Yoga

1. Yoga Unlocks Inner Peace and Love

The purpose of yoga is to facilitate the profound inner relaxation that accompanies fearlessness.

Yoga's transformative power. Yoga is more than just physical exercise; it's a pathway to profound inner relaxation and freedom from fear. This release from fear, in turn, allows love to blossom fully, transforming how you perceive yourself and the world around you. Through consistent practice, yoga cultivates a softened perception, enabling you to see the good in others and fostering genuine connection.

Breaking down barriers. The journey to inner peace involves dismantling the barriers that prevent love from flowing freely. These barriers often stem from guilt, shame, and a distorted self-image. Yoga provides tools to challenge these limiting beliefs and cultivate self-acceptance, paving the way for greater love and compassion.

The ultimate goal. The ultimate aim of yoga is not merely physical prowess but self-realization – the understanding of your true nature as a unique expression of the divine. This realization brings a sense of wholeness, purpose, and interconnectedness, enriching your life in profound ways.

2. Stillness: The Gateway to Self-Discovery

Stillness is not the absence or negation of energy, life, or movement. Stillness is dynamic.

Two levels of stillness. Stillness in yoga manifests on two levels: first, through deliberate physical quietude and meditation; and second, through integrating this stillness into daily life. The first level involves consciously pausing, stopping all physical movement, and turning your attention inward. The second level involves maintaining this inner awareness amidst the activity and challenges of daily life.

Dynamic stillness. True stillness is not inactivity but a state of unconflicted movement, where energy flows freely and harmoniously. It's about being fully present in each moment, participating wholeheartedly without resistance or internal conflict. This dynamic stillness is a higher energy state, leading to greater vitality and well-being.

Benefits of stillness. By cultivating stillness, you become more attuned to your inner self, experiencing the truth of who you are beyond the limitations of your conditioning. This self-discovery leads to a fundamental shift in perspective, transforming how you think, feel, and interact with the world.

3. The Core of Your Being is Goodness

We are all made of God Substance, Consciousness, Love.

Inherent goodness. At the core of your being lies an inherent goodness, a divine spark of consciousness and love. This is not something you must earn or create but rather something to discover and embrace. Through stillness and self-reflection, you can peel away the layers of conditioning and limiting beliefs to reveal this essential truth.

Releasing false identities. Many of us carry false self-definitions based on external judgments and societal expectations. These inaccurate self-perceptions lead to guilt, shame, and a diminished capacity for love. Yoga encourages you to let go of these false identities and embrace your true nature as a perfect creation of the God Force.

The natural state of happiness. Happiness is not an elusive goal but the natural state of being when you are aligned with your true nature. By experiencing the loving goodness at your core, you unlock a profound sense of peace, joy, and self-acceptance, transforming your life from the inside out.

4. Yoga Balances Body, Mind, and Spirit

Yoga is a way of moving into stillness in order to experience the truth of who you are.

Holistic approach. Yoga is a holistic practice that addresses the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. It's not just about physical postures but about cultivating a state of balance and harmony within yourself. This balance extends to all aspects of your life, from physical health to emotional well-being and spiritual growth.

Three dimensions of yoga:

• Asana: The physical practice of postures, promoting balance, strength, and flexibility.
• Meditation: Cultivating stillness and inner awareness to connect with your true nature.
• Self-Realization: Integrating the insights gained through practice into daily life, living with authenticity and purpose.

Beyond physical benefits. While yoga offers numerous physical benefits, its true power lies in its ability to transform your perspective and deepen your understanding of yourself and the world. By aligning with your true nature, you unlock a sense of inner peace, joy, and interconnectedness.

5. Sensitivity and Self-Trust: The Fruits of Practice

Yoga will make you sensitive to the stillness, the presence, the hush, the peace of God.

Refining your senses. Yoga enhances your sensitivity to subtle shifts in sensation and feeling, both within your body and in your interactions with the world. This heightened awareness allows you to make more informed choices, aligning your actions with your inner wisdom.

The self-corrective process. As your sensitivity increases, you'll find that beneficial things naturally become more appealing, while harmful things lose their allure. This self-corrective process extends to all areas of your life, from diet and lifestyle to relationships and career choices.

Trusting your intuition. The ultimate outcome of this increased sensitivity is a profound sense of self-trust. You learn to rely on your intuition as a reliable guide, confident that your inner compass will lead you toward what is truly in your best interest.

6. Breath: The Wind Through the Instrument

Conscious union is yoga.

Breath as the bridge. In yoga, the breath is not merely a physiological function but a vital link between body, mind, and spirit. It serves as a bridge between conscious control and unconscious processes, connecting you to the present moment and guiding your movements.

Ujjayi breathing. The primary breathing technique in yoga, Ujjayi, involves a gentle constriction of the throat, creating a soft, ocean-like sound. This technique enhances awareness, deepens the breath, and promotes a sense of calm and focus.

Coordinating breath and movement. By synchronizing your movements with your breath, you transform your yoga practice into a fluid and meditative dance. Inhales accompany opening movements, while exhales accompany closing movements, creating a harmonious flow of energy throughout your body.

7. Lines of Energy: Directing Your Inner Flow

Creation flows, for life is the movement of Being.

Energy pathways. Yoga postures are not merely static shapes but dynamic expressions of energy flow. By understanding and directing the flow of energy through your body, you can unlock deeper levels of opening, strength, and vitality.

The center as the source. Every line of energy originates from your center, located in the pelvic bowl. By aligning your center and engaging specific muscles, you can create powerful streams of energy that radiate outward, transforming your body and mind.

Creating a line of energy:

• Engage the core
• Direct the intention
• Feel the flow

The power of intention. By consciously directing your intention and breath, you can create and intensify these lines of energy, releasing blockages and promoting a sense of wholeness and well-being.

8. Playing the Edge: Finding Your Limitless Potential

Immerse yourself in stillness and become consciously one with the flow.

The edge as a boundary. In yoga, your "edge" is the point just before pain, where you experience the most intense sensation without crossing into discomfort. Playing the edge involves exploring this boundary with awareness, sensitivity, and respect.

The art of listening. Skill in yoga lies not in forcing yourself into extreme positions but in listening to your body's feedback and responding with appropriate action. This involves knowing when to push, when to yield, and when to simply be present with the sensation.

Expanding your comfort zone. By consistently playing the edge, you gradually expand your comfort zone, increasing your flexibility, strength, and resilience. This process extends beyond the physical realm, fostering a greater capacity for emotional and mental well-being.

9. Asanas: Maps to Your Inner Landscape

Yoga is not merely touching your toes, or standing on your head, or folding yourself into a lotus pretzel. It’s about how you do what you do, and how you live your daily life on a moment-to-moment basis.

Asanas as tools. Yoga postures, or asanas, are not ends in themselves but rather tools for self-exploration and transformation. Each asana is a map into a specific area of your body, guiding you toward greater awareness and understanding.

The building blocks of asanas:

• Flexion
• Extension
• Hyperextension
• Abduction
• Adduction
• Rotation
• Circumduction

The importance of process. The true value of asana practice lies not in achieving perfect form but in the process of exploring your body's limitations and potential. By approaching each pose with curiosity, sensitivity, and respect, you unlock a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationship to the world.

10. Meditation: Listening to the Voice Within

The theme or technique of yoga, therefore, and indeed the theme of this book, is to move into stillness in order to be guided from within.

The essence of meditation. Meditation is not about emptying your mind but about creating a space for inner listening. It's about quieting the noise of your thoughts and tuning into the subtle whispers of your intuition.

The practice of listening:

• Find a quiet space
• Sit comfortably
• Focus on your breath
• Release expectations
• Listen for guidance

The source of right action. By cultivating a meditative mind, you gain access to a deeper source of wisdom and guidance. This inner voice, often referred to as the "voice of God," can lead you toward more authentic and fulfilling choices in all areas of your life.

11. Living Yoga: Integrating Stillness into Action

Yoga is not merely touching your toes, or standing on your head, or folding yourself into a lotus pretzel. It’s about how you do what you do, and how you live your daily life on a moment-to-moment basis.

Yoga beyond the mat. The true essence of yoga lies not just in the time you spend practicing asanas but in how you integrate the principles of yoga into your daily life. This involves bringing awareness, compassion, and intention to every action, thought, and interaction.

Meditation in action. Living yoga is about cultivating a state of "meditation in action," where you remain centered and present amidst the activity and challenges of daily life. This involves continually letting go of judgments, evaluations, and contradictory opinions about yourself and others.

The path to wholeness. By living yoga, you transform your life into a continuous practice of self-discovery, growth, and connection. You learn to embrace change, cultivate self-trust, and live with authenticity and purpose, creating a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling.

Last updated: April 14, 2025