As Yasodhara Ashram starts planning for 2015, we want to stay inspired by focusing on Vision, Learning and Ideals. How do we bring vision, learning and ideals to life – personally and in our work and organizations? Thank you to the Yasodhara Yoga Edmonton group for the November reflections.

VIDEO

In this satsang talk from 2005, Swami Radhananda encourages us to let devotion override the intellect so we come from a different place of inspiration.

AUDIO

Swami Radha explores how the different images of the Divine relate to qualities of learning that we can bring to life in ourselves.

REFLECTIONS

1. Go on a symbolic walk. Write and/or draw a picture about your experience. With your writing and/or picture in front of you, do the eagle pose and ask yourself: Can I see the big picture of my life? Where do I want to be? What is my next step?
2. Do the Warrior II pose reflecting on the questions: What do I know from the past that can support me in my present position? What choices are before me now? What is my vision for the future?
3. Swami Radha writes that “Every emotion erects its own screen,” keeping us blind. (Kundalini Yoga for the West, p. 141) How do emotions screen how you see yourself? Stand in front of a mirror at various times of the day, especially when emotions run high. Look at your face and ask: “How do I see myself? How are my emotions affecting how I see myself? Is this a face I can trust? Would I want to be friends with this person?” Reflect then do a Divine Light Invocation. How does your perception change?
4. What is your vision for the future? What are your personal goals? Chant and write a reflection. Create a collage or vision board based on ideas and images from your reflection.
5. Using the Kundalini chart and any spiritual practices of your choice, ask: How do I learn? What have I learned? What helps me to keep going? Bring a current situation into your reflections.
6. Observing how you use your time may help clarify where your ideals lie, and how to turn your vision for a week into reality. Draw or download a chart that displays the upcoming week – hour by hour. Write in your appointments, your work schedule, travel and other activities for the entire week, including when you rise and go to bed. Reflect on your ideals for the week: What are your priorities? What have you been putting off? Be honest with how long each activity takes – overestimating to allow for the unexpected. Slot in activities and begin. Reflect daily, focusing on what constitutes a “good” or “productive” day.
7. Read the section on “What is a friend?” (Kundalini Yoga for the West, p. 205): Do the “I am functioning from my centre” practice for three to five minutes in various locations. What kind of a friend do I want to be: with myself, with the Most High within, with others?
8. Work with Eagle Pose: Reflect on the eagle’s quality of vision. Ask: “What does it mean to be a visionary? Take time to reflect, to observe. How do you see yourself? Go into Garudasana looking at your life with compassion and seeing with divine vision.” (Hatha Yoga the Hidden Language, p. 187)

YTN ONLINE DISCUSSION

Please join the discussion and share your experience with other Yasodhara Yoga Teachers on the Yasodhara Teachers Network.

November reflections were prepared by the Yasodhara Yoga Edmoton teachers: Niall McKenna, Cathy Anne Pachnowski, Michelle Blance and Carlean Fisher.

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