A Lesson for Summer from Patanjali!
The sutras, one of the most ancient yogic texts written around 500bc describe the 8 limbs of yoga or, our path to enlightenment.
The second of those 8 limbs, the Niyamas are five disciplines we're encouraged to cultivate to nurture our own mind, body and spirit. So we can enjoy health and wellbeing but also so we're able to show up for others. The second of these niyamas is Santosha or, Contentment.
By practicing Santosha, we develop a gentle acceptance of ourselves exactly as we are. We stop pushing, stop chasing, stop criticising ourselves or trying to change our past or our future. We begin to settle into a feeling of calm contentment - a comfort in the present moment.
Summer is maybe the easiest time for us to practice Santosha. The seeds we've sown, the hopes we've planted are all in full bloom. Nature is displaying her full beauty and we can sit and cherish the abundance that surrounds us. Our own energy and mood are reflective of the light and warmth that summer brings. We can sit back, enjoy the fruits of our labour and take pleasure in the present moment.
Try to take a moment to pause, explore both movement and stillness with your only intention being to settle into contentment. Explore what contentment feels like. Not pushing so far that your breath becomes unsteady, yet not feeling your practice is so easy that your mind wanders, becomes bored or restless. Just finding the middle ground, contentment in each breath or form.
Find a sensation you are happy to sit with, where your breath and your mind can be still. As nature breathes without effort - breathe with her
Join Shelagh this Saturday, 2nd July from 9am-12pm for Woodland & Wildflowers: yoga and nature bathing at Dove Stone. £30 with 20% discount for RSPB members.
ALL PROCEEDS TO RSPB Dove Stone via @themindfulwildproject to help them continue to improve our rare and beautiful Saddleworth landscape
Link to book in bio and hope to see you there
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