http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com Yoga classes Dallas, yoga teacher training, yoga studios dallas, yoga studio franchise opportunity and hot yoga by Gaia Flow Yoga in Dallas Metroplex, Dallas, Addison, Plano, Richardson, Frisco, Copell, Lewisville, Mckiney Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:55:33 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Tapas: Fiery Discipline The third Niyama, Tapas, is the willingness to do what is necessary to reach a goal with perseverance, commitment, consistency and joyful effort. The word “Tapas” means purification by burning, which is often mistaken as self-mortification.  This observance sometimes leads to fasting, a meager diet, and other ... http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com/2010/03/14/tapas-fiery-discipline-5/ Santosha (contentment) is the cultivation of calmness and equanimity of mind via postures (asanas) and smooth, rhythmic breath controls (pranayama) and other yogic disciplines. Peace of mind comes, the Yoga masters say, when body and mind are kept pure.  Yogins should be cheerful and uncomplaining.  The root of Santosha means “to ... http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com/2010/03/11/santosha-contentment-10/   Saucha: (First Niyama) Purity/Clarity Purity of body, cleanliness, good health habits, a clear and orderly environment.  Saucha (purity) means both bodily and moral purification.  Purification is much in evidence in Yogic practice.  The breath controls, postures, hygienic processes, ... http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com/2010/02/28/saucha-first-niyama-purityclarity/ Aparigraha: Non-Possessiveness, Greedlessness, SimplicityFulfilling needs rather than wants. Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha) rather than the absence of all possessions, Aparigraha is the practice of not clinging to them or craving unnecessary things.  At the same time the Yogin is expected to reduce his possessions to a reasonable simplicity.  This rule counters the ... http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com/2010/02/21/aparigrapha-non-greed-non-possessiveness-simplicity-3/ Brahmacharya: moderation,channeling emotions, self-containment (Continence)Brahmacharya (Continence) can be translated as an advanced Hindu yoga practice of abstinence from sex as a means of joyfully funneling sexual energy to spiritual ends.  This is never a sacrifice, but rather a joyful choice.  However, on another level, Brahmacharya also refers to a continence ... http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com/2010/02/14/brahmacharya-moderation-channeling-emotions-self-containment-and-continence-3/ Asteya: Non-Stealing Non-stealing (asteya) extends beyond physical objects to the psychological sphere—taking undeserved credit for example. Practice: Use objects the right way. Strive for proper time management. Cultivate sense of completeness, self-sufficiency, and let go of cravings.  If we value material goods too much, there is a temptation to hoard ... http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com/2010/02/07/asteya-non-stealing-8/ Satya: Truthfulness.  This second yama, Satya, deals with truthfulness of speech, thoughts, intentions and actions. Truthfulness (Satya) has a deeper meaning than just not telling lies.   It means that our attitude to others is marked with sincerity, integrity and authenticity, to use a term loved by existentialists. There is a also ... http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com/2010/01/31/satya-truthfulness-6/  Roots of the Yamas & Niyamas  All the Yamas and Niyamas are rooted in ahimsa (not harming living beings); a conscious act o f love for all creatures.Ahimsa: non-violence, kindness, no harm in your action.Awareness and gentleness in action, thought and speech. Violence arises out of fear, anger, restlessness and ... http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com/2010/01/23/ahimsa-non-violence-4/ Ishvara-Pranidhana : Surrender to God/Light/Energy of the Universe Practice:  A willful and active surrender to God – the reality of your life exactly as it IS. Ishvara-Pranidhana, the fifth and final Niyama, relates to our relationship to the divine energy of the universe, God. This relationship is one of active ... http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com/2010/01/17/isvara-pranihana-surrender-to-god/ Svadhyaya (Study of Self)The yogic path is a divulging path of truth and wisdom via the body, breath, mind, emotions and spirit. Patanjali’s yamas (disciplines) and niyamas (observations) are roadmaps toward truth.  Svadhyaya, the 4th Niyama, can be translated as the study of sacred scripture and/or the study of Self.  ... http://www.gaiaflowyoga.com/2010/01/10/svadhyaya-study-of-sacred-scripturesself-4/