The Yamas are the behavioral restraints or basically, what ‘not’ to do. They constitute the First Limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, also known as the Ashtanga path of practice as eloquently described in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This is not to be confused with Mysore Ashtanga, an asana series passed through the lineage of Krishnamacharya and Pattabhi Jois. The 8 Limbs are observed in Mysore Ashtanga practice, but there is a difference in the use of the term.
The Yamas are:
Ahimsa ~ Non-Violence
- One immediate action to work towards living
non-violently is to become a vegetarian. And of course not being physically violent with others. But there is much damage one can do with
words, and even just a glare. You’ve heard
the phrase “looks can kill”. Be aware of
what you are projecting at all times. And this must begin with one’s attitude towards oneself, where one
chooses to place oneself, and how one holds oneself in posture and breath. We need to take care of our health in order
to have Peace within. And Inner Peace is
the first step to Peace Everywhere. Om ~ Shanti ~ Shanti ~ Shanti ~
Satya ~ Truthfulness
- It is always best to be honest with others. (Mind you, without ranting on your soapbox!) And if you are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings, then maybe not saying anything is better than lying and consequently perpetuating a false conception. But Truthfulness is also being honest with yourself and your own limitations. There’s nothing wrong with goals, these can be a great motivator, but don’t set yourself up for failure with unrealistic promises to yourself (and others). Otherwise you will perpetuate a loop of disappointment, self-loathing, guilt, and defeat. Take things one step at a time and enjoy the journey!
Asteya ~ Non-Stealing
- This can be interpreted very literally - one should not steal material objects from another. Also one should not take more than one needs, whether it be the Earth’s precious resources during your long hot shower, or a third helping of mashed potatoes! Asteya also extends to more subtle interactions. Eavesdropping for example. Often one begins eavesdropping and before you know it, you are making judgments upon people. The Karma catches up with you instantly here as judgment usually creates and perpetuates a negative state of mind. Think of ways you can change this behavior. (And mind your own beeswax! ;)
Brahmacarya ~ Ethical Intimacy
- This term used to imply celibacy, but in these modern times, we need to extend the interpretation: Honoring one’s partner. Honoring the relationships of others without interference. Working towards bringing people together rather than creating a rift. And also: Moderate sexual activity. Having multiple sexual partners and unprotected sex, well, you know the Karma that can manifest here.
- This Yama is about addiction, coveting, hoarding, and
more. The insatiable loop of greed and
desire. Feeling like “if only I just had
that …” or “I can’t let go of this…” Often the problem is within the way we
define ourselves and attempt to uphold that image (consciously or
subconsciously) when it may be illusory, or was once true but is no
longer. Certain patterns of behavior may
seem impossible to release, but the key is in the attention upon each
moment. And really the moment between each moment. Observe rather than project…
On a material level, this applies literally to clutter. Every single object we own is also stored in
our mind somewhere. All of these
unnecessary things weigh us down more than we can even imagine. One of the most difficult things to do is organize
and clear away the “stuff”. That box of
old tapes may only weigh a couple pounds, but add this up throughout the time
you’ve held on, it actually weighs much more!
A great way to begin clearing clutter is to start with Satya, being
realistic! Clear out one drawer, that’s
it. From there see how you feel. You may just feel a little lighter and more
motivated to clear out another! A clutter-free
home is a clutter-free mind. You are
literally making room for creativity and good luck to blossom.
Thank you for taking the time to read about The Yamas. Niyamas will be next!
Namaste ~
Computer Reality-Check
I'm sure there are literally millions of people out there who are in the same dilemma as I am - basically you need to use a computer regularly but meanwhile, you can literally feel and see it deteriorating your health. I find myself in front of the screen much too often each day and catch myself slouching, barely breathing, and drained of vitality too often as well. My eyesight alone has become progressively worse much quicker than if I only read newspapers, used a typewriter or a pen, and spoke to people in person instead of using email.
Is the solution to quit 'cold turkey'? I would say that would be ideal, but not really possible if you still want to be up to pace with modern society. However, we could all change a few habits to keep our computers from robbing our life force or making us feel that they are our lifeforce that we must plug into daily. So this list is just a reminder to myself and everybody who is reading this right now - take from it what you will...
1) I'd rather you get up and talk a walk outside right now rather than sit here and read this.
2) If you're going to sit here and read this, take a moment to close your eyes and sense how your body feels. Just breathe 5 deep breaths and feel everything.
3) So are your shoulders tense? Ass and legs numb? Wrists and fingers molded into claws? Eyes foggy?
4) Okay just raise your arms up, stretch back and inhale and then stand up and walk around for a few seconds. Feel free to not come back. ;)
5) If you came back and you are sitting here again, let's work on your posture. You just have to stop slouching like this. Try sitting up more straight, not stiffly, and increase the depth of your breath as you read this. Roll your shoulders back a few times, stretch your neck, stretch your fingers, raise your arms up again, rub your eyes.
6) Come back to your deeper breathing and better posture. Try to keep coming back to this each time you sit down at your desk and each time you pause between typing or clicking. Not only now, but all times you are at the computer think breath and posture. (Try drinking some water too instead of that coffee!)
7) Now let's just think for a minute about what you are doing on the computer right now... How long have you used one today? For what reasons? Where they all necessary? Did you come to the computer to avoid something else, like maybe you didn't feel like doing your laundry, or you were 'bored', or you were lonely? Maybe you are at work and feel chained to the damn thing. Does this kind of job really suit you?
8) Don't forget, are you still breathing? Are you sitting up so your blood can really circulate through your whole body?
9) Maybe it's time to add some variety and spice into your life. No, don't start searching the web for that dream vacation/date/job. How about right now you get out for awhile, take a walk and let your own mind dream of some ways you could spend some quality 'off-time'. Even just simple stuff like walking the dog more often would be a good start.
10) And when you must get some work done on the computer, be it creative or to pay the bills, remember that back in the day artists and business people alike were able to function without computers, so it is not absolutely impossible. Maybe it would be fun to own an old typewriter, or write some letters in script, or mix that song on a 4-track, or do some research or make some travel plans by going to the library for a change and leafing through some books...
11) Okay, you're still here. Well don't forget to breathe, stretch, and at least take a break once in a while! (Remember though, heading for the TV doesn't count as a break. ;)
01:27 AM in Commentary, Words | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
| Tweet This! |