A Yoga Therapist’s Responsabilities are Eight Limb (Ashtanga)

 

A proverbial Tree of Life having Eight-Limbs (Astanga) is symbolic of (a yoga therapist's) responsibilities providing or sharing leaves of knowledge pertaining to best practices. In the West, Ashtanga Power Yoga is known to be founded by K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). The term Ashtanga can be recently translated as Eight-practices of Awareness, Oneness, wholeness or Holistic Health arising from the dead language of Sanskrit (Latin of the East) possibly brought in part, to the West by Crusaders being cloistered and shared by intellectual-elites/priests for spiritual well-being. Ashtanga is helpful to all the Yoga Classics including and not limited to Physical (Hatha), Causation (Karma), Knowledgeable (Jnana), Cultivation (Raja) and Reverence (Bhakti) achieved via the general scope of practices including civil (yamas), polite (niyamas), posture (asana), breath (pranayama), holding-tension (pratyahara), attention (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and living-meditation (samadhi). The eight classic practices (ashtanga) branch from generalized to specialized niche or scope practices, whereas interpreting and providing self-care or individualized care symbolic of leaves and flowers, for being alive with the fruits of yoga (therapy) is supported, rooting from the ground-up via interconnected existence and vie-a-vie from the top-down; an evolving evolution/liberation! 

Hatha is the most modern Classic Yoga, having emerged during medieval times^, encompassing other Western 'styles' of Yoga Physical Activity (PA). Karma can be understood with the example of, "I breathe therefore I live", Jnana is careful Self-realization, while Raja is promotion occurring when Good for the Self is helpful to many, and Bhakti is known to it's practitioners as Love. Classic Practice responsibilities are highly correlated, think 3D views, to Sentient Plexus (Chakra) Values and Bio-enviro-psychi-socio-philosophical (Pancha-maya-kosha) Principles. Hatha can be translated as pose (ha) counterpose (t(h)a) with postural (asana) movements as medicine!

Civility, ethics & restraints (yamas) include:

•  the number one Eastern premise known as the Golden Rule - without-harming (ahimsa)
• without-deceit (satya), without-cheating (astaya)
• without-controlling (brahmacharya) 
• without-possessiveness (aparigraha)

Polite, morals & austerities (niyamas) include: 

• clean & pure (saucha) for as my mother would say "cleanliness is next to Holiness (Wholeness)", in as much as a clean body and spaces are helpful to a pure spirit and clear mind
• Content & patient (santosha) having learned that "Patience is a virtue"
• being & changing (tapas)
• self-study & studiousness (svadhyaya)
• serene-determination & faith (ishvarapranidhana) solving and welcoming the mystery of life

Sustained by whole plant powered foods is asana translated as posture, poise & pose with Classic subtle alignments are the:

• holds
• insteps of feet (pada bandha) supporting legs and the body 
• pelvic-floor/perinium (mulah bandha) supporting pelvis 
• core (Udiyana bandha) supporting torso 
• upper back (rhomba bandha) supporting chest  -a Yoga Training (Touch) original*
• neck (jalandhara bandha) supporting the head  
• hands (hasta bandha) supporting objects, arms and the body
  

Sustained by Oxygention is pranayama translated as energy & breath with Classic subtle breaths drawing out the exhalation for relaxation known as: 

• parasympathetic
• apana for bodily process and digestion
• viyana being ever present, especially of the reproductive organs
• sanyana are core sustaining breaths occurring when other parts of the body receive less oxygenation in emergency situations
• prana is energy in from the environment
• yoga breaths are polite nose only breaths, without mouth breathing
• udana is a mindful process breaths to the appendages; breath to the tips of toes, fingers and top of the head

Sustained by thoughts withdrawing & holding-tension from what is not of service for noticing peace of mind (pratyahara) serving maturity, remembrance and reflection; waiting for understanding by choosing, "yogas citta vrtti nirodhah" cessation of the mindstuff according to Patanjali, the yoga patron:

• without dis-ease (dukha)
• feeling no evil (naturally numb)
• eating no evil (plant powered)
• hearing no evil (ears covered)
• speaking no evil (saying nothing)
• thinking no evil (no nonsense) 
• seeing no evil (eyes closed)

Present, intuitive & attentive; attention (dharana) for modern Hatha Yoga enthusiasts whereas somatic intelligence can be explored visualizing**** sentient-plexi (chakras) or hubs integrating body systems (skeletal, muscular, endocrine, nervous, excretory/urinary, reproductive/sexual, lymph, digestive, vascular, pulmonary and integumentary) as a working whole. 

• ease (sukha)
• feeling sentience
• accepting sustenance (plants & water)
• easy subtle listening
• speaking kindly
• thinking well
• knowing towards understanding

Sustained by prayer the optimization of the classic practice of gratitude, pleasure & meditation (dhyana) affirms God/The Universe and Everything/A Higher-Power for realizing peace (shanti) without pain/stress/dis-ease (dukha) free/relaxed/ease (sukha) is possible whereas Hatha movements, postures (asana) and or practices are medicine. 

• intending (sankalpa)
• civil (yama)
• polite (niyama)
• posture (asana)
• breath (pranayama)
• holding-tension (pratyahara)
• attention (dharana)

Holistically-aware, super-aware & living-meditation (samadhi) is a relovelution optimizing holistic health celebrating peace by responsibly reaping and sowing as tree limbs are branching and growing evolving the human body and Earth body within the circle of life; Samadhi is also known as ecstasy, nirvana. 

• Harmonizing
• civil (yama)
• polite (niyama)
• posture (asana)
• breath (pranayama)
• holding-tension (pratyahara)
• attention (dharana)
• meditation (dhyana)

Classic practice responsibilities (ashtanga) can increase peace, justice and liberty or freedom by simply noticing, symbolically one tree with limbs which can broaden to seeing a forest through the trees. An ecosystem of understanding works vie-a-vie when a limb, branch, leaf, flower and fruit as well as life giving micro-organisms correlated to Hatha Yoga as nano-movements**** help the whole. Begin with thyself for the intention (sankalpa) of world peace whereas your body is your temple, the only place you have to live. Practicing Ashtanga provides a way of living peacefully (shanti), just and liberated, respecting interconnected existence!

- Yoga Training (Touch) with Kathryn Ann (Katie A.) Campbell C-IAYT, YA-CEP, E-RYT 500 A Yoga Therapy [C(h)ikitsa] General Practitioner specializing in Lifestyle Medicine, specializing in Performance and Prevention during Physical Rehabilitation and Energy Facilitation addressing Metabolic and Immune Function, a Continuing Education Provider, and Teacher with thousands of hours of experience. Yogatrainingtouch.com (2009-present), Helena Montana 59601; US 

 ^The Yoga Tradition, Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice by Georg Feuerstein, PH.D., Foreward by Subhash Kak, Ph.D; Hohm Press Chino Valley, Arizona 2008; hohnpress.com

**Patanjali, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Translation and Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, Thirteenth printing 2008, Satchidananada Ashram-Yogaville, Buckingham Vermont 23921; US

***Nischala Joy Devi at a 2020 Yoga Therapy Conference in Newport California; US

****Nano-movements taught by Swamee Sri Jaya Kumar in direct lineage of K. Pattabhi Jois founder of Power (Ashtanga) Yoga as known and practiced in the West today, having studied abroad, exploring beyond the  Education, Research and Therapy Centre (2008) to Gokalam, connecting to K. Pattabhi Jois. Mysore; IN

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A Final Destination: The Human Universe, Deepak Chopra

Non-Duality and the Mystery (Miracle) of Consciousness by Peter Russell

Miracles

​​I was asked by a client, "Do you believe in miracles?" The short answer is yes. The long answer begins with the awareness that Charles Babbage (1791-1871), an English Polymath considered by some as the “Father of the Computer” has stated, "If we define a miracle as an effect of which the cause is unknown to us, then we make our ignorance the source of miracles!" To counter ignorance let us define responsibilities, realize values of source and choose subtle-body principles☮️

First, to understand classic physical (hatha), mental (jnana), cultivation (raja), causation (karma) and reverence (bhakti) practices are taught via eight-limbs (as(h)tanga). Within ashtanga are specific practice examples. Faith (ishvarahpranidhana) for example is a polite (niyama) serene-determination connected to hope and love. Astanga classic practice responsibilities include, civil (yama), polite (niyama), posture (asana), breath (pranayama), hold-tension (pratyahara), attention (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and living-meditation (samadhi)🆔

Second, to realize wellness within the Yoga Therapy Bio-enviro-psycho-socio-philosophical (Panc(h)a-maya-kosha) model from the values of longevity, vitality, mentality, intellectuality and spirituality. The model encompasses ‘five protections from illusion’, a more literal translation of the Sanskrit word pancamayakosha. The outermost bodily protection is biological (a(h)na-mayakosha) as well as being the first gross-body protection of the atmosphere working out into the cosm. The next protection (kosha) towards inner bliss is environmental (pra(h)na-mayakosha). Then, the psychological (ma(h)na-mayakosha), followed by the sociological protection known as vijna(h)na-mayakosha a wise intelligent intuition. All four koshas protect the a(h)nanda-mayakosh; the outermost macrocosmic protection is mirrored in the soul as the innermost protected sheath, veil, layer or micro-essence of source, force and or being⚛️

Next, through subtle-body principles particular to general and specific plexus (chakra) correlations in the seven to twelve system format. The Cavernous-cerebral plexus (Ajna, 6th chakra) is correlated to science, to proof. The Sacral plexus (Swadisht(h)a(h)na, 2nd chakra) is correlated to feeling, to theory. Specific to the vijnana-mayakosha, respective of 2nd and 6th chakra correlations, are relationship equity, a kindly togetherness for parasympathetic inhibition and excitation responses as well as top down, bottom up and processes that evolve around for information exchange. When through love, a Cardiac-pulmonary plexus (Anahata, 4th Chakra) correlation, a oneness of theory and proof unveils miraculous realities that defy death and provide cures, specifically with free and responsible (astanga) ways of understanding. Yoga therapy patrons benefit from innate full circle realizations integrated by a yoga therapist’s responsibilities, values and principles☯️ 

Furthermore, intuition (vijnana) is most closely correlated to bliss (ananda). In the Yoga Therapy model intuition is an aspect of sociology where theoretical feelings, such as feelings of equanimity (anahata), are validated by populations world-wide. Scientific research proofs when mathematically speaking, according to dictionary.com, are a way of understanding “in which there is an identity element that, on operating on another element, leaves the second element unchanged, and in which each element has corresponding to it a unique element that, on operating on the first, results in the identity element.” A verification by multiple groups is known as meta-analysis whereas correct correlations support theories. The UE Group of researchers at regroup.com eloquently states, "...success metrics, preferences, and ratings gathered from quantitative research helps validate and inform... By adding qualitative research takes it a step further, uncovering the motivations, behaviors and emotions..." An awe inspiring intelligence can be miraculous when allegedly unreplicatable revelations or unknown ancient practices are wisely accepted becoming future endeavors as intuition touches the soul💟

Finally, inspire (small) miracles with classic practice references in parentheses by noticing a happy blissful spirit through chakra correlations. The string of affirmations (japa) include: 1) Have ahimsa; without harm share the joy 2) feel the faith (ishvarahpranidhana); rejoice in joy 3) believe in yourself (astikya) to eccocentrically apply healthy-habits (hutu) and safety-rules (vrata)  4) Namaste is gracefully saying ‘thank you’ when leading and following your heart while omnipresently soul searching for ‘True Self Arise’ (Brahmin, Atman, Parusha, Id) with an attitude of gratitude and generosity 5) let laughter happen (bhoga) 6) Gently smile (sukha) 7) dare to dream ~ peace is possible (shanti) 8) explore beyond horizons with awareness (samadhi)  9) self-directed destiny is divinity (divya, nirvana, moksha) 10) seek heights and depths as well as open spaces and crowds in cosmic universal harmony (pranava) 11) compassionately embrace the journey victoriously (jaya) 12) smartly write a happy process and ending (buddhi). Observe the effects from the japa that can enlighten the anandamayakosha. Be protected without illusion (kosha) by the dance of energy; Om namah shivaya🕉

Holistic Health, A Bio-enviro-psycho-socio-neurological (pancamayakosha) model of care

“Pain is a debilitating and frightening experience that stresses and tires us! Let us look at the various types of pain;

- Physical pain - injury, burn, hunger, thirst etc.

- Emotional pain - insult and hurt by friends and family

- Intellectual pain - having an idea or suggestion shredded in front of everyone

- Pain of Power - being subjugated and forced to act against one's will.

- Existential pain - not understanding the reason for living”

...

 - Vishwanath (Vishu) Iyer, Chief Yogi

Yoga Therapy provides a model of care to perceived pain known as Bio-enviro-psycho-socio-spirituality (pancamayakosha)

Also purporting a.) physical pain includes, “contraindicated feedback loops from signals” and b.) “Pain of Power” be known as “Political Pain”

- biological (ana): healthy physical body maintained and healed by plants; measured intake of food (mithara), with pose (asana), isometric holds that indicate strength and or cohesion, at times linked together, often in classes, for activity or movement (vinyasa) at increased speed for exercise (kriya), also enacting that which science and research indicate honoring biological indices to thrive (see also vitality) food & asana (1 & 2)

- environment (prana): subtle emotional energy sustained by air; aura of life with breath (pranayama) empowering or subduing feelings and or parasympathetic, relaxation, responses that comfort and calm, also correlated to compassion caring and kindness, see also

- psychological/sociological (mana): wealthy mature mind primed by Ashtanga implemented by intentions (sankalpa) with SMART goals; one for all and all for one with holding tension and or withdrawal (pratyahara), attentive (dharana) to thoughts affirming (mantra) intelligence and mindfulness (dhyana) integrated as a living meditation (samadhi) utilizing civil (yama) and polite (niyama) classic practices (ashtanga), also SMART goals S pecific (describe and or write in a word, sentence, paragraph or letter) M easurable {each (small) step [leap, jump (flight), page, book and or volume etc.] at a time} A ttainable (trainings, coaching, class and or therapy can help) R realistic [(while daring to dream) making (tentative) plans]  T imly [directing your own destiny (a divine fate) choosing to schedule]

 - neurological (vijnana): wise intelligent intellect a samadhi inclusive of who, what, when, where, why and how of a greater good with Love Power [the inherent worth and dignity of every person place thing and sentient being, equity in relations, spiritual growth, free and responsible ways of understanding (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi), democratic processes and peace liberty justice while respecting interconnected existence), also providing follow through and spontaneity for results when synaptic nerve function resulting in spontaneous sensations with top down and bottom up processes; noticing the effects and benefits during and after physical poses (asana) and poses for the mind (mantra) with documentation (tracking and logging) in a gratitude journal as your able, also 

- Longevity, Vitality, Spirituality: happy blissful spirit perfecting practice by feeling (tantra) and or noticing/knowing (as(h)tanga) the beneficial effects of yoga and or other personal, cultural and or religious methods etc., with faith (ishvarahpranidhana), defined here as serene determination; noticing subtle energy (tantra), living in accordance with rights/values (of having, feeling, acting (doing), loving, speaking, knowing, being, privacy, intimacy/optimacy, ultimacy, efficacy/advocacy, agency)], responsibilities (ashtanga), also principles and practices of yoga (Love Power) and other natural practices protecting spirit

holistic health: model of body, mind and spirit; body, energy, mind, intellect and spirit

1.) Fresh is best vegan food: frozen and steamed as needed boiled is better than baked and never fried; whole grains, fruits, plant protein (edamame), vegetables, seeds and nuts fasting at least 12-16 hours during any 24 hour period of time depending on age, training and performance needs🥗

2.) Asana pronounced ahh-sauna at Yoga Training (Touch), a home studio and personalized retreat, are postures indicating poise, grace, elegance and simplicity. The poses improve all aspects of holistic health when practiced correctly, find a good teacher or therapist in your area (www.IAYT.org), many specialists provide virtual sessions, I can be reached by visiting www.yogatrainingtouch.com for Lifestyle Habit Formation of bio-enviro-psycho/socio-neuro-spirituality. 

       - *Yamas: including while not limited to non-harming, without hurting, no war, without violence, without aggression; without coercion, without trickery, without cheating, without deceit trustworthy (satya); non-stealing, without taking, leave it (astaya); non-controlling, without addiction, loyal, chaste (brahmac(h)arya); non-possessive, without jealousy, without greed (aparigraha)

     - *Niyamas: including while not limited to cleanliness and purity (sauc(h)a), contentment and patience (santosha), change by cultivating good with optimistic discipline (tapas), self-study and studiousness (svadhyaya) and faith with serene determination (ishvarapranidhana) 

From pain or dis-ease (dukha) to ease (sukha).

Yoga (Holistic) Strength

Participation often occurs upon the strength of our convictions, the tenets (yamas) and precepts (niyamas). When Centering, stand (tadasana), notice the strength and energy of the feet, pelvic floors/perineum, core, hands and neck. Feel muscles, tendons and ligaments throughout the body drawing bones into a cohesive whole. Notice breath (vyana pranayama), withdraw (pratyahara) from distractions, focus (dharana) upon yama, niyama, asana, pranayama through pratyahara in an enduring focus known as meditation (dhyana) while perfecting practices (ashtanga) of awareness (samadhi)!

Dictionary.com defines strength as:

1. The quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor.
2. Mental power, force, or vigor.
3. Moral power, firmness, or courage.
4. Power by reason of influence, authority, resources, numbers, etc.
5. Number, as of personnel or ships in a force or body:

A regiment with a strength of 3000.

6. Effective force, potency, or cogency, as of inducements or arguments:

The strength of his plea.

7. Power of resisting force, strain, wear, etc.
8. Vigor of action, language, feeling, etc.
9. The effective or essential properties characteristic of a beverage, chemical, or the like:

The alcoholic strength of brandy far exceeds wine

10. A particular proportion or concentration of these properties; intensity, as of light, color, sound, flavor, or odor:

Coffee of normal strength

11. Something or someone that gives one strength or is a source of power or encouragements, sustenance:

The Bible was her strength and joy.

12. Power to rise or remain firm in prices:

Stocks continued to show strength. The pound declined in strength.

The above definitions can be placed in holistic categories. The categories classifications or protections include, responsibilities values principles of a healthy physical body, powerful emotional energy, wealthy mature mind, wise intelligent intellect and happy blissful spirit. Most people have heard of body/mind or body/mind/spirit practices while approaching from a Yoga Therapists perspective Classical practices include principles of body, energy, mind, intellect and spirit!

Practicing during Strength Sessions the precept of discipline (tapas) applies. According to Deborah Adele, author of The Yamas & Niyamas, “It is our determined effort to become someone of character and strength.”  Holding positions (asanas) of strength is character building, forming us into svelte images; ‘our bodies are our temples’!

Prana, ‘energy in from the environment’ breaths help resist strain and wear. Relaxing (pratyahara) into strength is a surrendered determination which is comforting during long isometric holds. Focused attraction (dharana), often at the sight of muscular improvements may help in staying attentive (dhyana) during strength poses or thinking about the benefits of being strong, like helping with tasks. A Oneness or Holistic strength of being able is felt through to the bones with a density that lives on (see Yoga Lift); om namah shivaya!

Sanskrit, For the Love of Language

Sanskrit

10/21/2019

I’ve stated, “Sanskrit is the Latin of the East”. Both languages are ancient considered “dead” rather than extinct as extinct languages no longer have any speakers. Dead languages are often adopted, not usually native to the speaker. Languages adopted by a community, spoken by practitioners for the sake of stability and unity survive.

Dead languages are super special in that the words spoken are understood to resonate with love. Speakers of dead languages are caring for the language to remain alive. Dead languages remain when the words notate love, understanding, caring, kindness and compassion. Dead languages have special unique qualities understood by the speakers and listeners of the language embodied by a sense of having, feeling, doing, loving, speaking/listening, knowing and being. 

Sanskrit carries forth intentions (sankalpa) with intimate communities or relationships among speakers ultimately thriving upon the efficacy of words with inspiration optimally grounding and centering success. Hebrew is a language that has been revived due to the formation of a Nation State and Cornish has moved from the extinct list to critically endangered when 3500 claimed native speakers were recognized by UNESCO¹. The hope expressed in reviving languages is as optimistic of the kindness and compassion found by people caring for the welfare of endangered species of animals; when the option is extinction, speaking a dead language is known by speakers and listeners as an atmosphere of love.

1.   www.en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinct_language