In a world increasingly instantaneous, we are are accustomed to immediate feedback, results and reactions. In a world increasingly chaotic, we are continuously assaulted with a barrage of images, pleas and demands for our attention. The wisdom of the yoga philosophy, however, asks for the opposite: it asks us to slow down and look internally for wisdom and guidance.
Yoga asks the question, “What if all of this went quiet? What would remain in the listening?”
The feedback is immediate; the experience of moving into Divine Silence and listening to the innate Wisdom of the Soul offers powerful and immediate relief.
Through her writing and her teaching, Lisa Ash Drackert discerns the key teachings of the Yoga Sutras and shares them in a way that is accessible and appealing to the modern student.
She writes, “As a yoga and meditation teacher, I see students approach yoga who are yearning to leave behind a fragmented, stressed-out, anxious existence and remember their wholeness. They want to be empowered to approach their suffering with peace of mind, with a healthy body and with an emboldened Spirit. They want to remember what it feels like to be Whole and Connected.”
“Yoga philosophy is a framework for whole and healthy living that is inspired by thousands of years of collective wisdom. This framework is simple and straightforward: practice non-harming of all sentient beings, meditate on the Divine, hold every single breath and every single movement as sacred. Then, you will experience profound relief, peace and wholeness.”
On her blog, Lisa Ash Drackert reflects on key Sanskrit concepts and how they guide our daily experience of self-care.
Key Learnings from the Yoga Sutras
Citta: Heart-Mind Field of Consciousness explained in
Purusha: Pure Inner Light of Awareness explained in
Drysa/ Prakriti: Ever-Changing Nature explained in
Viveka: Keen Discernment explained in
Abhyasa: Diligent Focused Practice explained in
Vairagya: Non-attachment explained in
how I ended up on a picnic table.
Karma and Samskara: Action and its Imprint explained in “karma can be a friend” 3 part series:
we had a mouse in our house. (karma part 1)
universal piggy bank. (karma part 2)
it’s like a mirror looking back at you. (karma part 3)
Parinama: Transformation explained in
Atha: Now explained in
Ahimsa: Non-harming and compassion explained in
don’t feed the marmots: ahimsa
collect a reservoir of compassion
write yourself a Positive Review.
remembering not to yell at customer service reps
Satya: Truthfulness explained in
integrity and satya: say no to junk mail.
Aparigraha: Generosity explained in
when assuming doesn’t make an ass out of you (or me)
Brahmacharya: Balanced Lifestyle explained in
balancing self-care: brahmacharya
Asteya: Non-stealing explained in
getting clear about what matters.
Saucha: Cleanliness and Self-Care explained in
the one minute rule of tidiness.
is eating this cinnamon roll an act of self-care?
Tapas: Zeal for practice explained in
do it with passion, or not at all: tapas
tapas: not just for happy hour
Santosha: Contentment explained in
the contents of my Soul: santosha
Svadhyaya: self-study and discovery explained in
recommended yoga readings for 2018
Pratyahara: Withdrawing the senses inward explained in:
the uphill part is really, really hard
self-care means not pushing through
Yoga Citta Vritti Nirodha: Yoga is the direction of the turnings of the mind inward explained in:
and more to come…