Class #1 ([video_lightbox_youtube video_id=”kSnQ66wKGXs&rel=0″ width=”640″ height=”480″ anchor=”Stream”] | Download)
Recorded @Yoga Bloom LAB San Jose CA
This is the first class in a series to look at therapeutic techniques within an asana. Today we began with the foundations of the feet. An overview to look at the anatomical actions of the feet, and how they can be used as indicators of other organs of action.
Misalignment of the foot can begin a cycle of instability for the rest of the body. Examining what anatomical actions we ask of the feet within yoga asana can help or hinder us in practice. Repeating patterns of misalignment and/or unaware action can be the tipping point to instability in body, mind and spirit.
Class#2 ([video_lightbox_youtube video_id=”r6yfJ_qsW9U&rel=0″ width=”640″ height=”480″ anchor=”Stream”] | Download)
Recorded @Yoga Bloom LAB San Jose CA
We will work today with Uttitha Parsvakonasana Side Angle Pose.
The variations were working with focus on the foot and inner groin. Subtle body focus to move balance energy of Prana and Apana, working with Samana Vayu to balance the mind, body and Spirit.
Bring the back of the brain around and over into the valley of the eyes.
Moving back and down into the valley of the seat of the heart.
Uttitha Parsvakonasana shown with wall, blocks, yoga belt, chair and supine floor variations.
Class #3 ([video_lightbox_youtube video_id=”pjmBgEs-oZw&rel=0″ width=”640″ height=”480″ anchor=”Stream”] | Download)
Recorded @Yoga Bloom LAB San Jose
Last session we uncovered context to PYS I.3 which brings up the concept of the Seer and the Seen.
We will look at PYS I.33, so we can uncover the view we have with the practice of Yoga. This is one of my favourite Yoga Sutras, and plays a particular significance because of its relationship with my own practice of Buddhism.
PYS I.33 introduces the concept of the Brahma Viharas or “sublime attitudes”, which is at the heart of the Buddha’s teachings. This yoga sutra is one I think is critical to our practice as yogis – we will be discussing this sutra our whole lives.
Compassion is essential to our practice, and the practice of compassion begins with the cultivation within. The brahma-viharas connect directly with our desire for true happiness. They help redirect us in an attitude of unlimited goodwill, unlimited compassion, unlimited appreciative joy, and unlimited equanimity.
These unlimited attitudes can be developed from the more limited versions of these emotions that we experience in the human heart.
मैत्री करुणा मुदितोपेक्षाणांसुखदुःख पुण्यापुण्यविषयाणां भावनातः चित्तप्रसादनम्
maitrī karuṇā mudito ‘pekṣāṇāṁ sukha duḥkha puṇyā ‘puṇya viṣayāṇāṁ bhāvanātaś citta prasādanaṁ
MAITRI = friendliness
KARUNA = compassion
MUDITA = delight
UPEKSHANAM = disregard
SUKHA = happy
DUHKA = unhappy
PUNYA = virtuous
APUNYA = wicked
VISHAYANAM = in the case of
BHVANATAH = by cultivating attitudes
CHITA = mind-stuff
PRASADANAM = undisturbed calmness