Journey to Self Discovery with The 8 Limbs of Yoga

Journey to Self Discovery with The 8 Limbs of Yoga

 Dear Beloved One,

Every single person is working towards summitting the great mountain we call life, we’re all just taking our own unique path of evolution to obtain our soul’s greatest understanding thus fulfilling our mission of self discovery. Every person embarks on their unique journey toward the summit of life, navigating their own path of self-discovery and evolution. This acceptance of diverse routes to enlightenment is beautifully encapsulated in Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, a comprehensive framework that guides us through a transformative journey toward self-realization and unity with the universe. No limb is greater than the others, and any one of them can serve as an entry point into this profound practice. The most beautiful aspect of this journey is that we show up where we feel most called, expanding and evolving as we are ready.

The Yamas and the Niyamas provide us with principles to live by that honor the well-being and equality of all, allowing us to live in harmony with others. Yama consists of five ethical principles that guide our interactions with others. They include: Ahimsa (Non-violence): This principle advocates for compassion and kindness towards all living beings. Satya (Truthfulness): Encourages honesty and integrity in our thoughts, words, and actions. Asteya (Non-stealing): Focuses on not taking what is not freely given. Brahmacharya (Moderation): Encourages self-restraint and balance, particularly regarding sensual pleasures. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Promotes letting go of greed and attachment to material possessions. Niyama involves five personal practices that support spiritual and personal growth, Saucha(Purity): Emphasizes cleanliness of the body and mind.Santosha (Contentment): Encourages satisfaction and acceptance of what one has. Tapas (Discipline): Involves self-discipline and the pursuit of personal growth through effort.Svadhyaya (Self-study): Focuses on self-reflection and study of spiritual texts. Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a higher power): Involves devotion and surrender to a higher consciousness or universal spirit.

While Asana is the most commonly practiced in the West, it is just one aspect of the Eight Limbs. The physical postures help to prepare the body for meditation by promoting physical health, flexibility, and mental focus. Asanas also teach us discipline and self-awareness, which are crucial for advancing through the other limbs. As we move through each posture, we are also taught breathwork, also known as Pranayama. Pranayama refers to the regulation of breath to enhance physical and mental well-being. Through specific breathing techniques, practitioners can influence their nervous system, brain waves, and overall energy levels. Techniques like LDB (Long Deep Breathing) can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, while BOF (Breath of Fire) can stimulate and energize the body. Mastering Pranayama helps cultivate inner calm and control over the mind.

Pratyahara involves turning inward and detaching from external sensory stimuli. This introspective practice helps us gain control over our responses and reactions to the world around us. By withdrawing our senses, we can better focus on our internal experiences and cultivate deeper self-awareness. Dharana is the practice of concentration or single-pointed focus. It involves directing the mind toward a single object, thought, or mantra, thereby training it to stay focused and resist distractions. This concentrated attention prepares the mind for deeper meditation. Dhyana represents a state of uninterrupted meditation. Unlike Dharana, which is about focus, Dhyana is characterized by a flow of awareness and a profound sense of connection with the object of meditation. It is a state of deep contemplation where the boundaries between the self and the object of meditation begin to dissolve.

Samadhi is the ultimate goal of the Eight Limbs, representing transcendence and enlightenment. In this state, practitioners experience oneness with the universe and profound inner peace. Samadhi is achieved through the gradual development of the previous seven limbs, culminating in a realization of the self and unity with all that exists. This chapter is often experienced as the soul prepares to transcend beyond the human experience.

The journey through the Eight Limbs of Yoga is transformative, shaping our daily lives and interactions. The principles of Yama and Niyama guide ethical behavior and personal growth, while Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara prepare the body and mind for deeper states of consciousness. Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi represent the culmination of this practice, leading to enlightenment and a profound connection with both the self and the universe.

Integrating the Eight Limbs of Yoga into our lives is akin to painting a masterpiece of personal and spiritual growth. Each limb contributes to a holistic understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. As you delve deeper into yoga, you will discover that these limbs extend beyond the mat, encouraging self-inquiry, mindfulness, and a deeper understanding of your true nature—reminding us of our interconnectedness with everything around us.

Warmest regards,

Mystic

Nadi Shodhana: Alternate Nostril Breathing

Nadi Shodhana: Alternate Nostril Breathing

Beloved One,

Nadi Shodhana, also known as Alternate Nostril Breathing, is a calming and balancing pranayama (breathing technique) in yoga. It involves inhaling and exhaling alternately through each nostril, one at a time, while closing off the opposite nostril with your fingers. This practice helps to cleanse and purify the energy channels (nadis) in the body, promoting mental clarity, reducing stress, and bringing harmony to the mind and body. Nadi Shodhana is often used to enhance focus, improve respiratory function, and encourage a sense of deep relaxation and inner peace.

How to:

1. Sit in a comfortable position either cross legged or you may sit in a chair with your feet comfortably on the ground.

2. Vishnu Mudra: Take your right hand and bring the index finger and middle finger to touch while brining the ring finger and pink to touch. Fold down the index finger and middle finger. You will use your thumb to cover the right nostril and the ring finger to close your left nostril.

3. To begin: Close the right nostril with your thumb and begin breathing in through your left nostril. Exhale slowly and completely before taking another inhale of equal length. At the top of the breath you will switch nostrils by closing the left nostril with the ring and releasing the thumb.

Continue this alternate nostril breath at your own pace, nice and slowly.

Only switching nostrils on the after the inhale. Take a pause at the top of the breath before exhaling. If you are pregnant, skip the pause and just keep the breath slow and rhythmic without holding the breath in or out.

4. Continue for 1-3 minutes, gradually increasing your time as you please.

Benefits:

 Increases oxygen flow

 Clears and releases toxins

 Reduces stress and anxiety

 Calms and rejuvenates the nervous system

 Balances hormones

 Clears and balances respiratory channels

 Helps to alleviate respiratory irritants

 Balances solar and lunar, masculine and feminine energies

 Enhances mental clarity and cognitive function

 Enhances concentration

 Balances both hemispheres of the brain.

 Breathing through the left nostril cools the nervous system and stimulates the right hemisphere, our creative side

 Breathing through the right nostril warms the nervous system and stimulates the left hemisphere, our logical side

Enjoy a full Kundalini class with The Basic Spinal Energy Series Kriya, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama and Chii-A Kriya Meditation for Protection:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLYPm6rKeNA

Your healing journey starts now. Whether you’re seeking emotional release, physical balance, or spiritual growth, I’m here to guide you with personalized yoga therapy, Ayurvedic coaching, and creative healing practices. Don’t wait to experience the transformation you deserve. Book your session today and begin your path to deeper wellness and inner peace.

With Love,

Mystic

KUNDALINI MEDIATION AND PRANAYAMA: EGO ERADICATOR

KUNDALINI MEDIATION AND PRANAYAMA: EGO ERADICATOR

Beloved One,

Ego Eradicator is a very special pose in the Kundalini world as it not only considered a posture but also a potent pranayama (breathwork) and meditation. Our EGO is designed to provide a sense of self and personal identity which is essential for navigating our social environments and understanding our place in this world. While sometimes, people think the ego leaves us feeling limited, it’s simply doing its job to protect us and set boundaries. It helps us make decisions that prioritize our well-being based on our past experiences. With that said, the ego can be very stubborn when it comes to change so if you are experiencing self-limiting thoughts and beliefs when it comes to evolving from a situation that once appeared risky and is now opening you up to a new understanding, practicing EGO ERADICATOR can help you enhance your mental clarity and focus when it comes to sorting through old beliefs, behaviors and thought patterns. This practice helps remove emotional blockages to lead you to greater emotional stability and balance while reducing stress and improving your respiratory health. Ground in to this present moment and release your attachment to the past so you can shift your future.

To Practice:

1) Sit comfortably in easy pose. Sitting cross legged with your spine straight, the neck long and your chin slightly tucked in to Jalandhar Bandh

2) Raise your arms over head into a “V” shape at 60 degrees and curl the fingers into the palms with your thumbs out pointing inwards. To close, we will lift the arms overheard for the thumbs to touch. Keep the elbows straight throughout the practice

3) Eyes are closed or gazing at the tip of the nose

4) Begin pumping your navel dramatically as you exhale for Breath of Fire (BOF). For those of you practicing BOF for the first time, it is very similar to “panting like a dog” but with your mouth closed. Pumping the navel will naturally draw in fresh oxygen so don’t worry about the inhale!

To Close:

1) Inhale deeply, raise the arms overhead and touch the thumbs together

2) Suspend the breath at the top for 15 seconds or until you’re ready to exhale completely

3) As you exhale, lower the arms down and sit in stillness for a few moments noticing how you feel

Your healing journey starts now. Whether you’re seeking emotional release, physical balance, or spiritual growth, I’m here to guide you with personalized yoga therapy, Ayurvedic coaching, and creative healing practices. Don’t wait to experience the transformation you deserve. Book your session today and begin your path to deeper wellness and inner peace.

With Love,

Mystic