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INTUITION
In all the journeys that we have made in our practise of yoga the constant theme has been that of being on a pathway.
Physically it is easy to see that the aim has been to achieve good physical health, and for many that was the first motivation. Rather like a spring arising from the earth high on a mountain that little trickle began its journey downhill. Sometimes it may have disappeared from view as it worked its way through undergrowth, and at times it may seem to have dried up as its progress became blocked by difficulties and changing situations. But with reinforcement and determination the stream survived to splash and pour down rocky slopes, gaining strength from falling rains, melting snow, and the support of other tiny streams adding their power and volume until the stream became a constant river flowing towards the sea.
Mentally the benefits of yoga as both a physical and meditative discipline are also well recognised. Sometimes it is suggested that simple relaxation is the ultimate cureall. It is certainly true that almost invariably yoga practitioners speak of benefits such as better sleep, and general coping in times of stress. The mountain stream analogy accounts for our physical progress. The mental analogy here might be that of letting in the light and fresh air into our homes at the end of a long winter.
The spirituality of yoga is often the point when, in the west, we may feel tempted to pull in the reins and say `No further`. This may be the point when we need to let go our preconceptions and fears of the unknown. If yoga teaches anything it is that we always have the final say. Opening our sense of intuition is the final sense and skill that can give us ultimate liberation and Self Realisation. The practice of Pratyahara leads us deeper and deeper into ourself where we can begin to look beyond the physical senses and open up to that subtle sense of being aware of something beyond our conscious thoughts. Now the analogy returns to the mountain but this time we are reaching the summit where we stand with the world at our feet and looking into the sky we see infinity.
Enjoy the path that you are on.
INTUITION
In all the journeys that we have made in our practise of yoga the constant theme has been that of being on a pathway.
Physically it is easy to see that the aim has been to achieve good physical health, and for many that was the first motivation. Rather like a spring arising from the earth high on a mountain that little trickle began its journey downhill. Sometimes it may have disappeared from view as it worked its way through undergrowth, and at times it may seem to have dried up as its progress became blocked by difficulties and changing situations. But with reinforcement and determination the stream survived to splash and pour down rocky slopes, gaining strength from falling rains, melting snow, and the support of other tiny streams adding their power and volume until the stream became a constant river flowing towards the sea.
Mentally the benefits of yoga as both a physical and meditative discipline are also well recognised. Sometimes it is suggested that simple relaxation is the ultimate cureall. It is certainly true that almost invariably yoga practitioners speak of benefits such as better sleep, and general coping in times of stress. The mountain stream analogy accounts for our physical progress. The mental analogy here might be that of letting in the light and fresh air into our homes at the end of a long winter.
The spirituality of yoga is often the point when, in the west, we may feel tempted to pull in the reins and say `No further`. This may be the point when we need to let go our preconceptions and fears of the unknown. If yoga teaches anything it is that we always have the final say. Opening our sense of intuition is the final sense and skill that can give us ultimate liberation and Self Realisation. The practice of Pratyahara leads us deeper and deeper into ourself where we can begin to look beyond the physical senses and open up to that subtle sense of being aware of something beyond our conscious thoughts. Now the analogy returns to the mountain but this time we are reaching the summit where we stand with the world at our feet and looking into the sky we see infinity.
Enjoy the path that you are on.
