Getting started with svadhyaya was much easier for me. I always have day dreams about going back to school and changing my career, which is a large reason I am involved in this yoga teacher training. I took this opportunity to finally gather some information about local massage therapy schools, and to search for jobs […]
In conclusion, though I did not meet all of my expectations for this experiment, I found there were a lot of deep issues in my life other than disorganization. Though it has been a difficult few weeks, I seem to be on a path now that will allow me to make positive changes in my […]
As part of their teacher training, Axis Yoga students experiment with the application of Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (observances). This student writes about his experience practicing Ahimsa (non-violence) and Svadhyaya (self-study) in his volunteer work as a Park Patroller. These yogic principles worked to shape his behaviors and reveal greater understanding of his reactions.
This experiment is an exercise of Yoga components Yama and Niyama. I will specifically examine the behavior pattern Ahimsa toward others and myself and Svadhyaya for my self-explorations of my reactions. I will use circumstances in my volunteer work as a Park Patroller with Jefferson County Open Space parks to explore and practice these patterns. […]
My first event took place on March 21st at Matthews/Winters Park. I was at the end of my 4-hour shift and met a man getting ready for a jog at the trailhead and his dog was roaming around the area loose. I identified myself and asked if he had a leash for the dog noting […]
With the Svadhyaya component, I had quite an enlightening experience. Both recent and long-ranging personal history has led me to the core of my emotions regarding the dog-off-leash contacts I’ve made as a park patroller. In the spring of 2010, my mother-in-law was walking her Cairn terrier around the block. She doesn’t venture out very […]
Each Axis Yoga Teacher Training student writes a paper describing their personal experience with the yogic principles of Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (observances). This student reflected on how the Yama, Brahmacharya (continence) and the Niyama, Santosa (contentment) are already present and working in his current lifestyle.
Yama/Brahmacharya: To consist of (not totally limited to): Life of celibacy, religious study & self restraint—continence, abstinence, self-containment & moderation. Niyama/Santosa: Contentment has to be cultivated. A mind that is not content cannot concentrate. Contentment and tranquility are states of mind—these are present when the flame of the spirit does not waver in the wind […]
The religious study component presents some very interesting areas for self-reflection. I consider myself to be an Agnostic (one who holds the view that any ultimate reality-as God-is unknown and probably unknowable). I would probably be best served to have some real in-depth discussions concerning the agnostic and atheist (one who denies the existence of […]
The Niyama discussion relates to the concept of Santosa (contentment). I am generally very content and satisfied with what I have (and/or don’t have). Recently this was brought to light in two separate situations both relative to my passion for bicycling. FACT: I was not accepted into the 2011 Leadville Trail 100 MTB race. This […]