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“The world begins with the coming of light,” wrote Jungian analyst Erich Neumann. Beginning with our hands pressed tightly together and centered over our hearts (known as the Heart Seal), we begin our asana sequence, the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar). While moving through the poses, we are asked to do this with devotion and an awareness and focus on our hearts. This sequence has been described as a “humble adoration of the light and insight into one’s self,” the outer sun a brilliant reflection of our own inner sun.
The Sun Salutation is a yoga sequence recommended to be done in the morning, as the sun rises to greet the day. Yoga is a vast collection of spiritual practices which originated in India. It is thought to incorporate one’s mind, body and spirit, with the ultimate goal of becoming enlightened and connected with the universe. The Oxford Center for Hindu Studies describes yoga as “technologies or disciplines of asceticism and meditation which are thought to lead to spiritual experience and profound understanding or insight into the nature of existence.” Yoga is not a religious practice, but a spiritual one that embraces people from all belief systems. Evidence of yoga practices can be traced to over 5,000 years ago. The major branches include: Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga. Hatha yoga is the form that we commonly call yoga in the West. This form incorporates yoga postures (asanas), breathing (pranayama), body gestures (mudra) and internal cleansing (shatkarma) to attain mind-spirit-body connection. It aims to control the breath and the body to still energy (prana), which in turn will still the mind. Modern Hatha mainly focuses on breathing and physical postures, and less on the esoteric spiritual connection (depending on the practitioner). Bhakti yoga means “love” or “devotion” and links one with the divine. Raja Yoga is viewed as the “royal path,” and is highly revered because enlightenment is obtained from direct control and mastery of the mind. This is a difficult path, one not often pursued without great commitment. Karma yoga is the “yoga of action.” Everything we do can be a form of yoga, every intention, every word that results in karma. The thought is to always act mindfully, and here are a few tips to do just that: 1) Focus on your actions, not the results; 2) Become centered, then act; and 3) Always act from your higher self. Jnana (wisdom) yoga is by far considered the most difficult form, requiring great strength of will. One transcends the mind’s connection with thought and ego, becoming liberated to achieve union of the inner self with the oneness of the universe. If becoming one with the universe is something you ultimately would like to do, but feels like a major undertaking at this time, don’t worry! Start simple. The beautiful thing about yoga is that the basic poses are safe and easy to learn, and with a small amount of practice, many benefits await you. Recent research has shown yoga practice lowers blood pressure, increases cardio fitness and lowers risk of falls and fractures in susceptible people. Lucky for us there are plentiful numbers of practitioners available in the Moscow-Pullman area who teach at all levels, as well as many of the types listed above. Local resources are: Moscow Yoga Center (208.883.8315); University of Idaho Student Recreation Center (208.885.6381); Washington State University Student Recreation Center (509.335.8732); Pullman Parks and Recreation (509.338.3227). So, grab your mat, put your hands over your heart, slowly reach down and touch your toes, give thanks and you’re well on your way. Dr. Jaeggli is a naturopathic physician who practices in Pullman and specializes in holistic, integrative family medicine, (509) 432-4301, www.sagemedicineclinic.com |
