grasping at stars

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A yoga state of mind?

The practice of yoga is more than just postures (asanas) and stretching, it is a multi-faceted
philosophy that can offer guidance on how we relate to the world around us. For instance, the
yamas and niyamas* offer advice in the practices of compassion, the release of judgment and
competition, self control, gratitude, self discipline and faith.

Therefore, even on the days that we do not find ourselves in downward facing dog, cobra or tree,
if we have shared love, expressed kindness, experienced joy, or reveled in the stillness of a quiet
mind we have practiced yoga. This is the yoga state of mind or time spent grasping at stars.

grasping at stars

*strength *truth *acceptance

*renewal *serenity

*The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali defines yama (abstinence) and niyama (observance) as the first two of the
eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. Yama "consists of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence and
non-greed". Niyama "consists of purity, contentment, accepting but not causing pain, study of spiritual books
and worship of God (self-surrender)".

The eight limbs of Yoga are: yama (abstinence), niyama (observance), asana (posture), pranayama (breath
control), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi
(contemplation, absorption or super-conscious state).

The yamas and niyamas are not a multi-step program where one must be "finished" before we can move to
the next. We can choose to explore many paths at the same time.

When disturbed by negative thoughts,
opposite (positive) ones should be thought
of. This is pratipaksha bhavana.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Book 2, Sutra 33