Living the Wisdom of Yoga in Modern Times

Internal Discord: Why You Don't Get What You Want

 

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony"

Gandhi

 

Internal discord is the main reason why most people don't get what they want.  Our mouth is saying one thing, our mind is saying another and then the body is doing something else. Without a united front, we get mixed results.

How To Fix Internal Discord

• Replace negative thoughts and stories in the mind-This is one of the most important steps. Everything that manifests physically starts in our mind. The thoughts and energy we project draws experiences to us and guides our choices.  This is no easy task and sometimes you feel like you are lying to yourself, however, if you don't truly believe in the idea it will never manifest. 
• Positivity and negativity are contagious. If you want money, you have to hang with people with money(or people who believe in the abundance of money).  If you want success, mentor with someone who is successful.  Read books and watch TV programs that affirm your goals
  
• Look for the positive and take your focus off the negative-Instead of focusing on all the bad things that happened as a result of your decision, find the positive.
• It's in the mail- Eradicate words and phrases  such as "hope", "maybe", "I think" because they all allude to a lack of belief. Even if it is not a reality, speak as if the present is the exception and your goal is the reality.   Instead of "I am broke"  use " I don't have the money right this moment, but when I get it, I will surely buy this."   "I hope to fit this swimsuit by August" instead "I will fit this swimsuit by August."  "You don't have to show up to class early. We always have space" instead " we are expecting these to start filling up, so get here early"
• Act based on what you want and not on what you have-Don't write checks your ass can't cash, however, be poised for growth.  Build a website that can be added on to later.  Dress for the position you want to be promoted too.  Leave space open on your calender for possible interesting opportunities.
• Only speak words that back up and confirm your goals
• Only take actions that will get you closer to your goals
• Visualize Success-Again, everything starts in the mind.  

Video of The Day: How To Teach Full Lotus

 

Ashtanga in a Nut Shell

I just watched this fab video on You Tube and it perfectly explains Ashtanga in a simple way that anyone can understand.  Had to share.

 

 

The Importance of Transitions and In Between Times

Think about all the major events that happened in your life. Now add up how long the actual event lasted. The rest of that time was spent in transition. Since most of our life is spent in transition or "In Between" , it doesn't even make since to put so much emphasis on end results.

If we only feel happy when major events happen or goals are reached, we will spend most of our life in misery.  All the stuff we do in the In Between culminated in those major life moments so both are equally important. Happiness comes when we learn to appreciate the In Between.

Ultimately even the concept of" transition" and "In Between" should be done away with.  It keeps us from living in the present moment.  Though the Bahmamas might be where you are going, if you don't pack, buy tickets, save money, book a hotel etc, the Bahamas never happen. Every moment and task  is  equally important. 

Value Every Moment In your Life. Everything is Important

 

Video of The Day

 

10 Surprising Ways Yoga Prepares You For Friday The 13th

1. It strengthens your heart allowing you to run swiftly from Jason
2. It removes stiffness so other humans can tell the difference between you and the Zombies
3. It makes you smart enough to know not to go to summer camp at Crystal Lake or ask for directions back at the big creepy old house you just passed
   
   
   
4. It helps your balance so you do don't fall while running through the woods
   
5. You learn breath retention which helps when you are hiding in the closest 
6. The deeper you can breathe; the better your scream
   
7. To strengthen your knife throwing arm
8. Because Svasana is great practice for playing dead
9. It makes you extra bendy so you can hide in tight places
10. You develop a high tolerance for pain and discomfort which helps during torture

Video of the Day

 

Want To Know Your Future? Look at all the things you thought today

Our current lives are a culmination of our past thoughts. To see where you will be in the future, take inventory of the thoughts your mind dwells on today. Our lives are a culmination of that stuff that pops up in your mind while driving, washing dishes and holding yoga poses.

Many times these thoughts contradict our dreams and aspirations. For instance, we want to be rich but we are always worried about money.  We want to be powerful but we are always talking about how wrongly we are treated. We want peace but we are constantly worried about war and terrorist attacks. Thoughts that contridict your dreams result in confusion and mixed outcomes.  You win the lottery but blow it all in one year. You get the love you want but the person is married already.  You finally learn how to do a split but tear your hamstring.

Our thoughts have to mirror our dreams. You have to figure out a way to see beyond your current situation and align yourself up with your dreams. Yoga teaches us that through discipline and perseverance our bodies and minds change. By happily working with our current situation, we are taking the steps to a new one.  We don't ignore our present, we just don't dwell on it.

When thoughts pop up that don't affirm where you want to go:

•  Watch them move through your mind like waves on a beach
•  Find the positive flip side of the thought
• Practice thoughts of gratitude
• Breathe or do yoga
• Practice visualization
• Choose to feel good now
• Do something that brings you joy

Video of The Day: