Yoga & Transformation by Lin Weiss
Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured. B.K.S. Iyengar There is a divine blueprint for revelation dwelling deep within each individual soul for his or her own discovery, in his own time, and in her own way. We have the opportunity to grow in adversity, or perceived discomfort. The valleys in our lives seem to be the place where we finally realize the call for change and begin our transformation process. This is the proverbial “rock bottom” or muse that can facilitate growth, awareness and metamorphosis. For the yogi, a regular practitioner, the sacred space of one’s mat is where we can resolve the demons of our resistance, struggle, fear, grief, attachment and the illusion of control. It is yoga practice, not yoga perfect and there is something innately healing in the confrontation of these demons through our asana practice. It’s impossible to define, but once one has experienced the mysteries of revelation on the mat we return again and again. Some of the common experiences that emerge quite naturally from a dedicated practice are more compassion for self and other; an increased sense of wellbeing and vitality; clarity; more patience and calm; a release of grief and/or spontaneous joy. Ask any yogi and they will confirm: “When I make time for yoga I have more time.” Yoga is not about self-improvement, it’s about self-acceptance. Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa Classical Yoga has been practiced for well over 4000 years as a path to self-awareness and liberation. In contrast to its modern Western transplanted forms, traditional Yoga practice
essentially consists of ancient postures and meditative practices culminating in a state of consciousness free from all modes of active or discursive thought. Eventually attaining a state where consciousness is unaware of any object external to itself, that is, being only aware of its own nature as consciousness unmixed with any other object. This state is not only desirable in its own right, but its attainment guarantees the practitioner freedom from material pain or suffering, and, indeed, is the primary classical means of attaining liberation from the limited cycle of birth and death in the yogic traditions. While the yoga asanas (postures) are beneficial to the body in so many ways, the actual practice is a means of clearing the mind and cultivating freedom from the thousands of extraneous thoughts that cross the mind each day. A consistent practice begins to free the body from the mind, creating spaciousness between the vertebrae and disks, bringing fresh oxygen into the body, opening areas of tightness, chronic tension and relieving pain in mind and body. Those who make a commitment to the practice discover bliss in their bodies and a feeling of being at home in their own souls. There is often a newfound feeling of hope and purpose that is restored as mental perceptions, physical holding patterns and inertia are released through the gentle albeit powerful practice of traditional Hatha Yoga Hatha Yoga is the foundational discipline on which nearly all other styles of yoga are based. Classical Hatha addresses the musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular & endocrine systems of the human body, placing emphasis on correct posture development and healthy anatomy. Yin Yoga is becoming wildly popular for it’s dynamic ability to heal connective tissue, joints, tendons, ligaments and fascia. Postures are held longer, 3-5 minutes allowing for deep tissue release while untying the physical and emotional knots that bind us. It is an inherently contemplative practice and like meditation can actually rewire neural pathways in the brain healing trauma, anxiety and balancing neurochemistry. Consistent practice provides an excellent foundation for a lifetime of self-discovery, building strength and vitality. Yoga is for everybody and therapeutic for beginner, intermediate and advanced students of all ages. Just begin. Namaste’ Lin As a certified Yoga Therapist, Lin Weiss is trained in the physiological benefits of Asana (yoga postures) and pranayama breathing technique; steeped in the study of the human anatomy & the psycho-spiritual and health benefits of a consistent yoga practice. Integrative Hatha Yoga Classes: 9:00am Saturdays. Yin With Lin: 9:30am Wednesdays. The Good Space 5757 Woodway Suite 150 • 77057. Private sessions by appt. conscioushealingnow.com linweiss@conscioushealingnow.com 713/858-8595 see ad on page 11.
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