AUDIO
In this month's audio excerpt, Swami Radha encourages us to consider the need in this approaching winter season to retreat, restore and rejuvenate our energy. She suggests that relaxation brings renewal to the body – discovering the inner wells of energy – and deeper, more interconnected reflections to the mind.
TEACHING IDEAS
- Bring relaxation practice into this month. Do a short relaxation practice daily. And give yourself a weekly gift by listening to Swami Radha’s Relaxation audio to access the fountains of peace, harmony and joy within.
- Explore “retreat” through practicing the Tortoise pose (Kurmasana). Ask yourself, When do I retreat out of fear? When is retreat renewing?
- Take time for self-care such as warm baths and pedicures. Or treat yourself to a spa service. Or trade a caring service with someone – shoulder rub for a foot massage?
- Enjoy meditation. Do your own practice or listen to Swami Radha’s Guided Visualization on Siva, Meditation on the Light or the Body Garden.
- Walk in nature, opening your senses to wonder and awe.
- Create your private retreat space by intentionally de-cluttering an area in your house. Then relax into this clear space.
- Do an all day or weekend retreat by following the Ashram’s guided retreat schedule – one hour of Hatha Yoga, one hour of Karma Yoga, one hour of focused practice and reflection; 3 hours of free time (option to be on silence); one hour of reflection/checking in. In the evening chant or offer satsang. (Tip: Prepare your meals in advance or order in.) Or better yet – come to the Ashram for any part of our Festival of Light Retreat!
- Follow through with November’s Study Month, taking time to read and reflect.
- Rest. “Rest becomes an important word whose meaning expands with experience. The body at rest can do its repair work. Sufficient rest allows the body to recuperate from the driving forces of the emotions and the ambitions of the mind. The benefits – physically, mentally, emotionally – are profound. In that state of peace and quiet and inner harmony, one can perceive a vision of the Light.” Hatha Yoga: the Hidden Language, p. 221