Way of Being
Yoga as a Transformative Art
| Newsletter
March 2009 |
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 Namaste and Welcome!
As you awaken from the winter season into the light of spring, may your seeds of personal growth endure with strength.
ENJOY!
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Focus
for the month of March is
Strength
Durability and resolve. The capability of being physically or mentally strong. The power to resist stress or force.
Through March our practice will develop strength in our being as a whole.
| Inspiring Quotes
 "Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but manifestations of strength and resolution."
Kahlil Gibran
"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity."
Louis Pasteur
"Weak thoughts and feelings often feel strong but remember, real strength is never anxious, cruel, or punishing."
Guy Finley
| | Monthly Kriya
Observing Silence
Each week set aside 15 minutes to an hour to observe a time of silen ce. During the time you dedicate, be sure there are no interruptions including: music, speaking, and interacting. Allow yourself to be fully present and give your mind and body space to relax from the impact of the external world. This practice (called Mauna in yoga) is a time to reflect and contemplate, developing mind strength and bringing more peace and centeredness into your daily life.
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Strength in Silence
Elaina Beam
 Strength is often associated with the state of our physical body. Developed muscles, a toned physique, and the amount of weight one can lift are all perceived strengths of an individual. While it's true that physical strength supports a healthy body and mind, mental strength is also vital to support a healthy life. In yoga, we focus on strengthening all aspects of our being through various methods - including observation of silence.
The practice of observing silence, called Mauna in yoga, encourages one to open and develop a connection to the self as Spirit, or Atma. Mind strength requires active discipline and regulated restraint. Refraining from reactionary urges activates mind strength and develops self-awareness. Self-awareness is the foundation that develops our sense of purpose and creative vision, as it resists the urge to react to conditioned behaviors.
I once vowed to three days of silence and as those days passed on, I noticed the immense energy I was able to retain in both my body and my mind. For a moment, I realized what it must feel like to be truly "wise". With full awareness, I was able to recognize the patterns of my mind and in doing so, I developed a sense of compassion in my interactions. Strength, in my opinion, is wisdom and wisdom is found in silence. As Lao Tzu says, "Silence is a source of great strength."
Have you ever walked along a country trail void of all noise except your footsteps and the moving air? Take a moment to recall your experience there. It is not unusual to feel a sense of peace and presence in such an environment as silence promotes clarity of mind and ensues a deep resolve of being. Silence builds strength of mind, which feeds the Atma. Silence is the language of our Spirit and the backbone of our existence. From silence - through Spirit - intuition flows. Intuitively we are directed, propelled, and cautioned on our journey. By simply taking time to listen in silence we grow stronger.
Daily Reflections
Ask yourself. . .
Where in your life do you observe silence, if ever?
How do you feel in silence - anxious? calm? overwhelmed? peaceful?
How can you bring more silence into your life?
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| May the qualities you need take root this spring as you lay foundations of protection, longevity, and strength.
In service and in joy,
Elaina
Namaste!
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