Showing posts with label yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yoga. Show all posts
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Anal Beads... I Mean, Happiness
In trying to put the concept of happiness in the proper context, I'm avoiding philosophy, or worse yet, ethics. Energy in our squishy little world seems to go through a cycle. Part of this cycle, one might say, is happiness. Or perhaps happiness is the ability itself of the cycle to be completed rather than hung up on one part.
The latter might be more akin to happiness as the yogi's acceptance, where one accepts all that comes with equanimity. That state seems dismal at first, but if one sees it through it can flower into something much more redeeming, something that could be explained rather crudely as "happiness." Ah, well, crudeness is simple, so this is not without appeal. I am happy to exist, however that turns out.
Wilhelm Reich's version of the cycle (tension -> charge -> discharge -> relaxation) works for me. Just as there is no orgasm without an initial sexual tension in the muscles, happiness also must follow certain tensions. It will come and it will go, all the while providing us with an indigenous chemical reward system that guides us through the terrestrial matrix.
I've noticed this cycle occurring many times over in my life thus far, and not by chance so much as by an equal balance of points and counterpoints. You can't avoid either side of the coin. Even when I've tried to remain in a sad state, I've failed terribly. Or failed rather joyfully, you might say. The best we can do, as far as I can tell, is be an honest witness to change.
So, just breathe, I guess. Fuck, don't look at me. I don't know.
The latter might be more akin to happiness as the yogi's acceptance, where one accepts all that comes with equanimity. That state seems dismal at first, but if one sees it through it can flower into something much more redeeming, something that could be explained rather crudely as "happiness." Ah, well, crudeness is simple, so this is not without appeal. I am happy to exist, however that turns out.
Wilhelm Reich's version of the cycle (tension -> charge -> discharge -> relaxation) works for me. Just as there is no orgasm without an initial sexual tension in the muscles, happiness also must follow certain tensions. It will come and it will go, all the while providing us with an indigenous chemical reward system that guides us through the terrestrial matrix.
I've noticed this cycle occurring many times over in my life thus far, and not by chance so much as by an equal balance of points and counterpoints. You can't avoid either side of the coin. Even when I've tried to remain in a sad state, I've failed terribly. Or failed rather joyfully, you might say. The best we can do, as far as I can tell, is be an honest witness to change.
So, just breathe, I guess. Fuck, don't look at me. I don't know.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Anuloma Pranayama
There are several definitions for Pranayama, the 4th of eight limbs of Raja Yoga, but the simplest and most useful for our purpose here is "control of the life force." To control this life force, we first control the breath, which in turn controls the mind. It is in part common sense for us, as when someone is overwhelmed by stress and can not think clearly we tell them take deep breaths to help them focus. There is also a science behind this, both in modern western and yogic terms.
For years now I've enjoyed Pranayama on a mostly daily basis. It once helped me to quit smoking, possibly forming a new neural imprint upon what was an oral fixation. It has at times been my preparation for meditation, and at others, it has been the meditation itself. If you can find the right method, you may feel a sense of harmony reaching down to the subtlest vibrations of being, and in time you cultivate balance and peace of all faculties. There are many methods, but here I will share only my favorite, which you will find in a link at the end of this blog.
"Expansion of individual energy into cosmic energy is called prāṇāyāma (prāṇa, energy + ayām, expansion)." -Ramamurti Mishra
"Prana is a subtle invisible force. It is the life-force that pervades the body. It is the factor that connects the body and the mind, because it is connected on one side with the body and on the other side with the mind. It is the connecting link between the body and the mind. The body and the mind have no direct connection. They are connected through Prana only and this Prana is different from the breathing you have in your physical body." -Swami Chidananda Saraswati
"Yoga works primarily with the energy in the body, through the science of pranayama, or energy-control. Prana means also ‘breath.’ Yoga teaches how, through breath-control, to still the mind and attain higher states of awareness. The higher teachings of yoga take one beyond techniques, and show the yogi, or yoga practitioner, how to direct his concentration in such a way as not only to harmonize human with divine consciousness, but to merge his consciousness in the Infinite." -Paramahansa Yogananda
Medical claims, according to Wikipedia:
"Several researchers have reported that pranayama techniques are beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders, improving autonomic functions, relieving symptoms of asthma, and reducing signs of oxidative stress. Practitioners report that the practice of pranayama develops a steady mind, strong will-power, and sound judgement, and also claim that sustained pranayama practice extends life and enhances perception."
Further Explanation and instructions found here: http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/pranayama/basic/viloma.asp
Love,
Rev. MoonPie
For years now I've enjoyed Pranayama on a mostly daily basis. It once helped me to quit smoking, possibly forming a new neural imprint upon what was an oral fixation. It has at times been my preparation for meditation, and at others, it has been the meditation itself. If you can find the right method, you may feel a sense of harmony reaching down to the subtlest vibrations of being, and in time you cultivate balance and peace of all faculties. There are many methods, but here I will share only my favorite, which you will find in a link at the end of this blog.
"Expansion of individual energy into cosmic energy is called prāṇāyāma (prāṇa, energy + ayām, expansion)." -Ramamurti Mishra
"Prana is a subtle invisible force. It is the life-force that pervades the body. It is the factor that connects the body and the mind, because it is connected on one side with the body and on the other side with the mind. It is the connecting link between the body and the mind. The body and the mind have no direct connection. They are connected through Prana only and this Prana is different from the breathing you have in your physical body." -Swami Chidananda Saraswati
"Yoga works primarily with the energy in the body, through the science of pranayama, or energy-control. Prana means also ‘breath.’ Yoga teaches how, through breath-control, to still the mind and attain higher states of awareness. The higher teachings of yoga take one beyond techniques, and show the yogi, or yoga practitioner, how to direct his concentration in such a way as not only to harmonize human with divine consciousness, but to merge his consciousness in the Infinite." -Paramahansa Yogananda
Medical claims, according to Wikipedia:
"Several researchers have reported that pranayama techniques are beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders, improving autonomic functions, relieving symptoms of asthma, and reducing signs of oxidative stress. Practitioners report that the practice of pranayama develops a steady mind, strong will-power, and sound judgement, and also claim that sustained pranayama practice extends life and enhances perception."
Further Explanation and instructions found here: http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/pranayama/basic/viloma.asp
Love,
Rev. MoonPie
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