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"LOVE IS the new currency.

PEACE IS the new measure of success.

TRUTH IS the new security.

JOY IS the new status symbol."

~Debbie Barnett~

The foremost authority on yoga is the sage Patanjali, who wrote the yoga sutras around 2,500 years ago. Patanjali states the mind is the cause of suffering. In order to reduce suffering, we need to clear the mind and bring it into a state of union (yoga). Out of the 195 sutras (or threads), only three relate to asana, the physical poses of yoga. Yoga is really more of a philosophy and way of life than an exercise program. Yoga is a way to recondition the mind.

Patanjali states that misperception (avidya) clouds our view of the world, and creates a distorted version of reality. We make choices and decisions based on this distorted view, which leads to suffering. The way out of suffering and into clarity is to practice kriya yoga. Kriya yoga is made up of the last three branches of the niyamas, or internal restraints of yoga.

Let's say you have a challenge, because, really, who doesn't have challenges? How can you apply kriya yoga?

1. Tapas or discipline: Tapas could include a meditation, yoga or journaling practice. Some form of discipline that opens you up to a greater way of being.

2. Svadhayaya or self-inquiry: Self-study or the study of ancient texts that act as a mirror. Understanding your role in your suffering and searching for ways to improve.

3. Ishvarapranidana or surrendering the fruits of our efforts to a higher power: Doing the work to do the work, not for the reward that comes at the end. Also known as "let go and let God." Sometimes you just have to give whatever the challenge is over a higher power and release it.

By applying kriya yoga, a solution to the challenge emerges over time. Clarity leads us out of misperception. We find our way out of challenging situations and suffering (duhka), and are able to experience a life of sweetness and joy (sukha).

Namaste,

Debbie