My Daily Thread Jeff Lichty

In Sanskrit, "shasa" denotes something imposed from the outside, while "anushasanum" describes something that arises from the inside out. These concepts form the essence of the Yoga Sutras, where yoga teachings extend beyond the confines of the mat and become relevant for individuals of all backgrounds, not just yogis.
Unlike religion, which can feel imposed upon us, yoga invites us to explore our inner landscape and discover our true nature. This week, our discussions centred around seeing ourselves in our authentic essence. When we fail to recognize this truth, it's akin to viewing ourselves through a muddied mirror, clouded by misconception and illusion.
As we approach the end of the week, I invite you to try a simple practice that can anchor your mind in the present moment: box breathing. This technique is straightforward and easy to follow. It involves inhaling for three seconds, holding the breath for three seconds, exhaling for three seconds, and then holding the breath out for three seconds before repeating the cycle.
Consider incorporating box breathing into your weekend routine. Take a moment to observe how it affects your mind, fostering a sense of calm and clarity amidst life's fluctuations. This self-observation can deepen your understanding and engagement with the practice.

The movie and tornado analogy offers profound insights into the nature of our minds. Like spectators in a cinema, we often find ourselves entranced by the unfolding drama of our thoughts and emotions, caught in the whirlwind of our mental turbulence.
Amidst the chaos, Patanjali's wisdom acts as a compass, leading us to a deeper understanding of our inner world. By recognizing the various influences shaping our consciousness—our mental, cultural, and familial conditioning—we can start to untangle ourselves from the movie's narrative.
Swami Satchidananda's teachings hold a key to our liberation. He urges us to recognize our true essence—the 'eternal peaceful you.' When we dwell in this essence, we transcend fear and uncertainty, finding solace in the calm depths of our being.
Conversely, when we lose touch with our inherent nature, we become trapped in the whirlpools of our mind-stuff, perpetually caught in the chaos of the mental tornado. To break free from this cycle, we are encouraged to anchor ourselves in the present moment, finding solace in the rhythm of the breath.
As we consciously connect with the breath, lifting the heart and expanding the crown of the head, we align ourselves with the eternal peaceful essence that resides within. In this state of expansive awareness, we discover the profound serenity of living in our own true nature.
 

Episode 18 is here, moving right along, mirroring the rhythm of life itself. For additional insights into living life to the fullest, consider exploring the concept of Tristhana. On the website, you can find helpful hints in our complimentary Anxious to Awesome e-book.
Today, our focus shifts to chapter 1, verse 4 of the Yoga Sutras, a profound text that holds the key to understanding life's mysteries. Delving deeper into the wisdom they impart, we uncover profound insights. If you're seeking further commentary on the sutras, I recommend Swami Satchidananda's insightful analysis, which is conveniently available on Amazon through our affiliate link. Your support helps sustain the show, so every contribution counts.
Now, onto today's lesson: Within each of us resides the spark of divinity, and as we draw closer to the present moment, we uncover the potential for inner calm and composure. Amidst life's complexities, we strive to understand our true essence and identity.
Reflecting on Sri O.P. Tiwari's analogy of citta vritti as watching a movie, we realize that we are not merely the characters on screen but the conscious observer. Similarly, when we gaze into a mirror, we see only a reflection, recognizing that our true essence lies beyond the physical form.
As we navigate the day ahead, let's endeavor to embrace the present moment and apply Pattabhi's principles of Tristhana. With this intention, we move forward, seeking inner peace and harmony. Om, peace out!

In our previous episode, we discussed the importance of focus, posture, and breathing in yoga practice. To apply these principles to your daily life, we recommend the practical and insightful Anxious to Awesome e-book, which is available for download on our website. This resource is particularly beneficial for managing anxiety, offering valuable techniques you can use today.
As we delve deeper into the Yoga Sutras, we encounter the transformative concept of 'tada,' a significant milestone in our journey toward self-discovery. This realization ignites a spark within us, propelling us towards a deeper understanding and introspection.
To further elucidate the teachings of the Yoga Sutras, I reference Satchidananda's insightful commentary, available on Amazon. (This is an affiliate link; your support helps sustain the Podcast, and you get a great Yoga Sutras book.)
 
An illuminating analogy explored in our discussion is that of the dirty mirror, symbolizing the fluctuations of the mind, known as "citta-vritti." As we strive for clarity and self-awareness, we gradually cleanse the mirror, transcending these fluctuations to gain a clearer perception of ourselves.
However, it's essential to recognize that even the mirror represents "citta vritti" and must eventually be relinquished to perceive our authentic selves truly. Through continued practice and introspection, we journey towards the profound realization of our true nature.

As we delve into Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, it's crucial to dispel the common confusion between Patanjali and Pattabhi Jois. While Patanjali lays the foundation of yoga and meditation, Pattabhi Jois stands out with his unique interpretation of Ashtanga Yoga, introducing a series of postures and the practice of asana.
 To navigate our lives and the study of yoga, it's crucial to always maintain clarity regarding your goal and intention in practice.
One of Pattabhi Jois's most practical contributions is the concept of 'Tristhana,' which hones in on three crucial areas of attention: breathing, posture, and focus. By embracing Tristhana, practitioners can gain a profound understanding of their actions and interactions in the world. This approach fosters a holistic perspective, showing how each aspect of practice can enrich daily life.
Jeff offers a personal example from studying in Mysore, India, under Pattabhi Jois's guidance. He highlights the importance of focusing on the breath and the tip of the nose to cultivate concentration and awareness. 
Through this focused attention, practitioners can enhance their connection to the present moment and deepen their understanding of themselves and a practice for life that anchors us in the present moment.

Patanjali's teachings illuminate the path to organizing our mind, offering a roadmap to inner harmony and clarity. Through diligent practice, we can attain the transformative "tada" moment—a state where we reside in our true nature, free from the constraints of mental fluctuations. This process involves gaining control over the stories that populate our minds, channelizing our thoughts, and uncovering the truth of who we are at our core.
Socrates echoed a similar sentiment with his famous statement, "Know thyself,"  emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge in leading a fulfilling life. Despite the confusion surrounding the interpretation of Ashtanga Yoga, introduced by Pattabhi Jois, his teachings contain invaluable insights. 
By focusing on posture, breathing, and point of concentration—collectively known as "tristhana"—, we can expand these principles beyond the mat and integrate them into our daily lives.  But, what an interesting personal exploration... change your posture and change your attitude.  Wow!?  Think about that!
Ultimately, the practice of yoga is not a destination, but a continuous journey that transcends mere physical exercise. It is a lifelong exploration of self-discovery and growth. 
By embracing its teachings and applying them diligently, we unlock the potential for lasting transformation and inner peace—a practice that accompanies us throughout our lives, always offering new insights and opportunities for growth.