This blog discusses looking at our patterns from a multidimensional level. Samskara is the Sanskrit word to describe our subconscious patterning. One of Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras will also be included with modern day translation.
Take a walk outside with a curious mind - one that is on the lookout for patterns. You may notice the intricacy of the colors and number of petals of a flower or the design of a butterfly’s wings. There is a rhythm when the sun rises and sets and a waxing and waning of the phases of the moon. In summertime, the cicadas harmonize. Nature can teach us a lot about patterns and rhythm. Human beings also have patterns on a multidimensional level. These are known as samskaras in the Sanskrit language.
How many times do we move throughout our day from a place of routine and hurry? We slip into our subconscious patterning and operate from a place that is deeply ingrained. The way you drive your car, the way you eat your food, the way you speak to someone, etc. are all patterns. What if we can use the practice of yoga to surface deeply rooted patterns that block our ability to live fully?
From a structural perspective, we can learn to slow movement down and work with repetition before holding a posture. This slowing down of movement helps us to become aware of dysfunctional movement patterns as well as reeducate our neuromuscular system. Over time, we can learn to move from a different pattern and one that feels good to our body. This is called a functional movement pattern.
We can learn to breathe in a way that provides deep nourishment to our systems on a physiological level. Instead of taking short shallow breaths which influence the functioning of our autonomic nervous system (A.N.S.) and vagus nerve, we can become conscious of breathing and use it to create balance. The art and science of conscious breathing and breathing techniques are called pranayama.
So too, we can use yoga to see our subconscious patterning in the way we view things like work, money, relationships, health, and life in general. Subconscious patterns were laid down in childhood like the foundation of a house and from that everything was constructed. I have mine, for sure! One pattern of thinking I have… is there isn’t enough time to get things done. LOL! A deeper look at that reveals a pattern of “There isn’t enough.” Over time, and with the help of a great mentor, I have been able to surface many of my samskara/s and reframe the way I am seeing them. It’s kind of like looking through a kaleidoscope. If I turn the kaleidoscope just a little bit, the patterns change into something inspiring and beautiful!
The path of yoga is most definitely a journey. It’s not fast food, but deep sustainable nourishment on a multidimensional level. I am inspired to practice every day!!
Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras: (interpreted by Mukunda Stiles edition) and my many years of study with my teachers, Gary Kraftsow and Chase Bossart
I, 18
virama pratyaya abhyasa purvah samskara sesah anyah
virama - absolute quiet (cessation of ideas)
pratyaya - a very subtle state of mind
abhyasa- practice with firm conviction
purvah-previous
samskara- patterns
sesah-sleeping
anyah-other, different
Modern Day Translation: (including some of previous Sutra I, 17)
Experiences throughout our life have taught us to do things a certain way = conditioning. These experiences make us who we are. We need new experiences = yoga practice creates a consciously different experience. In yoga practice, we start with certain patterns, but over time, we develop patterns that become more nourishing. You have to go through a slow process to move from the unconscious to conscious.