Yoga is a process of moving from the gross to the subtle; from the outside towards the centre. From the manifest to the un-manifest where the pure light which dwells within each of us shines brightest.
As the obstacles are broken down within the system that light can radiate outwards. The process is a journey of self discovery and transformation.
While, for many, yoga serves as an efficient exercise regime, or a sequence of postures and movements, it is important to stress that this is the first, peripheral aspect of an internal endeavour which for some, can be a complete way of life. The postures are of course crucial and are the gateway to new realms of consciousness and allow light to shine on other ways of understanding ourselves, and by extension, the world we live in. It is through the body that we experience this and it must first be prepped, or made ripe, by breaking down the physical obstructions we created for ourselves over years of mechanical response systems.
In the beginning
Over the course of our individual existence we have created a unique system of response mechanisms which have coloured the way we view our world. Our body has simultaneously been responding and, out of protection usually, has moulded itself into positions which may not serve to allow free movement. This leads to stiffness of joints and muscles due to unnecessary overwork. As we free the physical structure through yogic movements this, in turn, will be slowly but surely reforming our thought processes, and gently tapping away at blockages, not only physical but psycho & emotional also. Physical and mental health are positive bi-products of yoga. A healthy body and a healthy mind cannot be imposed but happen over time, organically, through a regular yoga practice. If you are a beginner it will not take long to see positive results.
Some of these benefits include better sleep; better breathing which leads to better blood flow; better digestion, which all lead to a better outlook and therefore sense of humour.
Once the threads of the body become loosened by the physical efforts of yoga and the mind becomes ready to access new ideas and thought processes the more internal aspects of yoga will naturally show themselves to you.
If you would like to read more about yoga there are some free texts for you to download on the media page.
Further along the path
As the practice becomes refined, movements move from linear to spiral. These types of movements are better expressed strung together in a type of dance. This is expressed in Indian philosophy as the cosmic dancer, Lord of the dance.
Lord Shiva is also known as Nataraj, Lord of the dance. His five actions are revealed in this dance: creation, preservation, destruction, concealment and grace. Everything in our universe is an expression of one of these states and this is what the dance expresses.
The work comprises of a set of movements which work on the subtle level of the body. This means that you will be addressing and influencing the emotional and intellectual layers (as opposed to focussing on the more outer layers of food and general health of the body).
Each movement is called a karana which denotes specific hand and feet gestures implemented simultaneously. When these movements are put together in a smooth consecutive flow they resemble the stringing beads of a garland.
Anga = limb
hara = charming, garland, carrying, delightful
So the term also refers to wearing the limbs of the body like a garland, in a charming, or delightful way. This study is explored on Tuesdays and is for the advanced student.
For upcoming courses visit the calendar page.
To watch the full video of the Dance of Shiva click here
