How can we create a life that serves us? Yoga philosophy teaches the idea of Samyoga = moving toward that which serves you and moving away from those things that ultimately don’t serve you = Viyoga. This takes self-reflection (svadhyaya) and inquiry over a period of time. A personal yoga practice helps to develop clarity about where we want to place our time and attention. Because ultimately, where, what and who we place our energy or attention on…will blossom.
A good question to ask yourself in any activity: “How do I feel while doing this?” Look for the qualities of spaciousness versus contracted. Look for the qualities that feed your spirit and create a post digestive effect of vitality.
We all have to do things that drain our energy, but can the things we love be how we spend the majority of our time? Do we have the courage to develop an “inner listening” to know what we need to be happy in this lifetime. Do we have the courage to move in that direction?
Over this past weekend, I had the honor of working with 3 amazing clients doing private therapeutic work AND got to dance with my Dad for our annual Parkinson's Dance performance with our dance troupe 50's style. It feels good to work and be of service from a place of joy. (Samyoga = move towards that which serves you)
An example of Viyoga could be any dysfunctional habit that creates a feeling of imbalance. This could be something like taking on too much work, staying up too late, or not getting adequate nutrition. Notice the post digestive effect and ask, “How do I feel?”
A yoga therapist will help you identify how you feel and then ask, “How do you want to feel?” “Let’s work together to move in a forward direction.”
Self-reflection exercise:
What habits or patterns create a feeling of contraction or dis-ease? (Viyoga = move away from)
What habits or patterns create a feeling of spaciousness or ease?
(Samyoga = move toward)