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Tell me about the 'centering' bit?
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pete
Posted 2004-08-05 7:02 AM (#8891)
Subject: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


Will yoga help centre your mind and attention when (like me) you feel unable to concentrate properly and your mind is thinking about everything and not constructively. And you also have a feeling that you are not achieving as much or focussing as much as you should?

I have a book in front of me 'Light on Yoga' that I am about to get into. I am curious for some other opinions about the benefits of practicing this subject.
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redtail
Posted 2004-08-05 10:17 AM (#8899 - in reply to #8891)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


Yes, Pete, yoga will help lead to a place where centering and concentration will improve. One must be diligent and yet patient, and create the discipline to practice most days. Locking the bandhas (physical representations of the chakras), focusing on the drishti (points to look at with the mind's eye as well as the physical eye), utilizing yogic breathing, and counting the breaths as you hold the postures will create the focus that you are seeking. As that happens, the mind can begin to get used to being in this state and meditation will become easier. As the meditation becomes easier, one can begin to gain control over the destructive "monkey mind" that wanders everywhere and is not usually in the moment.

Being gently and compassionately in the moment will lead us to think positively and constructively about whatever subject we wish to engage in.

For me, yoga has been a journey where one thing has led to the next naturally. I, personally, have not read "Light on Yoga," but it sounds like a great title!!! I hope this helps.

Namaste
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Posted 2004-08-05 10:22 AM (#8900 - in reply to #8891)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


"Light on Yoga" is an unparalleled good starting point Pete. I was in your mental state a year ago. About 6 months into practicing and learning about yoga, my hand to the devine one of your choosing, one night, standing in my driveway preparing to call it a day, a wave of calmness washed over me. The change was even obvious to family and coworkers.

That's my story, and while I can't specifically explain, I'm sticking to it.
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Babsi
Posted 2004-08-05 11:06 AM (#8903 - in reply to #8891)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


Hey Bruce,
my experience after two months is, that I got almost completely rid of my mood swings, and I feel so much more in the present moment every day, every hour, I enjoy myself right here and now and am not alway mentally moving towards some time ahead (which I did all the time)
It sounds way exaggerated, but it seems to be all I was looking for, all along
I'm glad I found it
Babsi
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LoraB
Posted 2004-08-05 11:32 AM (#8909 - in reply to #8891)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


Sounds familiar. Kinda like that quote from (I think) Yogi Berra : "I'm more myself now than I was when I got here". I'm still contrary, but it comes off much better without the fear behind it, I think. Just a lot less worried about where everything is going, and not focusing on the outcome of everything has really changed life for me. I find that I'm happier with the results of almost everything that happens - whether it's because I'm less concerned with the demands of my ego or because good things happen when you put good things out I can't say...Either way, things just make more sense.
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Bay Guy
Posted 2004-08-05 10:53 PM (#8920 - in reply to #8903)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?



Expert Yogi

Posts: 2479
2000100100100100252525
Location: A Blue State
Yeah, "centering", like finding equilibrium with the world around you.

Like accepting that you fall over when you do this or that balance
pose, but still working on it every day.

Like enjoying whichever pose it is that you sink most deeply into...ecstatically.

Like enjoying the practice of your yoga, as your personal yoga.

Like accepting that some of the people in your life are difficult,
unreasonable, evil, or immature.

Like feeling your body working, as well as it does, to do your yoga.

Like accepting that your body is not, and will never be, perfect.

Like forgiving yourself for being imperfect and finding perfection in that
acceptance.

Like emptying your mind of all of that while you let the world flow
through you, as you move through your yoga, finding union with
the divine in everything around you, in you, and beyond you.

That's yoga.
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skyguy
Posted 2004-08-05 11:08 PM (#8921 - in reply to #8920)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


Bay Guy - 2004-08-05 10:53 PM Like forgiving yourself for being imperfect and finding perfection in that acceptance.

...most profound thing i have heard in a long time. thank you

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afroyogi
Posted 2004-08-12 4:57 PM (#9102 - in reply to #8891)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


WOW!
I'm probably a little late now but still I have to say thanx for that definition. Well said, Bay Guy. I especially loved this one:

>> Like enjoying the practice of your yoga, as your personal yoga. <<

I have to memorize that, coz most of the time during class I think I have to do everything right in order to satisfy the teacher. Wrong, it's my practice, the teacher is there for me, I don't have to impress him. As long as I enjoy myself and do my best it's okay. Strange that something so simple needed such a long time to struck me. Thx again

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skyguy
Posted 2004-08-12 10:15 PM (#9107 - in reply to #8891)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


i kinda think of my yoga as a kid bouncing a ball. he never wishes for a better ball - he just is happy to bounce one.
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redtail
Posted 2004-08-13 10:38 AM (#9113 - in reply to #8920)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


Bay Guy - 2004-08-05 8:53 PM

Like emptying your mind of all of that while you let the world flow
through you, as you move through your yoga, finding union with
the divine in everything around you, in you, and beyond you.

That's yoga.


Nicely put Bay Guy. THANK YOU for sharing.
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LoraB
Posted 2004-08-13 10:44 AM (#9115 - in reply to #8891)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


So simple, so true. Thanks!
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Bay Guy
Posted 2004-08-16 10:55 PM (#9213 - in reply to #9115)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?



Expert Yogi

Posts: 2479
2000100100100100252525
Location: A Blue State
Hey, thanks to all of you too...you put me in the right
frame of mind to let the thoughts flow to words.

Namaste,

Bay Guy




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monkey
Posted 2004-08-23 11:46 AM (#9325 - in reply to #8891)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


It looks like you've goten all th replies you need, but I'll go ahead and say that it defientely helps get your attention together. I have horrible attention deficit disorder, and between yoga and meditation I've greatly improved my ability to stay focused.
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afroyogi
Posted 2004-08-23 5:09 PM (#9345 - in reply to #8891)
Subject: RE: Tell me about the 'centering' bit?


>> he never wishes for a better ball - he just is happy to bounce one. <<

From which movie is that again? I know that I heard this quote once before.


>> I have horrible attention deficit disorder, and between yoga and meditation I've greatly improved my ability to stay focused. <<

Mine too! Indeed I can stay focused for ... hey look there's a pub, let's go for a brewski ...........................

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