Sunday, December 15, 2024

Winter 2025 Online and In-person Classes

 

Winter 2025 Online and In-person Classes



Please check out my class offerings for January to March.

I will have a Monday evening weekly class online, a Tuesday evening weekly class in person in Christopher Lake and a Restorative
/Meditation class every second Wednesday online.

I am also bringing back my monthly free Sunday evening Peace Practice.  

Please contact me to register for the upcoming session.
plnyogastudio@gmail.com 

- Peace to you -
Pam 


Sunday, December 1, 2024

The Quest for Art in Yoga

 


The first part of the book, The Art of Yoga, Mr. Iyengar titled it Yoga - My Art. He always brings it back to his understanding and experience through his dedicated years of practice.  Everything he writes is from his experiences and personal exploration.  This book, he writes, highlights the artistic presentation of the asanas.  To do this one must focus their attention on the details of the action of the muscles, the holding of the joints, the spacing of the limbs, the movement of the skin and the way these all integrate and transmit expressions of delicate balance, comfort, grace and poise, beauty and charm.  Patanjali describes this in Yoga Sutra II.46 - Sthira sukham asanam - asana is perfect firmness of body, steadiness of intelligence and benevolence of spirit.  

Mr. Iyengar writes how he was quite a sickly child and had not been born into a household of artist.  Therefore the practice of yoga was taken up first to improve his health.  He had to train to become the artist he did in yoga.  He went to temples and caves to study carvings, He studied by watching the world around him, he became more and more sensitive within to notice slight changes in body, breath and mind to become the master he was.  He writes, “Thus I laboured hard to synchronize the movements of limbs, carefully feeling the extension, expansion and creation of space for the intelligence to pervade the entire body and allow the energy to flow freely and rhythmically.  Through my own thinking, assiduous practice and self-control, I analyzed every movement and adjusted every fibre and muscle of my body.  I developed flexibility and achieved integration.  With religious fervour in my practice, a spirit of introspection and surrender to God, which Patanjali considers necessary for yoga, and a liberal and non-fanatical mind, my hard-won and carefully cultivated talent took the form of an inborn gift.”

B.K.S. Iyengar’s practice elevated his thoughts and purified his mind.  So beyond physical health, I hope your practice also transforms your breath and mind to one of beauty and grace and a radiant light of yogic knowledge.  

Namaste,

Pam 

The Lion’s Roar 
This pose is not only said to help with sore throats, but also flexibility in hips and strength to arms and shoulders.  It also gives a nice toning to the internal organs.  I have been exploring this pose this past week.  A good roar every morning is a great way to start the day.  


Saturday, November 23, 2024

The Art of Yoga - pt. 2

 It always amazes me how much can be said in the preface of a book.  When I was younger I often skipped the preface to get right to the book.  Once I started to read the preface, I realized how much was said in just those first few pages that really sets the tone for the rest of the book.  

In the preface to The Art of Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar says that, “Any action done with beauty and purity, and in complete harmony of body, mind and soul, is art.  In this way art elevates the artist.  As yoga fulfils the essential need of art, it is an art.  It starts as a basic art and shows the way of striving for and emulating the divine, with the help of the divine spark within, to reach spiritual quintessence.”  Mr. Iyengar continues, “Thus the essence of yoga cannot be imparted by language since its basis falls within the same framework as any other disciplined art, calling for imagination, repetition, precision, attention to detail, and creation.  Only ceaseless practice and endless striving for perfection engenders skill, understanding and wisdom and forms the subtle body of the ineffable which is art.” 

“Yoga is a disciplinary art which develops the faculties of the body, mind and intellect.  Its purpose is to refine man.  It is a commitment to a life’s pattern and a way towards right living.”  B.K.S. Iyengar says that it led him to explore and observe the hidden, unknown, parts of his body and movements of his mind and helped him attain the high purpose in life of exploring the self while living as a householder.  

My. Iyengar also writes, “It was Patanjali whose work inspired me to see and develop the artistry of yoga, and to study its philosophy, spiritual values and powers.  I also found in his treatise guidelines to the yogi-artist for living in society. He advocates friendliness towards all, sympathy for suffering people, kindness to those who are not blessed with essential needs, and the cultivation of delight on seeing those who are better placed than oneself.”  This is Yoga Sutra 1.33 and B.K.S. Iyengar often talks about this sutra.  It is one I try to mediate on daily.  

About this book, he writes, “This book, therefore, is based on three main strands: first, the interpretation of yoga in the light of Patanjali’s philosophy, with extensive quotations to show the relevance of his work in the field of art; second, my own yogic study, reflections and experiences of a lifetime; and third, the painstaking, diligent and delicate labour which transformed my yoga practices into a work of art.  I have availed myself of thirty sutras from Patanjali which have a bearing on yoga as an art.  The meaning of these sutras is based on my own interpretations of my work in the art of yoga.”

As you can see, from the foreword alone we have learnt much about B.K.S. Iyengar and his process to transform and inspire us to preform the asanas critically and in a studious manner. 

As we proceed to delve more into The Art of Yoga. I will share a few more images from the book.  



“The siesta” is one to explore when mind is quiet and serene.


The Supta  Padangustasana poses are ones I do almost daily.  They have such subtle nuances and are a great way to give feedback on other asanas. 



Stay well ,

And as B.K.S. Iyengar writes in his book Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, cultivating friendliness, compassion, joy, and indifference to pleasure and pain can lead to a serene and benevolent consciousness.

Pam

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

The Art of Yoga - BKS Iyengar

 


“Any action done with beauty and purity and in complete harmony of body, mind and soul, is art.  In this way art elevates the artist.  As Yoga fulfils the essential need of art, it is an art.”
                                                                                                    - B.K.S. Iyengar

The Art of Yoga by BKS Iyengar 
The introduction to The Art of Yoga states that BKS Iyengar is world renowned for his study, practice and teaching of Yoga.  He brings attention to the artistic interpretation of body, mind and soul through Yoga.

The Art of Yoga is a book I don’t take out nearly as often as Light on Yoga, but every time I do, I see something new and when I start to explore for myself I learn something new.

The forward was written by Yehudi Menuhin in 1984.  Yehudi was an artist with the violin and once he started yoga he claimed that B.K.S. Iyengar was the best violin teacher.  I am sure I have written other posts on Yehudi, who was instrumental for helping bring Iyengar Yoga to reach many others.  In the foreword he writes, “This extraordinary man, Yogacarya B.K.S. Iyengar, has understood that the one inexorable dimension of progress is from the crude towards the subtle.  He has equally experienced the power of utmost refinement and the extended gift of bliss and ecstasy as opposed to the transient values of pleasure.”

Over the next few blogs I will incorporate some of the wisdom B.K.S. Iyengar has shared with this supplementary book to Light on Yoga. 

Currently some of the poses I am exploring are padmasana in sarvangasana.  The back arching ones express openness and freedom in the chest and front groins and pindasana in sarvangasana induce a relaxing and soothing feeling.  I like the title - knots of contentment for the pindasana asana.  I find these poses give a unique stretch to areas often not reached and also very relaxing and centering for the body, mind and breath.  




Every time I open one of the yoga texts I learn.  It is almost like opening a new book each time. 

What are you currently exploring?



In the light,
Pam 


Tuesday, October 29, 2024

There’s No Time Like November


East month I send out a short newsletter with current and upcoming classes or workshops.  Please message me if you’d like to be added to the newsletter.  


There’s no time like November


Fall is one of my favorite seasons, mostly early fall when the leaves are all turning and the temperatures are still pretty good.  Another good thing in fall 🍁 is that I don’t actually have to stay up later to view the night sky 🌌. My husband took this photo of the wonderful Aurora Borealis that lit up the sky in October and I was still awake to see it 😀.


As there is no time like the present  - there is no time like November!

This newsletter is just a quick update of current or upcoming classes.


I’d like to invite you to check out my blog.  I have had a blog since about 2010 that I was very active at posting to, but over the past 4 years I didn’t as much.  I am back posting quite regularly and finding many great essays to share.  

Please check it out and let me know your thoughts.

Www.plnyoga.blogspot.com


Monday online classes continue until mid-December.  If you are interested in joining there is still time and you’ll have access to my full video library.


Monday noon classes in Prince Albert at the Margo Fournier Centre on Central Ave. continues with an NEW afternoon class added starting November 18th. 

You can register online through the City of Prince Albert website or at the Centre.


Tuesday evening classes in Christopher Lake continue into December. 

You can join anytime and use the CPL Rec punchcard.


I also have a Wednesday evening restorative online class that ends this week, but I plan to include it as an option with the online session in the new year.



Weekend Workshop


I am hoping to lead a weekend workshop in Saskatoon in January or early February.

I am looking at a few locations and would love to know if there is some interest.


The workshop would have 3 sessions. 

Saturday 9-11:30 & 1-4 and Sunday 9-12.  




 View in your browser: https://us4.campaign-archive.com/?e=%5BUNIQID%5D&u=e5cb4d358fbb8e8b27b432131&id=1eef0fef59

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Yoga and the Modern Life



 

 Yoga and the Modern Life is an essay in Yoga Rahasya vol.25, no.4;  2018 written by Srineet Sridharan.  I hope you enjoy reading it and please share your thoughts.  

Lifting the Sternum - Samadhi and the Yoga Sutra-s of Patanjali - Part 4

 In this final part of the essay by Lynn Holt, she writes about the Yoga Sutra-s in our practice.

Patanjali wants us to discover this silent space that is possible in samadhi where we discover tranquility.  In our practice of asana and pranayama we need to cultivate our brain to obtain the sensitivity and stability to respond to this change.

Not commonly in his teaching did Guruji explain the connection of asana and samadhi that leads to the inner bliss that awaits us all.  In “Light on Pranayama” he does explain why in savasana the extension of the cervical neck and the moving of the back of the head away from the trunk is important.  The tilt of the head upwards takes the mind into the future and if the head tilts down it broods in the past.  If the head leans to one side, this affects the inner ear that in turn affects the mid-brain inducing drowsiness and we lose awareness.  If the head is kept in level with the floor in savasana the mind is present, peaceful and at rest and in a type of heaven.

It is this correction of any apparent tilt of the head which is important as it will help balance between the two hemispheres of the brain and the body opening the gateway to samadhi.  As previously discussed earlier, a type of bridge is formed between the head and the torso and space is created.  

For teachers this is an important point to know.  Geetaji reminded us that we need to know why the platform neck curvature is important for students when the cervical spine is affected and why the head has to be straight.

While practicing asana one studies vitarka-vicara.  Being the gross part of the intellect, it encourages the subtle energy of the heart to blossom with bliss ananda that is gladness.  Similar in all respects to the stages of the blooming of the lotus flower.  This process reverses in pranayama as we begin with asmita, then move to ananda then to vicara and vitarka.

What Guruji teaches us in every asana is that you have to learn to keep our brain quiet but alert.  How we uphold ourselves in our asana and pranayama practice is important.  When we are instructed to open the chest and release the chin away this is to release any tension from the brain.

 If we are to become one with our asana we have to observe that our brain has to become quiet; observing in but passively as far as the brain is concerned but actively with awareness, attentively looking within and not looking somewhere outside.  Samadhi is a state of experience where the concept of self disappears Guruji has explained to us.  It is now up to us to take that journey.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Lifting the Sternum - Samadhi and the Yoga Sutra-s of Patanjali - Part 3

The third part of the essay by Lynn Holt in Yoga Rahasya vol. 25, no. 4, 2018, Lifting the Sternum - Samadhi and the Yoga Sutra-s of Patanjali is titled - Patanjali and the Yoga Sutra-s.

Lynn writes: 

In the Yoga Sutra-s, Patanjali chose to make the workings of mind and consciousness, both in success and in failure the central theme of yoga philosophy and practice.  In the second sutra he tells us that Yoga is the process of stilling the movements and fluctuations of mind that disturb our consciousness.

Patanjali was a great scientist in addition to a philosopher and he knew about the hypothalamus, the seat that imprints happiness or pleasure or pain for all of us.  He divided the brain into four sections, the analytical (savitarka) at the front, the discriminative (savicara) at the back, blissful elated (ananda) at the base, the hypothalamus, and the auspicious “I” (sattvic ahamkara or asmita) at the pineal gland or head of the brain the brain stem.

Guruji has carefully explained in his Light on the Yoga Sutra-s of Patanjali that the hypothalamus is the area which always gets tense for everyone.  This is also the exact area of the brain that experiences quietness and happiness, and is the state which gives us contentment.  The brain stem is the location of asmita which is our individuality.  Directly above this is the hypothalamus, which is the neurological nexus of the whole body.

There is physical as well as a neurological basis for this blissful elated state asmita when we finally reach this state.  It comes from the reflective process arising from the back of the brain that leads us to the ananda state of pure joy.

The Yoga Sutra-s 1.17, 1.33 and 111.35 opened up Guruji’s thoughts regarding the necessity for balance, harmony and concord between the intellect of the head and the intelligence of the heart.  His understanding and through his practice and teaching, he has given us access to the joy in our hearts through our sadhana.  The experience of joy ( or bliss) is not easy to describe as it is an inner conscious belief, which fills our very being and warms our heart.

To understand more this quiet state of joy in our yoga, Geetaji gave an expanded explanation of sutra 1.17, vitarka vicara ananda, asmita rupa anugamat samprajnata where Guruji  discusses samadhi in depth.  This particular Supta tells us that by practice and detachment, four types of awareness develop.  These are absorption of the consciousness, achieved through complete attention in learning as in our analytical study, synthesis, consideration, discrimination and the experience of pure being.  These constitute samprajnata samadhi.

These four awareness states  of samprajnata samadhi - vitarka, vicara , ananda and asmita correspond to the four lobes of the brain which correspond to the four lobes or sections of the heart.  Although Patanjali used the word samprajnata samadhi, Guruji instructs that there are various types of awareness.  What we have to learn while doing the asana is that vitarka is the biological frontal brain and vicara is the back portion of the brain where we have our storehouse of impressions.  There is now a gradual process of deliberate thinking and study, in addition to investigation, reflection and consideration.  Then the frontal brain of analysis and the back brain of latent imprints of our past experiences have to unite with each other.

It is when both of these brains are made to function unitedly there is a joy that grows from within and we smile.  This smile is from the heart the ananda.  When we are encouraged to further search where it comes from our journey towards samadhi begins to find the core of our being the asmita.

The asmita is not ahamkara Geetaji emphasized in our class.  This is a pure state of ahamkara and is not associated with the ego.  In essence ego is not part of the citta and this is the English translation Geetaji reminded us.  Asmita is a pure state of ahamkara.  Asmita is the feeling that I am.  It is not connected to what I have achieved or what I own.  It is that feeling asmi means am .  It si not even “I”.  In my existence I will say I am here.  My existence is here that is what it means.  The “I” is gone and here is gone in this meaning and it is just ‘am’.  This feeling is connected to the front brain and back brain, and the bottom of the brain.

This unity brings us joy from within but at this stage we are unable to differentiate if the action is physical, mental or spiritual.  After this auspicious state of “I” is experienced there is a state of emptiness or a void - (viramapratyaya).  This is a spiritual plateau where there is a fear of completion. This is a state of existing and not existing and we will be devoid of our ego and feel lost as if we’re are at a crossroad.  The nearest we come to this state in our normal life is that space in time just before we fall asleep, when our mind, intellect and body are silent.  We do not have the feeling of “I” at this time.  Patanjali calls this a different state of Samadhi it is not deliberate but a natural process.

To move on from this spiritual complacency, the sadhaka has no other means than to pursue his practice with trust, confidence , intense vigor, keen memory and power of absorption.  (YS 1.20).

Geetaji emphasized in her class, that we must not get caught up with th glamour and powers that come during the initial stages of our sadhana or we will come crashing down. Ego, consciousness and intelligence are sensitive and subtle. They accumulate experiences of objects perceived through our senses of perception, organs of action and our mind, linking our past, present and future.

In the third chapter of the Yoga Sutras’s Patanjali explains that when we come to the state of samyama a time will come where we are in a dual mind.  This is because that citta is able to go to a diseased state where the citta can decide to go to religious samadhi or to the siddhis.  The choice is ours. At this time, after the hypothalamus and asmita are reached, a realization of that stage will come and we will be in the medulla.  This is the medulla (or brain stem) which is connecting the brain and the brawn/body.

In that state we can get lifted up with the go and go to smriti or we go down ward towards the throat area ansd that is the medulla, the area that connects the bridge between the torso and the brain.  The externality of the brain has to be removed, as the brain can easily go to the external world.  This externality has to be removed, as after asmita we have come to th heart.  We have to be very clear in that sense that there is no desire or afflictions existing. In this state there is no anger, desire or mental diseases existing,.  It is a completely clear and pure state.  That is how Guruji explains the yoga sutra-s , Geetaji emphasized and this is why he never allowed anybody to drop the chest or stand with a dropped sternum.  

Guruji would instruct us to raise the chest to raise the.sternum and extend the cervical neck, and make the head straight to see what freedom comes to our mental state. Laziness and doubt will always be there for everyone. If we raise ourselves up alertness will come in a short time. With his process of teaching the people began to understand that this type of meditation is different, it is not dull.  For Guruji meditation is not dull.  Meditation is dynamic.

 


Friday, October 18, 2024

Lifting the Sternum - Samadhi and the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali - Part 2

 Here is part 2 of the essay written by Lynn Holt from Yoga Rahasya vol. 25, No.4, 2018,

The essay is called: Lifting the Sternum - Samadhi and the Yoga Sutra-s of Patanjali.

Our head and spine:

The human brain is the central organ of the human nervous system, and with the spinal cord makes up the central nervous system.  The brain can be divided into three main portions: the cerebral cortex,  the hypothalamus and the cerebellum. The cerebral cortex functions in the process of thinking, speech, memory and imagination.  The hypothalamus regulates the activities of the internal organs and imprints emotional reactions of pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow, contentment and disappointment.  The cerebellum is at the base and the back of the brain; and is found just under the cerebrum of the brain.  The back brain is regarded as that which functions in meditation; it is the seat of wisdom and clarity.

The cerebrum is connected by the brain stem to the spinal cord.  The brain stem consists of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata.  The medulla connects the higher levels of the brain to the spinal cord, and is responsible for several functions of the autonomous nervous system which are very important in meditation practice.

An understanding of the anatomy of the brain is important to understand why in meditation practice the brain has to be well balanced in relation to the spine.  Any unevenness in its position disturbs the quietness of meditation.  When an imbalance occurs, it is because the energies of the left and right hemisphere of the brain have to be brought to centre, to cease the thinking activity of the brain.  When correctly aligned Guruji tells us the flow of energy is diverted from the brain towards the heart and the brain is kept as a passive observer.  With the quiet brain then it is only possible to begin the process of going inwards to reach our very being - our core.

The importance of obtaining a quiet mind was observed but Lord Krishna in the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita verses 13 and 14, where he gives directions to sit erect with the spine and head straight to concentrate the mind. Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra-s has comprehensively detailed the functions of the brain and the connections with our practice.  

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Lifting the Sternum - Samadhi and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Part 1

 

In the 25th anniversary edition of Yoga Rahasya (Vol. 25, no.4, 2018) Lynn Holt wrote an essay titled:

Lifting the sternum - Samadhi and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

This blog will be the first part of the essay, with the remaining following over the next few blogs.  I have also attached an audio recording of the first part of the essay.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Classwork Book 1 - Organ of Conscience in Asana

 

In Prashant Iyengar’s book, Classwork Book 1, he writes in class 23 about Organ of Conscience in Asana.

Below is his notes on this class.

Just as we have organs of body, we have organs of “mind” as well.  The “mind” here should be looked upon as a consciousness substance.  This substance in different containers takes different forms corresponding to the forms of the container.  

Just as water or any liquid, takes the form of and is well-settled in different containers of different shapes, so is the case with this conscious substance or “mind” substance.  This mind, as a substance, does not essentially change.  In one organ, it works as a thought organ (in the brain). In another container, in the heart, it becomes emotions and sentiments.  Similarly, it becomes intelligence, ego , identity, etc.  Thus, we can surmise that we have,

            * a sensitivity organ

            * a mental organ

            * a thought organ

            * an intelligence organ

            * an ego organ

            * an identity organ 

            * an motional organ

            * a sentimental organ

            * a memory organ

            * an imagination organ

            * a creativity organ

            * an analytical organ

            * a synthesis organ

            * a conscience organ, etc.

    

  Anatomy has not identified, and has even failed to identify, the emotional organ in the heart, which is otherwise extremely apparent and obvious.  Yog identifies these in a very systematic manner.  Strangely, this unification process begins with conspicuously-analysed demarcations.  Yogic processes work on evolving each of those organs of the mind and consciousness, to evolve the intuitive mystic organ that is extremely vital for essential  Yog.

Essential Yog needs Dharmendriya i.e. an organ of virtue and merit, because to be right and righteous is vitally important in core Yog.  The organ of conscience that identifies right as against wrong from the perspective of Dharma.  The empirical mind distinguishes between sensory good and bad through sensation. The intellect rationally divulges right and wrong in practical aspects of life.  The organ of conscience divulges what is essentially right and wrong.  

Our sense of right and wrong is conditioned by delimitations of the subjective entity “I”, such as

         - class

        - caste

        - creed

        -  race

        - ethnicity

        - faith, religion

        - disposition

        - trait

        - brainwash

        - gender

        - age

        - condition

        - nationality

        - ancestry

        - genetic background

        - DNA

        - genealogical background

        - life-condition

        - life-relations    

    And such countless delimitations which exercise gravities, pulls and pushes, and so we are                       disqualified from having the essential right identified.

In Yog, such delimitations are greatly relaxed and kept at bay. Hence the claim that Yog surfaces and constitutes a conscience organ.

__________________________________________________________________________

As you contemplate this class, what are your thoughts.  Can you look at things from the perspective of different organs.  Please share your thoughts.


Yours in yoga,

Pam 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Ashtanga Yoga - Yamas - Ahimsa and Satya - Non-violence and Truth


Astanga yoga describes the eight limbs of yoga, where the first limb is the Yamas or ethical discipline.  The first Yama is Ahimsa, which means non-harming or non-violence.  In his book, Light on Life, Mr. Iyengar writes that violence arises out of fear, weakness, ignorance or restlessness.  To curb it what is most needed is freedom from fear.  To gain this freedom, what is required is a change of outlook on life and reorientation of the individual.  Violence is bound to decline when people learn to base their faith upon reality and investigation rather than upon ignorance and supposition.  The yogi believes that every creature has as much right to live as he has.      

Satya means truth and in yoga is the highest rule of conduct or morality.  In Light on Yoga, Mr. Iyengar writes, “If the mind thinks thoughts of truth, if the tongue speaks words of truth and if the whole life is based upon truth, then one becomes fit for union with the Infinite.”  He further writes that truth is not limited to speech alone.  There are four sins of speech: abuse and obscenity, dealing in falsehoods, telling tales and ridiculing what others hold to be sacred. 

At this time I reflect on non-violence and truth.  

PLN Yoga
"Helping Unite Body, Breath and Mind"

Pamela L. Nelson 
Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Level 3

The Ways of Re-Conditioning the Citta

 

In Astadala Yogamala vol. 8 there is an essay called “The Ways of Re-conditioning the Citta”.  This essay was taken from a talk Mr. Iyengar gave in December 2007.  The definition of citta Mr. Iyengar gives in Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, is consciousness, a composite word for mind, intellect and ego (pride or the sense of self).  

In his talk Mr. Iyengar says that Yogic philosophy is not just about ignorance and knowledge, but for moving from ignorance to knowledge and from knowledge to wisdom with a non-corrupt simple, innocent mind.  He says that enlightenment in yoga comes when at a right time when one is at a peak state of sadhana after years of endeavour.  

The talk includes the eight (ashtanga) limbs.  With some focus first on tapas, which is one of the niyamas.  He says that tapas means to let the power of light in the body, mind and intelligence to blaze forcefully and brilliantly to shine forth through the zeal in sadhana so that it does not extinguish the will to stick to the sadhana.  Tapas is the fire of ascetic devotion towards the sadhana.  It is the fire from right action with attention, to brighten the infallible knowledge.  
In this though, most of us, even if have a diligent practice are stuck not practicing according to Patanjali’s dictum (see Y.S. 1.13), but practicing to remain healthy and happy.  We must change from casual practice and satisfaction to an attentive, stable and intense practice.  

Many other ideas are given in this talk, but as he nears the end of his speech he says, “In sadhana the gut says to flush out the old thoughts without disturbing the basics in order to bring new thoughts and ideas so that the sadhana gets qualified to reach the zenith in the asana.”

Culture, he says, develops when one begins to re-condition the old conditions to fit in to the present days’s mental caliber.  This conditioning, re-conditioning and un-conditioning moves like a perennial stream.  That is why the sages say not this, not this, not that, not that.  This thought of “not this, not that” is not a pessimistic approach but an optimistic approach so that one dose not get stagnated with fixed ideas or practice but proceeds to reach the exalted position where no room is found for re-conditioning.

Mr. Iyengar says it does not matter where each of us are on the path now, but says it is for us to think to find out how to proceed to the higher standard from the present sadhana.  Yogic sadhana is the means and yogic sadhana is the end.

Yours in yoga,
Pam 

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Class 6 - Body as a Synthesizer in Asana

 



In Class 6 Prashant writes about the body as a synthesizer in asana. Below is the class he wrote in his book Classwork Book 1. 


In yogasanas, the physical anatomical body becomes like a musical instrument called the synthesizer or keyboard. This keyboard is an electronic marvel in music and sounds.  This one instrument has a fabulous repertoire of several sounds such as wind, tornado, thunder, airplane, jet, cries of animals and creatures, to various musical instruments, by selection of buttons.

Similar is the case of yogasanas in producing effects.  Various parts and spots in the body (with associated/kneaded conditions) work like keys in the keyboard.  Furthermore, when the internal-activity agency is in a fully operative state, one and the same asana can have a variety of effects.  

For instance, a basic and profound, but relatively not a difficult position, such as Utthita Trikonasana can be considered here.  This one asana, because of the synthesizer effect, can work fabulously. It can work as an exercise the the overall skeleto-muscular body or even as a conditioner for the corporeal body.  There are various conditions such as loosening, limbering, warming, cooling, exercising, soothing, etc., and also remedying.  It can work on toing and tuning, correcting deformation in the body, etc.

Then it can work for remedying the physiology or conditioning it positively.  It can work for the circulatory and nervous systems too.  It can work for cellular consideration and even cellula metabolism. Organs of the systemic body can also be soothed, rested, revitalised, tuned and toned by the associated breath and certain kriyas of Yog in Trikonasana.  Thus, the organs can be directly addressed and conditioned.  

Similarly, the holistic breathing can be addressed along with its system and process.  This can work for the associated body and mind, for what lies in between (glands, endocrine and nerves), and also beyond them viz. the mind stuff, consciousness and conscience.

Trikonasana can work for the mind state ranging from negative to normal, and onward to a yogic state of quietude, neutrality, sublimity, virginity, soothe, benevolence, purity, piety, sanctity, nobility, equanimity, equilibrium and transcendence.

This marvel is because of the various body-centric paradigms, mind-centric paradigms, and breath-prana-vayu paradigms.  Thus, Trikonasana can bestow several kinds of effects, almost countless.  Thus, the concept can be stated as

 Associate body - Synthesizer (keyboard).


Let me know your thoughts if you explore this concept in your own practice.

Namaste,

Pam 

 

 

 

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Restorative Yoga Class starts October 2nd - Online with recording

 

Restorative Yoga Class


I have had some interest expressed in a Restorative Yoga Class.  I am happy to offer a class Wednesday evenings in October from 7-8 p.m.  This class will be online, with the recording available after for 2 weeks after the duration of the session.  The cost for this session of 5 classes is $63.


For those who have joined the Fall Online Session - Where the Mind Goes and would like to include this class, the cost will $30 and you’ll have access to the playlist.


If you have not joined any classes yet, but would like to, please email me for more information. Online classes can be a great way to include yoga in your life, enhance your personal practice and have the opportunity to pause and explore poses as your time allows.


If interested please register soon.


Peace and joy,

Pam 🪷

Below are classes that have started, but there is still time to join!

Online live classes with recording, plus access to my full playlist of classes from the past 4 years.  Enjoy yoga at anytime from your home or wherever you might be!

Please register early so I know if have enough interest to run the session.


Noon yoga Monday mornings at the Margo Fournier Centre (formerly the P.A Arts Centre).  5 classes in each session.  There is a slight error on the poster as I am away October 7th also.  Please message if have questions, but registration can be done at the Arts Centre or online through the City of Prince Albert.  Please register early!

Tuesday evening classes will continue this fall through CPL Rec.

Classes are by punchcard which can be picked up through Carmen at CPL Rec office or me. Although registration is not required it would be great to get an idea of how many are interested.  Please message me if you hope to join.  Thank you!🙏

Sunday, September 15, 2024

From Darkness to Light





An interview with senior Iyengar teacher Patricia Walden on October 9th, 2005.

The first question Patricia asks B.K.S Iyengar is:

Q: Many people practice yoga but do not seem to be able to take their practice beyond the physical level.  When did you realize the deeper meaning of your own practice or were you always aware of the deeper aspects of yoga?

Below is a very condensed version of the answer. For the full interview see Astadala Yogamala,, vol. 8, p.77.

B.K.S. Iyengar, also known as Guruji to some, replies that when he began yoga he did not know what yoga was and that his Guruji was not willing to explain it when questioned.  All he would say was, “Good for your health, go ahead.”

Mr. Iyengar said he took this as him mantra and proceeded. Mr. Iyengar had been sickly as a child and it took him 6 years to begin to experience a sense of heath and well-being. He writes that he had students coming to him to learn, and that it opened his eyes to understand that minimum practice and insufficient presentation was not enough to teach others as he wanted those coming to him to appreciate the subject.  This interest in wanting to share correct knowledge led him to reflect on his thoughts as well as practices by studying his mind and body movements.  Finding out where co-operation occurred and how to bring the union between body and mind.  He began to observe his actions, re-actions and non-actions. Mr. Iyengar began to develop a friendship with his body and mind in his practices.  He said he was cajoling his body when it was not willing to perform, but also needed to cajole the mind, which took a long time.

The inquisitiveness of his students helped to open Mr. Iyengar to open his eyes and mind to look and feel each and every part of the body in practice.  Over time his mind began to flow concurrently with the movements of the various parts of the body in different asana.  


B.K.S. Iyengar shares his wisdom in that sometimes his mind was rebelling and at other times the body.  He used friendliness and compassion when mind and body were not cooperating.  He writes, " When they were cooperating the practice was conducive and I was experiencing gladness.  I was indifferent to both the mind and body when needed.  I often overlooked them and used the needle of intelligence in practice which changed my attitude.  That's how I learned to integrate the physical body, the mental body, the intellectual body and my conscious body and vice versa throughout the asana sadhana. 


Om Shanti, shanti, shanti,
Pam 

Asanic Laboratory



Prashant Iyengar, the son of B.K.S. Iyengar wrote a small book called, Classwork Book - 1 - Precepts, Concepts, Schemes, Themes and Perspectives in Asana and Pranayama. This post is based on Class 2.





Asanic Laboratory


Prashant writes that,”A creative physical culturing can carry out lab activity or experimentation in the ” doing-realm” of asanas, considering those as postures and corporeal negotiations.”

We tend to experiment more on how can we do more or do a better posture so that the physical postures are taken to be more “doing endeavors”.  This would be a more physical culture endeavor.

Classically, Prashant writes, “Yog and even asanas as yogasanas, are knowledge-processes and wisdom-processes. Asanas are executed by an inter-activity agency for a very internal purpose.”
Therefore, experimentations should delve more into how one can have more and better emotional and intellectual sensitivity or how one can have better comprehension and understanding.  

Prashant explains that it is more important to ask, how can I “know” better, than just “do” better.

He writes, “This will evolve various styluses of knowledge process, observation process, sensitivity process, emotional process, intellectual process, “I”-ness process, thought process, analytical process, synthesis process and so on.  This turns out wisdom for conduct of life.  The problems of life are less solved by material means and more by wisdom (spiritual) means.”

Try in your own laboratory setting. Here is one of the Prashnayantra Problem Statements that might be an ideal place to start.

The statement is: 
Do Viparita Karani. Then follow that by various Twisting.  Now come back and do your original asana.  Observe how your asana this time is different from how you did it originally, and identify the influence of the intervening asanas, on your experience of doing that asana in the end.


Let me know your experience.

In peace,
Pam 

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Asana are Structured by Vidhi and Vritti

 


Asana are Structured by Vidhi and Vritti

Prashant Iyengar, the son of B.K.S. Iyengar wrote a small book called, Classwork Book - 1 - Precepts, Concepts, Schemes, Themes and Perspectives in Asana and Pranayama. This post is based from Class 1 - Asanas are Structured by Vidhi and Vritti.

First what is the meaning of Vidhi?  It can have a few definitions, but some are, "rule", or "command'.  A set of rules for good behavior which is considered right and important by the majority of people for moral, religious or emotional reasons.  The Puranas say it is a statement that induces one to act.

Vritti means stream of consciousness, a whirlpool where thoughts surface in the mind.  In yoga there are 5 specifically defined movements of thoughts that can both help or hinder the sadhaka.  

They are:

  • Pramana - right knowledge
  • Viparayaya - misconception
  • Vikalpa - inagination or feeling
  • Nidra - deep sleep
  • Smriti - memory

In the yoga sutras of patanjali, sutra 1.2 - yogas chitta vritti nirodha is often translated as, yoga is the stilling or controlling of the modifications or fluctuations of the mind.  

How do we control this whirlpool mind?   Through asana, pranayama and meditation

Prashant writes:
Asanas have a technical mode and process.  Teachers stress on demonstrating those and articulating those, to form sets of instructions. In popular and physical-cultured yogic postures, the bio-mechanics becomes greatly important.

The technical mode and process is the "vidhi" of asanas. 

These vidhis change from uninitiated students to neophytes to familiar ones to proficient ones and masters.  The technical process has basically two aspects, the objective (standard mode) and the subjective (customized mode).

What Prashant is saying is that how the asana is done by instructions give is the objective aspect, they are universal and standard, where everyone does an asana one way.  It is the rule or command of the asana.  

But, to this there must also be personal subjective considerations to be made depending on one's level of understanding, one's stage in life, condition in life, state of the body and mind, and any chronic or acute conditions of the body and mind.  They will change form person to person and from time to time. Prashant says, "One's ability, capacity, capability and needs required are to be considered."

So the Vidhi or process and procedure, are built up on the two factors of objective and subjective considerations. An example might be how one person might be in utthita trikonasana (triangle pose) using a chair for support and another is not using a chair.  They both may be using the same instructions, but what is required is different for each individual. In saying this the person using the chair may be a more experienced and proficient practitioner and the other a raw beginner. 

As we move to the Vritti in yoga, Prashant writes:

The "vritti" in asana is the mindset, mind-profile, attitudes nd the pronoun "I" conditions.  The given vritti of an individual can be, and more often is, varying and heterogeneous.  However, the compass of the mindset must be pointing at tranquility, neutrality, sublimity, placidity, passivity, purity, piety, sanctity, virginity, nobility, etc.

 The vritti generally depends on the calibre of the chitta, or mindset and can have objective and subjective aspects.  One can have different mindsets depending on if a beginner or more proficient practitioner.  There are different mindsets due to the pathology of one's psyche and consciouness at a given point in time.  It will change also depending on if one is attempting an asana, doing an asana, studying an asana, performing an asana, exploring as asana, experimenting in an asana, etc.

In your practice try to notice your mindset in different stages of asana, the time of day, week and even season.


This post is my understanding of Prashant's writing of Class 1. 


Om peace,

Pam 

 


 

 

Yoga in Action - Moving from Beginner to Intermediate

 



Students of yoga often wonder when they might be ready to move into the intermediate class.  

In the beginning, the practice forms the foundation.  So in yoga, a strong, steady and stable foundation is required to proceed in yoga. It forms the basis to move into the next, or intermediate stage.  

One cannot neglect the practice of yoga that was done in the past as it creates the freedom of the body and mind to proceed. The beginner practice is a prerequisite.

Geeta Iyengar writes in Yoga in Action, "Performing the asana-s is one aspect of sadhana, but to understand one's own body, breath and mind through the practice is another aspect."

She writes, "Sometimes we limit the freedom of the body movements because of fear and/or pain or we attempt to break the limits using will power in the wrong way, resulting in injury.  When the body is unprepared, both approaches are wrong."

In over 20 years of teaching, I have seen many people hinder themselves in their practice because the physical may not be like the 'photos', and I have seen those that seem very adept at the poses hinder themselves thinking they are much further along the path because they look closer to the 'photos'.  I have been guilty of this myself in my own practice at times. We must learn that asana is a process to look into oneself and that every action has its effect somewhere, which has to be searched and noticed. 

I think it is good to question whether or not one is ready to move into a more intermediate class or not.  The fact you are questioning means you have taken time to consider some points, to look at your reason why.  Is it ego or are you prepared.  Whatever you do, set an intention, do the practice and see what happens.  If you are a more intermediate student, stepping back to the beginner stage can teach us even more about ourselves and our tendencies.  Have you been doing just what you like, have you created some bad habits?  

As Jack Kornfield says,"The goal of practice is always to keep the beginner's mind."


Om Shanti, shanti, shanti,

Pam 

________________________________________________________________________________


Interested in classes? Please email me for more class information.

plnyogastudio@gmail.com

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Fall Classes - Where the Mind Goes

 Hello!


I hope summer has been a time to relax and enjoy the warm weather, family and friends.

I haven't posted in awhile, but hope to more this fall.

I did want to post my upcoming fall classes.  I have been preparing classes with the theme of Where the Mind Goes.  Classes will be an exploration into the mind and how to let go of the chatter of the mind.

I also would love to lead a fall or winter retreat.  If you know of any great venues please share them with me.  I am on the look out for that perfect spot and hope you can join!


If you are interested in any of my online or in-person classes please let me know.  The details are in the posters below.

Thank you and hope to see you soon.

Om Shanti,

Pam

Where the Mind Goes

The theme of classes this fall is “Where the Mind Goes”.  We will explore concepts of the mind through body and breath awareness.  I hope you will join me either for the online session or in person in Christopher Lake or Prince Albert.  I will be teaching a live online class Monday mornings from 9-10:15 a.m.  The recording will be provided after, along with access to my full online library from the past 4 years.


I will also have an in-person class Monday at noon in Prince Albert and Tuesday evenings in Christopher Lake.  


Please see the posters below and message me for further details or to register. I would also greatly appreciate if you share the posters with anyone else you think might be interested.


I look forward to seeing you soon and hope you have had a nice summer so far.  Still some summer left to enjoy!


Peace and joy,

Pam 🪷

Online live classes with recording, plus access to my full playlist of classes from the past 4 years.  Enjoy yoga at anytime from your home or wherever you might be!

Please register early so I know if have enough interest to run the session.


Noon yoga Monday mornings at the Margo Fournier Centre (formerly the P.A Arts Centre).  5 classes in each session.  There is a slight error on the poster as I am away October 7th also.  Please message if have questions, but registration can be done at the Arts Centre or online through the City of Prince Albert.  Please register early!

Tuesday evening classes will continue this fall through CPL Rec.

Classes are by punchcard which can be picked up through Carmen at CPL Rec office or me. Although registration is not required it would be great to get an idea of how many are interested.  Please message me if you hope to join.  Thank you!🙏