Raising Maine

Excuses, excuses...I could come up with at least a dozen right now. Excuses of why I haven't written a fresh post, why I haven't been running as often, why my yoga mat is lonely in the dark basement which is my home practice area, why I haven't cleaned my bathroom or put away my clean laundry...but I swore when I started this blog that I wouldn't be one of those people who starts out a post with such excuses. And so I must keep my word!

The thing about excuses, is that they only bring out a new level of awareness, and no matter how much we resist it, they usually lead us towards change. My entire practice is suffering now, mostly because I'm struggling to make time or find the energy to practice on the mat. However, as I learned last year from the amazing 30-day Lifestyle Intensive I attended at a local studio, off-the-mat practice is just as important, and with regular study and contemplation, yoga will seep into your daily life whether you schedule it in or not.

With that, I would like to introduce a new series here at ThePranaMama.com. Because the emotional and spiritual aspect of yoga spoke so clearly to me and truly changed my perspective on life and my practice, my goal is to share a bit of yoga philosophy with all of you, and encourage discussions (even if comments are left anonymously) on how these teachings can benefit our frazzled mommy minds, with or without Down Dog. No matter what your religious views, or to what degree you practice, yoga philosophy can bring an aspect of spirituality to your life, if you so desire. For me, it fills that gap, and brings my awareness towards living in peace.

Manomaya kosha, the emotional body, is our focus for this and the next ten or so related posts. Selfishly but honestly, I am using this series as a way to get back in touch with my practice, to dedicate myself to studying, sharing and learning with others interested in bringing yoga into their everyday existence.

Ashtanga yoga encompasses the study of Patanjali's Sutras. In book II, verse 29, Patanjali describes the eight limbs of yoga:

YAMA NIYAMA ASANA PRANAYAMA PRATYARHARA DHARANA DHYANA SAMADHYAYO ASTAVANGANI: Restraint, observance, posture, breath control, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation and ecstasy are the eight limbs of yoga.

We will focus on the yamas, or restraints, and the niyamas, or observances. The Yamas and Niyamas are considered to be a sort of Code of Ethics for how best to live and obtain enlightenment. There are five yamas, and five niyamas. Some of the following definitions appear in Nischala Joy Devi's book, The Secret Power of Yoga.

YAMAS (Restraints): Ahimsa (reverence, love, compassion for all), Satya (truthfulness, integrity), Astheya (generosity, honesty), Brahmacharya (balance and moderation of the vital life force), and Aparigraha (awareness of abundance, fulfillment)

"These great truths are universal and inherent to all human beings. If alterned or ignored, the quality of life is greatly compromised.

NIYAMAS (Observances): Saucha (simplicity, purity, refinement), Santosha (contentment, being at peace with oneself and others), Tapas (igniting the purifying flame, discipline), Swadhaya (Self-study, Introspection), Iswara-Pranidhana (self-surrender, whole-hearted dedication to the Divine)

We will discuss one of the yamas or niyamas as Lesson #2 of this 12-part series, with a specific focus on a Mom's lifestyle. I hope you'll join us to learn, share or support other PranaMamas! In the meantime, it's time for me to put my darn clothes away!