What's New in the World of Yoga:

People living deeply have no fear of death
~ Anais Nin

Why do we fear that which is inevitable? We've all heard Benjamin Franklin's famous quote – "But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death...." Is that morbid? Does it make you fearful?

So why do some cultures celebrate a passing with festivities, while others remain silent and sullen? Perhaps the manner in which we approach death can be a reflection on how we are living our lives.

Last week, the Latino culture celebrated Dia de los Muertos, the "Day of the Dead". In homes and at grave sites, families were gathered to honor loved ones who have passed on by creating altars of pictures, favorite foods, drinks, and cherished items – such as a piece of jewelry or a book – along with orange marigolds, candles, and incense. This traditional ritual was a time for sharing stories about the life of the loved one, and a moment for reflection on how remaining family members will continue to live out their days.

This was a rebirth – a way to breathe into life those who have passed on and welcome them into our hearts and minds for an evening.

The feeling of rebirth can also be applied to yoga. As practitioners of yoga, we are breathing life into our bodies daily. We are reaching deep within ourselves in an effort to become more aware and responsive to our surroundings. Perhaps by doing so, we hope to become more focused and attentive to all the changes that are happening at a rapid pace. And yet, as Anais Nin says, how likely are we to be "living deeply"? Do you really feel that you are attaining all the extended benefits of your yoga practice?

In an article by Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati, he says "From a Yogic point of view, death is regarded as an integral part of Life in a wider sense of the word, where old ways of living end and new ways begin." So how are you living anew? Are you finding it difficult to pinpoint your path towards a fruitful living?

It can be confusing.

So let's take a moment to find inspiration in the poetic words of Sage Patañjali when he speaks on how to live a fulfilled life. "When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents come alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed you could be."

Perhaps, when all the superfluous things around us are swept aside, what it really comes down to is not how we die...but how we live.

Updates from the Blog:

The Business of Yoga

Who doesn't want a local yoga studio in their neighborhood? Easy to get to and close to other daily conveniences, a local studio could also encourage more people to experience the benefits of yoga. But what happens when a yoga studio is not considered an acceptable retail service under the township's code? Continue Reading...

The Winds of Change

Change is on the horizon. That much is evident. This past Tuesday marks not only a change in the American regime, but a fundamental shift in the way this country is viewed from the outside, as well as the inside. Barack Obama's election brings hope, and with it, an understanding that that hope must be buried in firm socio-economic platforms to see any tangible results. Obama himself stated that it might even take more than one term to achieve real, meaningful change. As a side note, one could make the argument the charismatically savvy democrat has started his re-election campaign before he even sets foot in the Oval office. Get ready America. This is definitely a man with a plan. Continue Reading...

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