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Aparigraha or non greedy, in relation to releasing attachments is easier to practice when we are able to release the idea that any one thing, or person brings us happiness. Being able to cultivate happiness from within is the essence of the spiritual practice of yoga but may be the most difficult for western practitioners to cultivate. Living in a society that values titles, possessions and immediate gratification goes counter to the yogic culture of sustained awareness and contentment. Begin to foster Aparigraha by releasing attachment to the idea that you are not happy unless . . . Remind yourself that your happiness comes from an internal and eternal source. In your physical practice release judgment and bring the mind and body to a space you can accept without comparing your practice to others or grasping for more .
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PARSVAKONASANA
Side Angle
Parsva = side or plank. Kona = angle. The posture of the month has attention to the grounding yet lightness of the feet. Notice the arches of the feet lifted and energy on the outer edges of the back foot. The toes do not claw or hold on to the earth, rather they are one with the energy of the surface. With this variation where the arm is outside of the line of the leg, it is imperative to keep the knee directly above the foot and directly in line with the hip. The torso is alive with bandha lightness and does not rest on the leg. This pose is challenging because of the low stance but invigorating if done properly. The pose strengthens the legs, knees and ankles while stretching the groin, spine, waist, chest, lungs, and shoulders. Side Angle stimulates abdominal organs and increases stamina. Iyengar credits this pose for relieving sciatic and arthritic pain while aiding elimination. Parsvakonasana brings attention to the balance between strength and flexibility, grounding and lifting, a pose worthy of patanjali's requirement in posture, sukha. Grounded and happy.
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Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. Lao Tzu
Namaste, Susan
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