Ayurveda, Yoga, and Astrology are all about relationships:
The relationship between opposites
The relationship between ourselves and those we hold dear
Relationship to those with whom we have perceived distance and differences
Our relationship to the cycles of the seasons and the movements of the planets and stars above us
YAMA is the yogic practice of attending to all of our relationships with awareness by applying a willingness to restrain, modify or adjust our behavior in order to create more balanced and supportive connections.
This week’s recordings incorporate brief reflections on Yama, the practice (and art) of restraining our unhelpful habits of relating to others and replacing those behaviors with more helpful ones. I think of yama as the Kindergarten of yoga practice, a most important foundational step on the path of awakening. Isn’t that one of the first places where we were taught how to be “nice” to one another?
If you choose to do the reflections during the practices, don’t be concerned if nothing arises in the field of your awareness in that exact moment. Insights might drop in later in the day, or even at night while you’re sleeping. Intuitive wisdom has its own time table!
I hope you enjoy these 30 minute practices. Check in with me if you have any questions or feedback: shala@YogaAndTheCosmos.com
Yama: 30 min Vinyasa Flow (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/604111733/86ab71585e
Yama: 30 min Gentle, Restorative, Yin (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/604125850/039a8e01af
These recordings are offered free of charge. If you enjoy them and know someone else who would like them too, please forward this email :-)
If you’re able and would like to make a $1-$5 love offering/recording, many thanks!
Paypal = shalarain@gmail.com
Venmo = @Shala-Worsley
Here’s Sammie and Benny doing their best to practice the yama of non-hoarding… both would rather have the yellow chair to themselves, but every once in a while they share.
Thanks for reading! love, Shala
PS, Astrological Motivation
If you want or need a little motivation to practice the yogic ethic of yama (modifying our behavior toward others in order to create more balanced and supportive relationships) then look to the stars! And by stars, I usually mean planets.
This week the planet Mars moved into Libra. Archetypally, Mars is related to motivation, drive, and ambition. In the peace and harmony loving sign of Libra, our Mars energy is best used by directing it toward actions which lead to fair, equal and balanced relationships.
Also this week, Venus and Saturn are coming together at an angle of tension known as a square (90 degree). Venus, among other things, is the planetary archetype of harmonious relationships. Saturn, archetypally, is the Taskmaster, the motivation to mature. Squares require work for the two planetary archetypes involved to blend well together. Think of oil and vinegar. They could sit on top of one another separate and bland, or with a little work from a whisk and our wrist, they could become blended together to form a tasty and cohesive salad dressing that enhances whatever it covers. Venus and Saturn are like that in the sky this week.
If we decide to put in some effort with our Venusian and Saturnian parts- Yama- then we apply the urge to mature toward any relationship that’s asking for our attention right now. Think of all the beings you relate to: those dearest to you, neighbors, co-workers, people you disagree with, this Earth and all of its inhabitants... Are those relationships equal, balanced, and harmonious? Are they mutually supportive? Is there an action that could be taken to make them more so? If this piques your interest, use the reflections in this week’s home practice recordings along with a planetary nudge from Venus, Saturn, and Mars, to explore these questions.
Astrologer’s note: If what you read above is making you scratch your head and think “that’s just not 'up' for me this week,” then these transits might not be making significant aspects to your personal chart. Everyone will experience the transits of the planets I mentioned somewhat differently, according to how they interact with each person’s individual birth chart.
Again, LOVE!
Shala