PRESENCE is the key to conscious living but it is an elusive state of being which requires constant reminders that we only exist in the Now.
The physical body while seemingly solid is 99.99% empty space. Its apparent solidity is an illusion created by our senses. The space between the atoms is so vast when compared to their size that in many ways it is a microcosmic version of outer space. The organizing power behind these atoms is an intelligence that not only creates the form but sustains it through hundreds of complex functions that our mind can barely understand.
All of this happens in the Now. The past is but a creation of our mind based on memories of events and experiences, and the future is a projection of these memories that happens only on the level of thinking. Every moment is a new beginning where feelings, perceptions and experiences are born into form. By being aware of what is happening around you while at the same time maintaining a higher perspective of the inner space within, you become internally aligned with the essence of Now.
This is the space of the Observer that in quantum physics is the creator of “reality”. Here choices are made that determine form, the physical manifestation of thought. When guidance comes from higher thinking contained in this spacious awareness, what is manifested is life in its fullness.
The practice of yoga postures is a doorway to this inner space. When holding a pose, feel the aliveness within at the same time. That aliveness is always there but it is only perceived when you are not thinking. Conscious breathing stops your mind and the connection with bodily sensations serves as an anchor for staying present in the Now. When you become aware of these brief spaces, or gaps in the mind as they are often called, they will lengthen, and as they do you will experience profound healing shifts in the body, mind and emotions.
This is the guidance of the Eightfold Path of Yoga as it ultimately leads you into Presence. The path is loosely divided between the physical, mental and spiritual disciplines but rather than being individual steps they function as a complete system of arriving at Samadhi, the final experience of Yoga.
THE YAMAS – These 5 observances are your conscious connection with the outside reality.
The first of these – NON-VIOLENCE – is seeing through the eyes of love. It is the development of consciousness where we see and accept others (and ourselves) as they are.
The second, TRUTH, speaks to perceiving the true Self beyond the identification with self-image and acting from that place of integration where doing, thinking and feeling function as one voice.
ASTEYA, or non-stealing, is an acknowledgement that we are enough as we are and need nothing outside of ourselves to feel complete. The realization that we are connected to the source of infinite creative potential, eliminates jealousy, coveting and competition
The fourth, MODERATION, is a state of mind where we consciously manage our use of energy to enhance and assist our evolution.
And the last, NON-ATTACHMENT, addresses our fear based tendency to cling to people, ideas, situations, thoughts or objects. The understanding that there is nothing to fear gives us the freedom to explore
THE NIYAMAS – These 5 observances are the basis of a healthy relationship with yourself.
SAUCHA, purity or cleanliness, deals with both your physical and mental states. Wholesome nutrition and proper care of the body is a way of loving, respecting and taking care of this vehicle of the senses. As are positive emotions, thoughts and attitudes. The impact of self defeating thoughts and toxic emotions is devastating on the being.
CONTENTMENT – When you are totally present you are able to fully enjoy what you are doing. It is about the journey from moment to moment, not the destination. Being in the now does not require any doing or desire for change. It is the ability to accept the ebbs and flows of life.
TAPAS is the discipline of acting from the higher self rather than reacting compulsively to preserve your self image. Remaining as the witness eliminates fight, flight, blame and shame.
INTROSPECTION – Here again it is the witness that disassociates you from your self image and allows for the higher self to reveal itself. Observing your thoughts, concepts, beliefs and other distortions of reality helps to release you from past conditioning.
SURRENDER – Letting go of the end results allows for unimpeded manifestation. Remaining disengaged from the notions of success or failure frees the energy to focus on whatever you are doing in the present.
ASANAS – In the Sutras of Patanjali, the 2000 year old writings that are the basis of what we know about Yoga, a yoga posture is described as “steady, comfortable pose”. Asanas work with the body in a conscious and deliberate manner to create awareness and integrate the physical, mental and emotional bodies. Hatha Yoga practice is a state of dynamic meditation where you experience stillness in motion.
PRANAYAMA or breath control – Breath is the link between body and mind. Conscious breathing brings us into the present moment and disengages our attention from reaction. It is a way to establish witness consciousness and remain fully in the experience of Now.
In a larger sense, Prana is life force and breath is its main conduit. It is the fuel for our actions, thoughts, sensual perceptions and emotions.
PRATYAHARA is a mental discipline where one consciously withdraws attention from outside or inside disturbances. Using breath to remain relaxed and aware naturally takes you to the next limb.
DHARANA or concentration – Focusing attention in one direction trains the mind to remain fully present. In Healing Yoga, bodily sensations become the object of concentration preventing the mind from engaging in the thoughts and feelings that arise out of the holding.
DHYANA is the meditative state that results from withdrawal and concentration.
SAMADHI or Bliss arises from this meditative state where body and mind merge into the ocean of energy. It is an ecstatic experience that initially lasts only a fraction of a second but eventually with practice can be sustained for longer periods of time. It gives birth to creative master pieces, enlightened insights and spontaneous healing experiences. On a physical level, the heart brain and the head brain come into coherence and the parasympathetic system is activated and takes control of the body, reducing the heart and breath rate, lowering blood lactate levels and slowing down the brain into slow alpha and occasionally theta and delta waves. It is the transition from time bound consciousness to a timeless state of being known as Presence.
