let yoga take you to a serene place

Another 6-session yoga course for those who prefer a gentle approach. Sunday 11:30 - 12:45 at the Brockwell Lido 3rd Sep - 8th Oct (£56)

Avidyā - all is not what it seems

Avidyā in the Yogic philosophy refers to ignorance, false perception and misapprehension. I can easily think of situations when I was wrong and refused to acknowledge it at the time. Our perception is clouded by many factors such as self-righteousness, a narrow perspective, lack of knowledge, suggestibility, taking the least line of resistance, a false sense of security and sense of preservation, etc. Misconceptions affect our thinking, understanding and behaviour  in a long run causing suffering and delusion. There are four branches of avidya:

• Asmita / ego - being convinced one is right, wanting to be better than others, self-image (both positive and negative);
• Raga - greed/attachment - wanting things because we are attached to them and because we associate them with a pleasurable experience rather than actually needing them; not getting those things creates dissatisfaction and disappointment leading to suffering and distorted view of what we need and how to use our resources;
• Dvesha - rejection/denial - rejecting things that we associate with unpleasant or difficult experiences, becoming complacent, opinionated or, on the other end of the scale - having no confidence in one's own ability;
• Abhinivesha  - fear (including fear of death) - we are unwilling to get out of our comfort zone for various reasons. Fear of discomfort, challenge, changes, the unknown - create attachment to the status quo, anxiety, trepidation and distorted view of of how things are and how things can change. 

First we need to acknowledge that Avidya does affect our perception. Secondly self-reflection and contemplation will help to notice those unhealthy thinking patterns. Yoga practice (including meditation and pranayama) are essential tools in this self-awareness journey. Building a clearer, more genuine understanding and perception may slowly help us make right decisions and enjoy a more balanced life.

All the classes are now on!
Join me for the Wednesday evening yoga practice at Friends Meeting Hall, off Brixton Hill, Saturday morning at Camberwell and Sunday morning at the Lido, Brockwell Park. Let's move, let's breathe, let's be mindful.

Awareness in your thought, word and deed

Most of what we do, say and even think simply repeats well established patterns of reactions. That's largely how our social interaction works. We like to say and do things that we know will show us as polite, respectful, funny, sometimes assertive, sometimes compassionate, valuing family, relationships and fun. Although such cliches help us maintain self-esteem and sense of belonging, they make us run on autopilot, possibly leaving little room for nurturing self-awareness, attentiveness, self-enquiry. As we begin to live more mindfully, we may notice the astounding value in seeing things afresh, thinking, saying and doing things out of your heart's need. To do this we need to quieten the mind by meditating and bringing mindfulness into our daily life. Be aware of your thoughts and emotions. Be aware of what say and do and how you say it and do it. But first find silence and stillness.