Yoga with Teri

“For those who have conquered the mind, it is their friend. For those who have failed to do so, the mind works like an enemy.”
- Bhagavad Gita 6.6

बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जित: |
अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्ते तात्मैव शत्रुवत् || 6||

Is your mind also a little too talented at creating stories about the future? Mine certainly can be. 😄 This verse reminds me that not every thought is reality, and that through practice we can learn to relate to the mind differently. Not as something that controls us, but as something we can observe.

“When Brahmacharya is established, vitality is gained.”
Yoga Sutra 2.38

Traditionally, Brahmacharya was not only about denial or suppression. It was understood as conscious work with energy, be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual.

Ah! Definitely one of the hardest yamas to unpack!
In today’s world, I think it’s especially worth exploring beyond the idea of celibacy and more through the lens of noticing where our energy is going & where we are unconsciously pouring it out.

Book mentioned in the reel:
Living the Yamas and Niyamas - Vikramjeet Singh

Have you ever thought why it’s so important to take those few minutes of silence before we start with our asana practice?
It’s not always easy, especially if you arrive in class after long hectic week and your mind is racing. But maybe that’s why it’s even more important we take that time there. I like to think of it as taking time to put all the thoughts and to-do lists in imaginary backpack that stays out of mat throughout our class. And after class? It’s up to you to decide what you want to carry forward.

Asteya (अस्तेय) is often translated from Sanskrit as “non-stealing,” but its deeper meaning goes far beyond material things.
These are the books that I like coming back to when it comes to Yamas.
The Yamas & Niyamas - Deborah Adele
Living the Yamas and Niyamas - Vikramjeet Singh