True Hearts Yoga

The word "namaste" (pronounced nah-mah-STAY) is a word that one hears in yoga class sometimes before it begins, sometimes at the end, and sometimes it will be said before and after. For a long time, I didn't quite know what I mean, but assumed that it meant a sort of "amen". It is usually said in reverence, with the hands together in prayer position. Sometimes it is said with a bow of the head. My favorite translation of it is this: "The divine spark in me aknowledges the divine spark in you." In yoga, we believe that each of us is divinely connected. That everything and everyone is a physical manifestation of GOD, and that we are all equal. I have the spark of GOD, as do you, as does my tomato plant, as does that mountain top, as does that blade of grass. None of us is different; we are all the same. From this, we believe that all things need to be treated with respect and with non-violence. Namaste is a verbal recognition of reverence towards another...

One of my most favorite ways of letting go of mental activity is what I call the "bubble technique." It can be a struggle trying to clear the mind to allow for meditation, or even just to fall asleep. This technique is a gentle way to let the mental action go, so you can focus on breath, and become present. It is important that the way in which you settle your mind down is gentle. Instead of getting upset at yourself for not being able to focus, we must stay forgiving of ourselves. After all, we are human. The technique goes like this: as you sit in preparation for meditation, or lie back in preparation for sleep, focus on your breath. Clear your mind of its activity, and focus on being present in the moment. It is inevitable that your mind will wander. It is the nature of our minds to do so. Rather than following your mind's drama, separate yourself from it, and shrink the thought down into a single clear bubble. Watch the drama inside the bubble- it is complete...