Tag: present moment

Turn Off & Tune In

On By Kim LuyckxIn Support A Steady Yoga PracticeLeave a comment

pratyahara“See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil.”

This phrase is often associated with the image of three monkeys covering their eyes, ears, and mouth. Confucius, who is credited as the message’s originator, defined it as a warning to avoid all things evil or distracting that can hinder a person’s development.

Similarly, The Yoga Sutras, as organized by Patanjali, describe the fifth limb of its eight-limb system that is yoga. Through the sutras, we learn that pratyahara means to withdraw your senses. Like a turtle that retracts inside of its shell, pratyahara will teach you to go inside yourself and retreat from the external “noises” that exist around you: the opinions, the interruptions, the distractions, the associations, the influences. Once you detach from this commotion, you can be free to choose the sensations that you wish to introduce into your field of awareness.

Your challenge this week is to practice these techniques of pratyahara or sense withdrawal: Continue reading “Turn Off & Tune In” →

Support A Steady Yoga Practice: Discover Your Breath

On By Kim LuyckxIn Support A Steady Yoga PracticeLeave a comment

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As we continue to explore the poses and our breathing practices, we are expanding our level of awareness. We are learning to pay attention. We are discovering what it is to be in the present moment. And, it is in the present moment that we experience our true “state of yoga.” It is where we see our connection and remember who we are. 

The fourth limb of the yogic system is pranayama or breath control. It is made up of a range of techniques that begin with simple awareness and continue on with more intensive control approaches.

Although pranayama is an integral part of yoga, the practice is not generally taught until a student is comfortable resting with their breath in either a supine or seated position. In this way, a student learns to relax completely in order to receive the breath.

Breathing practices give your mind focus – you virtually tune in when you pay attention to your breath.  This can occur whether you are in a resting pose or actively performing the asanas. As many teachers will tell you, “if it is not with the breath, it is not yoga.”

A good way to begin the practice of pranayama is to focus on your belly breath: Continue reading “Support A Steady Yoga Practice: Discover Your Breath” →

Establish A Steady Yoga Practice – Dedicate Today

On By Kim LuyckxIn Establish A Steady Yoga PracticeLeave a comment

Dedicate this time to your well-being, for the opportunity to build strength and lightness, flexibility and balance.

“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.” – B.K.S. Iyengar

“What is the purpose of yoga practice? To open the heart. Measure your success in your postures not by how far you go but by how aware you are in each moment. What makes you feel most alive? Most present? Most whole?” -unknown source

Prior to the start of your practice, read a quote that is meaningful to you. The above passages have complemented my practice over time. Or, you may want to dedicate your session to a person that will benefit from your healthy and positive energy. 
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Providing yourself with gentle reminders of why you are taking time to practice will keep you motivated and devoted. Dedication is a profound way to start your day and can set the tone for the activities ahead. 

May You Be A Blessing Unto Others!

Establish A Steady Yoga Practice – Go With the Flow

On By Kim LuyckxIn Establish A Steady Yoga PracticeLeave a comment

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“Yield to the flow. It is the most intelligent, fulfilling thing to do. Surrender your best sense of what to do or not to do and trust in the flow of Being.” – E. Schiffmann

Your challenge this week is to take 5 minutes each day to go with the flow by practicing what speaks to you.

You can simply sit and breathe, do one or two yoga poses that are familiar to you, or, if it’s a “down day”, enjoy a relaxation pose like Savasana (corpse pose). The important thing is to go to your dedicated space and set your timer for 5 minutes. Just 5 minutes – no more. 

If you are a teacher, try this in class. Allow a few minutes for self-practice prior to the start of class.

Creating a home practice begins with honoring yourself. Continue reading “Establish A Steady Yoga Practice – Go With the Flow” →

Establish A Steady Yoga Practice – Open Your Mind

On By Kim LuyckxIn Establish A Steady Yoga PracticeLeave a comment

clear your mind yogaposts“Feel the life force flowing from you and drawing into you from the atmosphere: from the rain, from the sky, from the air around you and the stars and the moon and the sun, and everything that exists that represents energy.”  -Rudi

Our “pillar” this week is to do some “mind clearing.”

Each day, take the following steps for Creating a Dedicated Space: Continue reading “Establish A Steady Yoga Practice – Open Your Mind” →

Establish A Steady Yoga Practice – Here & Now

On By Kim LuyckxIn Establish A Steady Yoga PracticeLeave a comment

“Regular (yoga) practice teaches us to stay present in every moment, achieving more than we were previously capable of.” -T.K.V. Desikachar

In order to be ready for this week’s practice, you’ll need to prepare a bit.

First, choose a location for your practice. The actual place you utilize is insignificant. It could be a room that you have dedicated to your practice, a smaller section within a certain room or even a place on the floor or a chair. Distinguish your area somehow by placing a significant object or even your rolled up mat nearby. Continue reading “Establish A Steady Yoga Practice – Here & Now” →

Establish A Steady Yoga Practice – Invite Yourself

On By Kim LuyckxIn Building a Steady Yoga Practice4 Comments

invite yourself yogaposts

Have you tried time and time again to set up a daily yoga practice? Or, are you a current yoga student or teacher that is looking for a weekly incentive to spark your home practice or class sessions?

Establish A Steady Yoga Practice was designed to promote a lifestyle habit that can affect every aspect of your well being. It is a journey toward fulfillment; a quest to expand the horizon of your awareness. I have researched and spent many years compiling specific aspects of yoga that can be used as pillars of health and well being for body, mind and spirit. I know this sounds kind of like an infomercial but I believe these techniques are the building blocks for a steady, habitual yoga practice. They have helped me to be a successful teacher and have provided me with a more well-rounded personal practice. Suffice to say, I think that the practice of yoga is more than following a video on YouTube. Continue reading “Establish A Steady Yoga Practice – Invite Yourself” →

What’s Really Important

On By Kim LuyckxIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

amazing-736885__340During my in-depth yoga practice this month, I have re-learned one simple and most important thing – that the breath is everything.

The breath in yoga can captivate the mind. And, if you’re lucky, the breath mesmerizes the mind so that nothing else matters. Because when the dance of body and breath come together, the mind is free to be. In this beautiful, tranquil state, the mind gets to rest and enjoy the present moment.

It’s what yoga is all about – it’s what life is all about.

And, that’s it for today. Experiencing viniyoga and its purpose has been a joy for me. Thanks to all who have come before and continue to provide their expertise and wisdom.

hands-705716__340Namasté