Practice for the Week of May 21-27

Last week we introduced "bhav", a Sanskrit word meaning the "state of being", and "bhavana" meaning the conscious cultivation of a positive attitude as a yoga practice. Sometimes it's difficult to cultivate a positive attitude, particularly during times in which we are stressed out, frustrated, or downhearted.  In these circumstances, it becomes even more important to practice bhavana.  Swami Anantananda, a teacher in the Siddha Yoga tradition, defined bhavana is the practice of "pretending the truth"... kind of like "faking it until you make it".  Bhavana is the cultivation of attitudes of compassion, grace, serenity, etc, even if we don't feel that way in the present moment.

One of my favorite ways of "pretending the truth" is to pretend that I am already enlightened, and that everyone else is, too! It helps me to see the world in a new way.

Many affirmations from the yoga tradition, quotes from our teachers and traditional mantras are bhavanas. 

"Practice... all is coming." Shri K. Pattabhi Jois
"The heart if the hub of all sacred places; go there and roam." Bhagavan Nityananda
"Wake up to your inner courage and live the life of your dreams." Swami Chidvilasananda
"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace."  St. Francis of Assisi
"In yoga, no effort is ever lost or wasted." Bhagavad Gita
"I Am That" Traditional mantra
"Open the window in the center of your heart and let the spirit flow in and out." Rumi