The Sacred in the Everyday

In ancient yogic traditions, sadhana is considered the heart of spiritual growth. Sadhana is a Sanskrit word meaning means of accomplishing. It refers to the daily rituals that cultivate self-awareness, self care and connection to one's higher consciousness. When practiced with authenticity it becomes the quiet foundation upon which a peaceful and meaningful life is built. When I teach students in a yoga class, and especially when I am teaching new teachers, I emphasize the significance of a personal sadhana practice. As the great teacher Ram Dass states above, it pervades every aspect of your life.

In traditional yogic traditions, sadhana includes a array of practices designed to cleanse the body, calm the mind and awaken inner stillness. Asana (the yoga poses), pranayama (the breath techniques), meditation, chanting and seva (selfless service) are just some of these practices.

If you have been on this path of spiritual growth for a while you will also notice that your personal sadhana practice changes with the seasons of your life. My dear friend Rita who is both a yoga teacher and teacher of Ayurveda begins her morning rituals with Dinacharya to cleanse the senses. The senses is how we perceive everything in our lives. When you cleanse your senses it allows for you to perceive things with more clarity. For me, I often light a candle, put on soft mantra meditation music, add some rose oil to my skin and always step outside to take in fresh air and enjoy the view before I get going. It is personal and different for each of us and it is a ritual and really a love affair you have with yourself and your life.

In the west, yoga gets very misunderstood. When people think of yoga in the west they often just think it is the physical poses of yoga. The poses were historically designed to prepare us for seated meditation practices and to balance and cleanse the body for meditation. It is really just a very small part of this rich and rewarding way of life. Discovering your own personal sadhana practice is the heart of the practice.....what speaks to your own heart? What inspires you and nourishes your whole body and mind? That is where you begin.

Returning to India.......Hindu Temple in Jaipur. And celebrating Diwali at the home of Johari House in Haridwar. Harish Johari was a revered teacher of yoga, sanskrit scholar and teacher of Ayurveda and the Chakra system. He is an author of many beautiful books on these practices. The Yoga Journal named him Ayurveda's Renaissance Man.

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Join Sherri & I for our annual December mini retreat on Thursday December 11th in the afternoon at 12:45pm-2pm. My slow mindful yoga flow and Sherri's long and restful sound bowl savasana. The holidays always get busy but taking a pause from that will bring you more balance and well being in your life so you can actually enjoy this time of year. It sells out so please pre register at www.bhaktibarn.com and bring a friend!

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WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Sundays 4:30pm-5:30pm www.bhaktibarn.com

Mondays 9am-10am Summit YMCA www.thesay.org

Tuesdays 11:15am-12:15pm www.bhaktibarn.com

 Tuesdays 6pm-7pm Summit YMCA www.thesay.org

Fridays 11:15-12:30pm www.bhaktibarn.com

30 MINUTE GUIDED MEDITATION

Fridays 12:45-1:15 in person and on zoom. www.bhaktibarn.com

     Been awhile since you unrolled your mat? Email me if you are interested in starting back quietly for privates or small group privates at your home including guided meditation sessions