As a new rhythm has settled in recently, it has brought with it new freedom and clarity. Although much has remained the same externally, the internal shifts have simply affirmed how much our reality is created from our own inner perceptions, beliefs and stories.
When I sent out invites for the Amrit Method Yoga Nidra dates for September, I was aware of the power of one of the most recent seeds of intention I'd been working with. Experiencing some resistance and irritability to specific aspects of life, I created the intention:
"I am content and appreciative for all aspects of my life. Every moment is an opportunity to enter into LOVE"
With the planting of this seed, my perception of those small agitations began to transform effortlessly. When I caught myself feeling the familiar reaction ready to surface, I brought forth the intention or it brought itself forth, and I was able to get very clear and present in each moment. A new awareness expanded with each moment of Presence. Freedom from the habitual charge has been the reward!
I bring this up to illustrate, not only the power of this practice, but also the quickening in which resolve can take place, on all levels. Creating these intentions does not entail glossing over very real issues that exist within. It does require some effort in self-study, in order to understand why we are reactionary to certain situations. It also requires the willingness to let go of old patterns, which may sometimes feel uncomfortable. But the pearl to be had, is that once we gain new clarity, the old energetic patterns can be cleared quickly when we follow it up with a personal intention.
It has been touched on in the past, both on this blog and in classes, what makes this process so expedient, is that while in the state of 'yogic sleep' or yoga nidra, there is no resistance to what it is you truly desire. There is no need to walk through your life trying to convince yourself of your positive thought, because you are actually healing the origins of defeating ideas and behaviors at the root!
The body and mind become so relaxed and quiet, that it opens and releases effortlessly. The emotions are subdued and calmed which allows the old reactive habits to be interrupted. We become as a graceful hose or flute, simply allowing what isn't serving us, to be ushered out and dissipated! We are completely in alignment with all aspects of our being. One voice is not saying "NO", while another is saying "Well . . . maybe?", and yet another, "Oh~ come on already!" This inner state of conflict, which is alive and well in your waking state, is unified in yoga nidra. Your whole being is in alignment with your personal intention, in it's purist, examined form.
This is a time tested, ancient spiritual practice that holds true to the yogic principles and it's science of energy. The yogi's knew this state. They probably didn't say "Oh~ when I go to the alpha-theta brainwave states, miracles happen!"
Instead they experienced the flow of prana, or life force energy grow in this state.
I can imagine that as they grew in the Witness Consciousness awareness, the potential for their own Self-Realization grew. And we can assume they engaged the yogic principle of Swadhyaya, meaning Self Study, in all that they did, in order to unveil and uncoil the illusions and false beliefs which held even them captive, at some point or another.
It has been experienced over and over again by myself and other students, that it is the change that occurs within that creates the difference in the quality of life we live. This doesn't mean that some external situations don't need to change. But the beauty of this practice, is that it aids in determining the changes required externally from a place of clarity, rather than fear or reactivity!
It is so cool to be able to share this practice with others and watch lives shift, both in class settings and private sessions! I offer much gratitude to Yogi Desai, for bringing this approach to us. It is so applicable and yet it retains the true spiritual depth of understanding, that brings us ever closer in our connection with our True Self, with each consecutive practice! Keep on practicing~
In Deep Peace~
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