Photo Credit: ponsuwan

We return to the “tha” aspect of hatha yoga. Symbolized by the moon, this aspect of our practice is what is below the surface.

I invite you to take some time and explore the various aspects of yoga that cannot be seen.

Pranayama, the breath work, can mean internally exploring not only the sensation of air flowing, but the sense of aliveness to the body. This aliveness is one way to understand the meaning of prana. As you work with your breath in your yoga practice, see if you can remain with not the feelings of breathing, but the feelings of animation and aliveness that you experience in your body. You can check in with the body moving from the toes to the top of the head, and then return to the breath. Notice if you have sensation, and what that feels like.

The Emotions: notice how they come and go, and still you remain. You are what experiences the emotions and you are not the emotions themselves. Practice noticing how your emotions change throughout the practice and see if you can connect with a sense of who is experiencing the emotions. As we begin to realize we are not sadness, but are the one experiencing sadness, the mind can relax and become more calm and relaxed.

Setting Intentions: As you go through the day (or your home yoga asana practice), take moments to realize whether you are acting from habit or from a sense of intention. Noticing this attitude (sense of where the direction is coming from) can help us to find more energy for whatever task is at hand, and to limit waste of time or energy (meaning physical power, or a lack of emotional tiredness).

There are many other aspects to the internal process of yoga. Won’t you take time to work with these over the weekend? And if you feel inclined, come back to share your experiences!

Yoga Pose of the Day: Dolphin Pose (see a description here: http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2462) 

Yogic Concept of the Day: How I direct my attention inside is just as important as what I do with the body (seen aspects). I can take moments out of the day to reconnect to what is going on inside.

Have a fantastic Weekend!