Even after 20 years of knowing the difference between being on the cha cha and being off the cha cha, most days I’ll still find myself going along for the ride. The cha cha, for those who haven’t had the pleasure, is an amusement park ride which flings you from left to right all the while going round and round in circles. Left-right round and round, ok you get it. For most of us, this is simply the norm, fleeting between thoughts, never in the present moment, our body’s awash with emotion in this ever-changing cocktail of chemistry. From the moment we wake to the moment we lay down to go to sleep at night the thoughts don’t stop, well sometimes ………Yogash citta vrtti nirodha: yoga is the cessation of the modifications, or fluctuations, of the mind and this is Patanjalis lesson in Sutra 1.2 . This is why we practice yoga.
Like all things, practice makes perfect and the first step is being aware, being aware there is a difference between being present and grounded and being off with the fairies or mental demons, depending on what kind of day you’re having. Then there is becoming familiar with the tools available to you through yoga and practising them. With continued regular practice, using these tools will become a habitual element of your practice. They have been used by yogis for thousands of years and they do work. These tools include:
The Breath- This is the bridge between the mind, the body and the spirit. Using a variety of breathing techniques we are able to quieten the thoughts, calm the mind and remain in the present.
Awareness of the body- It’s important to be aware of the body’s positioning during yoga. If you’re going through a balancing sequence I’m sure wondering what’s for dinner isn’t going to help you, but drawing your attention down as you ground through your feet and connect with the earth will. The mind will wander but gently bringing your awareness back to the body will serve your practice well.
Drishti- (view or gaze) is a specific focal point that is employed during meditation or while holding a yoga posture. The ancient yogis discovered that where our gaze is directed our attention naturally follows, and that the quality of our gazing is directly reflected in the quality of our mental thoughts. When the gaze is fixed on a single point the mind is diminished from being stimulated by all other external objects. And when the gaze is fixed on a single point within the body, our awareness draws inwards and the mind remains undisturbed by external stimuli. Thus, the use of a drishti allows the mind to focus and move into a deep state of concentration. And the constant application of drishti develops ekagraha, single-pointed focus, an essential yogic technique used to still the mind.( http://www.yogabasics.com)
So by using the breath, having an active awareness of the body and by using drishti we don’t have to be at the mercy of the ceaseless chatter or citta vritti of the mind. I find by using these tools as often as possible when off the mat brings the wonderful benefits received on the mat into daily life. So give it a go, the next time you’re walking down the street, have an active awareness of your body. Count four steps per inhalation and four steps per exhalation, pick a focal point your walking towards. This surely will have you feeling Zen in no time…………………..Namaste
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Thanks Brendan for sending this in, great tips to take your practice off the mat and down the street. Brendan is currently completing our Level 1 / 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Program.
Brendan has shared another blog on a blokes perspective and his own journey of being stiff to integrating Yoga into his work on mining sites in different ways. During training we spoke about Yoga Tips during ‘toolbox talks’ so when it comes to the benefits of Yoga and the myriad of ways it can be taught and help people the sky is the limit!
Namaste,
Tammy
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