.
4. Svadhyaya: Self-guided study of the texts
"The path of Knowledge and Study"
Study of the sutras, and texts (Mahabarata, Bhagavadgita, etc.)
Recitation of mantra, or practice of Japa
Practicing Jnana Yoga,or pursuit of doubt-free knowledge
Svadhyaya is often misunderstood as "the study of the self", however this is not what is meant in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Svadhyaya is the study of sacred texts, recitation of mantra, and the scholarly pursuit of yogic knowledge. This Niyama helps clear the mist of ignorance with the light of doubt-free knowledge.
5. Isvara pranidhana: self-surrender to the divine.
"Surrender and Release"
Surrendering into stillness in a physical practice
Practicing Bhakti Yoga, or Devotional Yoga
Singing Kirtan, or reciting mantra
Patanjali acknowledges that devotion to the Divine is entirely optional, but tends to be an easy aid in the path to awakening to the self, which is why it is the last adherence. Isvara pranidhana is all about surrendering the mind, body, and senses to a higher order, and can be helpful in overcoming difficult situations, and connecting to the self through the divine.
We've already been practicing a bit of Tapas this whole month with our Matness Challenge, but see how you can incorporate some of these personal observances in your everyday life. We've got some fantastic things coming up next month including our monthly Reiki Share on Sunday 4/7 at 5:00pm. For you certified yoga teachers out there, Lorrie Shephard will be teaching a Restorative Yoga Training Continuing Ed. on Sundays 4/7 and 4/14 from 11:00-4:00pm. We look forward to seeing you in class this weekend!
With Love and Gratitude,
Adriane and the Home Yoga Team