margie hunter 9/17/20 margie hunter 9/17/20

SEPTEMBER * NATIONAL YOGA MONTH * DAY #16

Day 16-

Pranayama

There is an intimate connection between the breath, nerve currents and control of the inner prana or vital forces. Prana becomes visible on the physical plane as motion and action, and on the mental plane as thought.

-Swami Sivananda

margie hunter 9/16/20 margie hunter 9/16/20

SEPTEMBER * NATIONAL YOGA MONTH * DAY #15

Day 15-

Pranayama

the meaning: prana - life force / ayama - expansion

expansion of the dimension of prana

The techniques of pranayama provide the method whereby the life force can be activated and regulated in order to go beyond one’s normal boundaries or limitations and attain a higher sate of vibratory energy and awareness. Pranayama utilizes breathing to influence the flow of prana.

-Swami Satyananda Saraswati

margie hunter 9/15/20 margie hunter 9/15/20

SEPTEMBER * NATIONAL YOGA MONTH * DAY #14

Day 14-

In the steadiness of the posture we learn to find steadiness in our lives. No matter what is happening around us, we can be steady in our stillness.

margie hunter 9/13/20 margie hunter 9/13/20

SEPTEMBER * NATIONAL YOGA MONTH * DAY #13

Day 13-

Yogasana

Definition: sthiram sukham aasanam

the meaning: that position which is comfortable and steady

This description is found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Asanas/postures are practiced to develop the ability to sit in one position for an extended period of time. This is a necessary practice to be able to sit in meditation. Raja yoga equates asana to a stable sitting position.

Prior to everything, asana is spoken of as the first part of hatha yoga. Having done asana, one attains steadiness of body and mind, freedom from disease and lightness of the limbs.

-Hatha Yoga Pradipika (1:17)

Benefits:

Open energy channels

Open psychic centers

Becomes the tool for higher awareness

Provides a stable foundation for the exploration of the body, breath, mind, and higher states

margie hunter 9/12/20 margie hunter 9/12/20

SEPTEMBER * NATIONAL YOGA MONTH * DAY #12

photo credit-Christopher Campbell

Day 12-

Yoga

the meaning: yuj - to join

This joining or oneness is described in spiritual terms as the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. On a more practical level, yoga is a means of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind and emotions.

-Swami Satyananda Saraswati

margie hunter 9/12/20 margie hunter 9/12/20