Yoga practice allows the pain that is already in us to be experienced. Living Your Yoga: When you practice your poses today, do not think of the gentle discomfort you feel as a problem. Remember that the tightness in your muscles is just your suffering trying to get out. Judith Hanson Lasater
Suffering comes from our unwillingness to be present. Living Your Yoga: Today notice five recurring thoughts that take you away from your life as it is. Write them down. When you have a chance, burn the paper lovingly, and let those thoughts drift away with smoke. Judith Hanson Lasater
Yoga is willingness to be present. Living Your Yoga: You can practice yoga all day, not just on your mat. How? When you are truly present, you are practicing yoga. Throughout your day, repeat this Mantra for Daily Living: Right here, right now. Judith Hanson Lasater
Problems are transformed when we are present. Living Your Yoga: When someone disagrees with you today, stay present, listen, and then let them solve the problem. Judith Hanson Lasater
Yoga does not solve our problems. Living Your Yoga: One of the greatest sources of our suffering is the attachment we have to finding “the solution.” Right now practice Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose) for itself, not because it stretches your hamstrings or shoulders. Breathe and enjoy it right now. Judith Hanson Lasater
Feel what you are feeling. Living Your Yoga: Sit down for a moment, close your eyes, and just feel what you are feeling: be with anger, with happiness, with boredom, or fatigue. Do not judge this feeling. As you watch them, notice how your feelings transform. Judith Hanson Lasater
With what attitude do you challenge your body? Living Your Yoga: In order to find balance between the need to challenge yourself and the need to nurture yourself, choose this Mantra for Daily Living when you practice asana today: I will move at the speed of my body, not my brain. Judith Hanson Lasater
Honour yourself as part of the infinite. Living Your Yoga: Once today, close your eyes, and imagine that your are part of all that is around you, regardless of whether you like it or not. Judith Hanson Lasater
Yoga practice allows our suffering to come to the surface. Living Your Yoga: Practice one of your favourite asanas. When you feel the stretch, hold the pose, breathe, and let the stretch resolve itself. Judith Hanson Lasater
Practicing yoga is a loving act of respect. Living Your Yoga: In your practice today, treat your body with the respect you would give to my body. Judith Hanson Lasater