Curiosity

This past spring I introduced the first limb of yoga, the yamas, or laws of life, as explained by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. To review, those five include nonviolence (ahimsa), truthfulness, integrity, moderation, and non-attachment.

Today begins our exploration of the second limb, called niyamas or personal observances: simplicity, contentment, purification, refinement (self-study), and surrender. Next week we'll think about simplicity, but today I invite you to find your spirit of curiosity.

I understand that you may find the philosophy of yoga foreign and inaccessible to modern Americans. On some level that is true, especially because we are working with various conflicting translations of an ancient text that is not from our own familiar culture. But I think we can all learn something if we keep an open mind.

It is hard to argue with these timeless concepts that remind us to value healthy living. Click here to find a free pdf version of the Yoga Sutras if you are interested in reading further.



1. After you've reviewed instructions for all sessions, begin with your hands resting in your lap. Bring your attention to your breath, not changing it, just notice if the breaths are coming quickly or slowly, deeply or more shallow. Continue this way for at least 5 breaths.
 
2. Notice if all edges of your feet are evenly rooted to the floor. Wiggle the toes, then lift them as you rock back onto your heels, rolling both feet onto their left edges, then press into the balls, rocking over to the right edges, finally placing both feet solidly on the ground with equal pressure. Repeat that circle to the left this time. Did focusing on your feet take you away from your breath? Bring your calm attention back to the breath once again.
 
3.  On your next inhale, reach your arms wide, feeling a stretch through the front of your torso. As you exhale, bring hands to the center of your chest, palms pressed together with thumbs touching sternum. ("heart center") Repeat 3 times.
 
4. Lift one foot foot and circle the ankles 3 or 4 times in each direction. Repeat with other foot. Finish with both feet resting back on the floor.
 
5. As you inhale, lift hands overhead, reaching for the ceiling, again exhaling the hands back to heart center. Repeat 3 times.
 
6. On the next inhale, just lift one arm straight up. As you exhale bend the elbow so that your hand drifts behind your neck toward the space between your should blades. Your elbow stays next to your ear, pointing up at the ceiling as you try to stretch your fingers further down your back. Keep reaching for another 3 breaths, then inhale the arm straight up again and exhale it back down to your lap. Repeat with opposite arm.
 
7. You just gave yourself a pat on the back! Now you deserve a some more quiet breathing before heading back to your busy day. Reread #1, commit to those 5 breaths, then enjoy your day!