Category: hatha

“In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the second chapter is filled with teachings about the astanga or eight-limbed yoga system. The astanga system is presented as a series of practices which begin with external limbs like ethical precepts and move toward more internal limbs like meditation. The fifth step or limb is called pratyahara and is defined as the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses. Almost without exception yoga students are puzzled by this limb. We seem to inherently understand the basic ethical teachings like satya which is the practice of truthfulness, for example, or pranayama, the use of breath to effect the mind, or the practice of conscious posture or asana. But for most of us the practice of pratyahara remains elusive.” – Judith Lasater

Well today, knowing that yogis & yoginis strive to sustain a calm mind even when challenged by external forces, several of my yoga students stepped out of their normal routines and challenged their “pratayahara.”.

Instead of the familiar smells, touch, sight, sounds, & taste of James Howell Studio, the yoga class took place at the corner of North Point & Embarcadero Streets.

Pier 39, a San Francisco Tourist Attraction, with more than 110 stores, 12 Bay view restaurants, and a variety of fun-filled attractions became the platform for a deeper understanding of the meaning of “yoga.”

In the beginning, it can be hard to view a hatha yoga class as being more than physical activity confined by time, space, and a yoga mat.

In the beginning, we can be found:

a. Rushing to yoga class to secure our favorite spot.
b. Comparing poses with those of others.
d. Being distracted by people wandering through the studio.
e. After class, rating the yoga teacher.

In the beginning, we can seldom be found:

a. Sitting with a silent mind.

Yet one day, a light bulb goes on & the mind goes silent. And then, we are no longer concerned with external forces & the practice of yoga begins …….

Related Yoga Classes Links:

• Flickr Yoga Photos
• Donation Yoga Teachers
• Free Yoga at City Hall
• Free Yoga at Sports Basement
• Free Yoga San Francisco