There are many ways in which we can discover awareness, presence or mindfulness. In today’s post I will be covering some of the tools and practices I use in hopes you will find them helpful in your own life.
Self observation
“Self observation equals presence”
Yoga is an amazing lense for us to observe ourselves through, and when we do this, we find a wonderful sense of presence and awareness. I’d like to start this post by exploring the fourth niyama of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras known as svadhyaya. Svadhyaya can be broken into two parts:
- Sva – means “self.”
- Dhyaya – is derived from the verb root dhyai, which means “to contemplate, to think on, to recollect, or to call to mind.
Let’s dive deep into your own svadhyaya by asking some questions and seeking presence through observation.
The difference between the self & the Self
The small ‘self’ is exactly that, a small,
disconnected self. Whereas the big‘Self’
is our universal self – a Self that is connected
to all, to everyone and to the Divine. It is our
highest most true Self. Our true nature.
Who am I?
Remember, we are not our thoughts, nor are we our bodies. Our true Self resides away from these things. It exists without them.
It is where our uniqueness come from – our individual talents and gifts. And it is these unique skills and capabilities which help us to understand why it is we are here. They help us to find our dharma.
Why am I here?
Dharma is the natural universal law whose observance enables us to be contented and happy. Our dharma is our purpose or our life’s work. It’s the thing or things we do that use our natural talents and skills in a unique way which not only serves the world and those in it, but it also fills us up with joy and satisfaction. Our dharma is why we are here – what is yours?
Be in the present moment
“We are most empowered in the present moment”
One of the things I love so much about the great sage Patanjali is that she/he always puts the most important things first. Meaning the first sutra is most pertinent, and looking even deeper, the first word of the first sutra is most relevant. How amazing is that?
So let us look now to the first word of the first sutra:
Yoga Sutra 1.1: The Power of Now
Atha yoga anushasanam
For modern yogis, ‘atha’ whispers a subtle reminder that all yoga teaching emerges from and leads us back to the timeless, ever-present now. Before you begin your next practice, say it silently and see if it draws you into the present.
If the word atha isn’t for you, try ‘now’.
Sit with your spine straight, close your eyes, and slow your breathing. With each exhalation, say the word “now” to yourself, drawing out the “w.” Feel how the present moment becomes suspended even as time passes and transforms into another moment of now.
Remember: Yoga is both a noun and a verb
We do yoga to BE yoga. Yoga is functioning
freedom, our everyday actions, it’s being fully
present, mindful and aware in each moment.
Be the eye of the storm
“Often it’s not what you do but how you do it”
When we are centred and fully aware we are like the eye of the storm – anything can be happening around us but we remain still, non-reactive and clear. How can we consciously create this quality of stillness within?
- Be the silent observer
- Stay curious and engaged by continually challenging yourself to articulate your inner experience.
- Watch your breath, heartbeat, thoughts, feelings, actions
- Slow down and pay attention
It’s in the action
“Mindfulness isn’t being inactive, it’s being active with awareness”
When we are aware our mind isn’t divided, we are of one mind, we are focused, one-pointed, clear and concise. We don’t have to sit in meditation for hours every day to cultivate awareness, instead we want to tend our awareness in our everyday lives. We aim to be present in the line at the supermarket, behind the wheel of the car and when we’re spending time with our partner, children or friends.
If you feel that you’re losing your awareness, your mind’s one-pointedness, one of the oldest and easiest method to cultivate this awareness of the Self is to follow the breath. Sit (or stand) with your spine straight, close your eyes (if you can), and slow your breathing.
With each breath, feel the breath move in and feel the breath move out. Feel how the present moment becomes suspended between the breaths. Float in both the fullness and emptiness between the breaths.
To finish, I’d like to leave you with one my very favourite quotes from The Bhagavad Gita:
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”