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“Life will give you whatever experience is most
helpful for the evolution of your consciousness.
How do you know this is the experience you need?
Because this is the experience you are having at this moment.”
- Eckhart Tolle |
There
are a number of yoga paths suited to differing individual
temperaments. They all lead eventually to realization
of the Self as spirit, a soul at one with the great body of
spirit that permeates the entire universe. At first you may
be intimidated by this lofty goal; simply be present and begin.
"A journey of one thousand miles begins with the
first step."
The
word yoga means to yoke or join, to achieve union with.
It has two meanings, as it also defines the process,
the "how to," of achieving union.
"Union with what?" you ask. Union
with the Supreme Being, universal intelligence, the ground
of being, God; use the word or concept for this "higher
power" with which you are most comfortable.
For the time being, just allow for the possibility of this
transcendent experience to exist for you. In time, with devoted
practice, the goal is attainable by anyone!
Classical
yoga, first organized by Patanjali many centuries
ago, described the eight limbs or stages of yoga, symbolized
by our studio name, Eight Stones. As students advance through
these eight stages, they reach higher levels of consciousness,
peace, light and bliss.
The eight limbs of yoga
are:
Yama
- Universal commandments of right behavior
Niyama
- Individual prescriptions for right living
Asana
- Right posture
Pranayama
- Life-force control, with attention on the workings of the
breath
Pratyahara
- Withdrawal of the mind from the five gross senses of the
body
Dharana
- Concentration of the mind
Dhyana
- Meditation
Samadhi
- Bliss consciousness
Eight
Stones classes are primarily Hatha Yoga
oriented, with a focus on Asana and Pranayama.
Teachers will add elements of other stages based on their
experience and the needs and desires of their students. Do
not hesitate to talk with your teacher about any aspect of
yoga practice with which you need further help or clarification.
Enjoy,
have fun and persevere. You have our best
wishes for success, peace and joy!
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