We all like to believe that we are truthful. However, there are countless facets to this precept. I narrowed my study to the aspect of being honest, or true to myself. Then narrowed it even further to an aspect of my life that I have struggled with for years: my job. In my job I […]
I chose Tapas as my Niyama. I have seen Tapas defined as, “passion, or zeal for yoga”. I practiced sadhana every day for 15-45 minutes – first, pranayama, then meditation. I also practiced asana, when I had the time. I diligently got up between 4:30 and 5:00am on work days, around 6:00am on non-work days. […]
Axis Yoga encourages its teacher training students to understand yoga’s yamas (restraints) and niyamas (observances) through real-life application. This student explores the application of Brahmacharya (continence) in the modern American world and how it applies to his individual situation. He also finds greater overall connection of body and mind through his focus on Santosha (contentment).
The yama of Brahmacharaya, what might be called celibacy in traditional interpretations is more than just celibacy of the body, but of the mind. To be celibate from sexual thoughts, and to control oneself in a way that allows for one’s own potency to grow. In the modern day American’s life Brahmacharaya for many is […]
In this the niyama of Santosha has also become a part of my life organically by connecting my body with my mind. I have become more content with being myself more balanced. I might add that for me, being a very rational and cerebral being, I struggle with using willpower to engage in enlightenment. Having […]
The Yamas are the first limb of the eight limbs of yoga. Axis Yoga Teacher Training students choose a yama to explore in-depth by experimenting with its application in their lives. This student was surprised by what practicing Brahmacharya (continence) taught her about finding peace.
When first posed with experimenting with Brahmacharya in my own life I instantly wanted a new yama. When talking about sex I tend to do it in an abstract way, as if it is something completely separate from my reality. So, talking and writing about it for other people to observe was not something I […]
At first I decided to practice brahmacharya through celibacy. I was all set on my plan when one day, while practicing Svadhyaya, I came across a Tantra text in the bookstore. Now, if you haven’t caught on already I was raised in a very conservative religion. So, even now, when confronted with something like Tantra […]
All that being said, not thinking about sex as much made testing my second hypothesis a little difficult. When I finally was presented with the opportunity I made sure to honor their divinity, to recognize my partner as a person and not just a body to have sex with (or even to use for yoga […]
In the end the two very different experiments yielded similar results. After thinking over it I believe what I have learned from my experiences is that practicing brahmacharya (no matter how you do it) can lead to a feeling of peace. Following brahmacharya led to different meditative experiences than I experienced before and I can […]