contemplation

The art of quiet

In this never-ending multitasking world, my need for rest and quiet gets more and more visible and clear. I long for these moments of tranquility.
I`m not alone. For sure.
The world needs more being. Not only doing.
More Yin. To balance out Yang.
In our culture most people suffers by over stimulation of the senses. The result of a constant noise of impressions from television, radio, computers, newspapers, magazines, books, etc .
We are always reachable and always online.


When I long for quiet it`s not necessarily silence. It is not the same.
I long for peace on the inside.
To retreat from all that overwhelming and absorbing noise.
I need to connect with my inside world.
Maybe study another chatter.
Stay with it.
Be there.
Make peace.

The fifth limb of Patanjalis Ashtanga yoga is pratyahara (sense withdrawal) 

Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses from external objects.
(drawing back or retreat. The word ahara means "nourishment"; pratyahara translates as "to withdraw oneself from that which nourishes the senses." )

By drawing attention away from the external environment and turn it inward,
focusing on our breathing and inner sensations we become more aware of our body.
To let your attention draw back from the external world to the internal world.
Becoming one with the inner experience.

Give yourself a gift: balance your art of productivity with the art of quiet .
Contemplate.


R E S T  

peace tree january 2013

H U M I L I T Y

words captured in i-D magazine

Where is your focus?

The main source for our sensory input are our eyesight.

We enjoy sunsets and sunrises. We read. We look into other beings eyes.
On our yogamat we are likely to study our toenails. The neighbours outfit. Cracks in the roofs.
The other students asana moves.
Eyes wandering....
Our attention will stay where we choose to fix our gaze.
On our yogamat. Or in our daily life.

Drishti, the Sanskrit term for sight, direction or focused gaze, is a tool used in asana practice, traditionally Ashtanga, to bring you closer to dharana (concentration)
It`s actually 9 options of dristhi.
To use drishti in our practice, it will be a good reminder to stay focused.
To turn inward.
Concentrate.
Balance.
Drishti is a soft-focus gaze, not a piercing stare, with relaxed, even gently blurred eyes.
A gift to the heart to remain steady and soft.

Give it a try.

A t t e n t i o n .

Now.

friend with focus - treetophut 2012

Todays Truth

a l w a y s 

I like Souls Of San Francisco

Lovely eyes and stories - 6 minutes of beautiful connection -watch and listen here: soulsofsanfrancisco
Read more about the project here: look into the eyes....

"Life is made infinitely easier if we see each other as friends exploring the mystery of life together"

www.soulsofsanfrancisco.com

The doorway is yours

Dive into 2013 with your most raw and honest longings.

Stay open for the present moment. For the possibilities.

Go slowly.

S t e p   by   s t e p.

No rush.

Open the door and have a glimpse.

Many doors. Many choices.

A sankalpa often helps me to stay focused. Sankalpa in Sanskrit means will, purpose, or determination. I read somewhere it's like a New Year's resolution with a yogic twist.
A sankalpa, unlike New Year’s resolutions which oftentimes are publicly discussed in conversation, is more an internal vow you make to yourself.
A resolution and a silent vow just for you.

A sankalpa is not “I want to be more balanced” but instead, “I am balanced.”
Enjoy the freedom of  “I am,” rather than “I want”.

“I am healthy"
“I am running a marathon.”
“I am patient.”
"I accept myself as I am"
"I am kind and loving"

Make it simple.


“You are what your deepest desire is. As your desire is, so is your intention. As your intention is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.”



The Upanishads

The Doorway. Treetophut 2012