Determining and putting your ideals into action provides a firm foundation for your life. Start by considering what the term “ideals” means to you. Then make time for some of the following reflections or take them into your classes. We thank the yoginis of Yasodhara Yoga Calgary for gathering these reflections for your benefit.

AUDIO

In this audio extract, Swami Radha encourages us to review and acknowledge the commitments we already hold in our lives and to be clear about those we want to focus on. She also asks: “What is your number one commitment?” Listen here.

REFLECTIONS

1. “Just like in Kundalini Yoga, you start at the beginning by asking yourself, ‘Why am I here?'” (Living the Practice, page 205) Do the Divine Light Invocation. Stand in Mountain pose, in the Light, listening. Ask yourself and reflect on: Why am I here? What kind of person do I want to be?
2. Write out your ideals on a special piece of paper, or with your favourite pen or font. Create an art project with the list, similar to Likhita Japa. See more on the Ashram website.
3. Come to a relaxed and centered place using 4 – 4 breath, inhaling to the count of 4, exhaling to the count of 4. Imagine your ideal day beginning with the moment you open your eyes in the morning. (The Divine Light Invocation, pages 35-36) Record your experience. What changes do I want to make?
4. To greet the morning of your ideal day, do a Sun Salutation while repeating the Divine Light mantra. Ask yourself and reflect: How can I keep my ideals in mind in my daily activities? What is my plan? How can I keep it simple and compassionate?
5. Do the Triangle pose, lifting up and opening up to the Divine with one of your ideals. What would this look like? Reflect and draw.
6. “Divine Mother has many names and forms, and each of us has many qualities to help us with our unique mission. Because Divine Mother is part of us, there is always a guarantee that she will be there to answer any sincere call…. We need to consciously bring wisdom, strength, harmony and perfection forward in our lives.” (Living the Practice, page 202) Repeat the Divine Mother prayer softly to yourself 25 times, with awareness of the words and what they mean for you. Explore Divine Mother’s four main powers one at a time or choose one: What is my wisdom, strength, harmony, perfection? How do I bring it forward in my life?
7. “The power of commitment is neutral and the promise of commitment is that it can manifest anything. What are you committed to? What do you want to create in your life?” (Living the Practice, page 156) Practise “I am functioning from my center” for 5 minutes. Reflect. (Kundalini Yoga for the West, page 154)

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

March reflections were prepared by Purnima Faith Stuart, Alexandra Hindson, Wendy Blackmore, Lynn Fairey, Sandra Vandenhoff, Utpala Pittman of Yasodhara Yoga Calgary.

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