Yoga and “Alignment” with Spirit

The ancient Indian perspective of health and medicine as evidenced in both yoga and Ayurveda texts defines “health” as a harmonious integration and balance between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. Yoga, the ancient science of psycho – spiritual healing, states that whatever aspects of our Consciousness that are not in “alignment” with Spirit in each of these bodies is considered to be the origin of illness and disease. Interestingly, this intimate notion of health being connected to “wholeness of Spirit” is not unique to the Indian tradition, but is a universal concept of healing evidenced in the languages of many cultures – including English. The English words “health / heal” are in fact related to the words “whole / holy”. Simply stated, to be “whole” is to be in “health” and to be “healthy” is to be “whole”. Thus, whatever aspects of our Being that are un – “healed” are simply separated from the “whole”- ness of Spirit. As the Sanskrit word yoga translates as “union”, yoga aims to bring into union any aspects of our Consciousness that we have separated from Spirit as we strive to become “whole” and enjoy “health” in mind, body, and soul.

I invite you to begin observing and becoming a witness to all those aspects in your life that you notice are in disconnect from and not in “union” with your Spirit. You may ask yourself, “What is it that I hold onto physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually that prevents me from experiencing this divine union and alignment to my Higher Consciousness, to my Dharma, to my Truth?” Without holding judgment toward these deeply imprinted patterns dedicate your yoga practice, both on and off the mat, to allow these un – “healed” patterns to re – “unite” into the totality of your Being. Just as the physical practice of yoga stresses the importance of proper alignment in the various asanas, the philosophy of yoga encourages us to extend this “alignment” into the emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies – in turn creating the unified “yoga” body, the body that is in complete “union” with Spirit.

Edited from an article on Yoga Philosophy by :
Jay Kumar (www.livingyourlight.net)

Be bent, and you will remain straight – Chuang Tzu

Danny Paradise Reminder:

Danny began practicing Ashtanga yoga in 1975 and teaching in 1979 and has introduced the practice to different people around the globe. Danny has taught numerous celebrities and thousands of others – his nurturing, safe approach allows him to teach both advanced sequences to experienced practitioners and the basic form to the beginners. This is a unique opportunity to experience him first hand.

Classes are being held from the 16th October 2006 – 21st October 2006 at the Twelve Apostles Hotel.

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