Advent literally means arrival. It is a time of preparation and a time of anticipation. For Christians, it is a time we remember God’s incarnation – both God becoming human in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, as well as the ongoing inbreaking of the Kingdom of God where mercy, compassion, and justice reign. It…
I went to India for two primary reasons: to expand my knowledge of yoga and to deepen my spiritual practice. Looking back, I realized this trip could better be described as an Ignatian Yoga pilgrimage.
Happy Easter! Review of the Past Week: We started this week by offering two additional forms of contemplative prayer from the Christian tradition. These continue to relate to the fifth, sixth, and seventh limbs of yoga, which we introduced last week. They are are pratyhara, dharana, and dyhana (withdrawal of senses, concentration, and meditation). As we…
Review of the Past Week: During the past week, we explored the fifth, sixth, and seventh limbs of ashtanga yoga, which are pratyhara, dharana, dyhana (withdrawal of senses, concentration, meditation). These limbs invite us to move from the outer self to the inner self. By practicing these limbs, we increase our capacity to focus our awareness and deepen our…
Review of the past week: Last week we explored the 4th limb of yoga – pranayama. Yoga Sutra 2.49 describes pranayama as “the conscious, deliberate regulation of the breath replacing unconscious patterns of breathing.” (translation and interpretation by TKV Desikachar). The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits of pranayama breathing practices are many, and include: increasing the…
Review of the past week: Last week we offered illustrations to connect yoga asana (the Sanskrit word for seat or posture) with components of Ignatian spirituality. Practicing yoga asana invites use into greater awareness and aliveness in our bodies, especially when we consciously seek the middle point between effort and ease. Outside of yoga asana practice, tuning into our bodies in…
Review of the past week: Over the past couple weeks Ignatian Yoga has put out daily intentions relating Lent with the yamas and niyamas – the restraints and observances that lay a moral groundwork for the rest of the 8 limbs. Which of the yamas and niyamas speak most to you? Which are most challenging? How can you adapt them to your…
Review of the past week: During the past week, we posted an illustration of each of the five yamas, the first limb of the 8 limbs of yoga. The yamas are the five ethical practices for relating to others. They call for kindness, truthfulness, generosity, sexual responsibility, and freedom from material things. The yamas and this time of Lent is…
Review of the past week: During the first four days of Lent, we shared Yoga Sutra I.1 and I.2. These first two sutras begin the spiritual journey and define the goal of yoga — the restraint of movements in the mind. In our fast-paced, high tech society our minds face constant stimulation and are pulled in many directions. Therefore, we…
During the season of Lent, Christians around the world engage in a renewed practice of prayer, fasting, and service in preparation for Holy Week when we remember the self-giving and transformative love of Jesus. Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection are not merely historical events, but something we live today personally and communally through the various…