SYF2014

Samyama is the movement and state of awareness back and forth through three states of mind to arrive at a state of complete concentration: dharana (one-pointed focus), dhyana (receptive awareness), and samadhi (absorption). These are the upper limbs of Patanjali's 8-limb classical yoga. This Yoga of Presence arises from breath, awareness, and intention, and these three together bring clarity. It is accessible to us both in our practice and in our daily lives as part of mindful experience. Awareness and the object of awareness shine forth as we dissolve the interference that creates separation. Layering awareness through focused attention, we tether consciousness to the body through the breath and focused awareness (dharana), and expand this awareness by locating ourselves within and without through creativity and connection (dhyana). Moving fluidly from single-pointed consciousness to more diffuse and inclusive awareness ushers us into a sense of divine play. Attuning breath and mind as the full expression of the practice – combining mudra, mantra, pranayama, and nada (sound) with asana creates a steady steed, our vehicle for the inward journey, the longest journey, from the head to the heart. The marriage of the divine feminine and divine masculine as we ground the body to rise and enter the flow of consciousness brings us steadily and sweetly to a place where we meet ourselves as Self, Other, and All.