David Swenson on Developing a Personal Practice

“Rather than simply moving from asana to asana, feel that action from deep within.  Listen to your breath.  Can you ride the breath like a bird on a breeze?  Where is the mind?  Can you maintain your focus and remain calm even when approaching a posture that you dread?  Enjoy yourself.  I have never had a practice that I regretted.  Not once have I finished a routine and thought, ‘Oh, I wish I hadn’t done that.’  But there have been days that I didn’t practice and later wished I had.  Keep it fun.  Take just a few minutes and spend it with yoga.  The rest of your day will be better.  Yoga is a scenic journey to our deepest spirit.  Do as much or as little as feels correct….It is always better to do a little than none at all.”

From:  Ashtanga Yoga:  The Practice Manual

A Prayer for Holiness

Lord Jesus,
I fear I am like your neighbors–
it’s still easier to see holiness in
the lives of special people like saints and popes
than in the day-to-day lives most of us lead.

Today, Jesus, help me
to open my eyes
to the everyday holiness
all around me.
And help me to pray:

For spouses,
that they may grow in holiness through
their self-giving love for one another.

For parents,
that they may grow in holiness
through their self-giving love
for their children.

For single persons,
that they may grow in holiness
through their self-giving love for
family, friends, and the world.

For clergy,
that they may grow in holiness
through their self-giving love
for their people.

For religious,
that they may grow in holiness
in their self-giving love
for one another in their communities
and for the people they serve.

For workers and businesspeople
that they may grow in holiness
through their work.

Lord, no matter our vocation,
help us to answer your call
to grow in holiness;
help us all to be models
of self-giving love for one another
and to pass it on to the next generation,
so that the love we learn to practice
may spread throughout the world.
Amen.

~reposted from livingwithchrist.us

David Swenson on the Growth of a Yoga Practice

“Each practice session is a journey.  Endeavor to move with awareness and enjoy the experience.  Allow it to unfold as a flower opens.  There is no benefit in hurrying.  Yoga grows with time.  Some days are easy and the mind is calm and the physical body is light and responsive.  Other days you may find that the mind is running wild and the body feels like wet cement.  We must breathe deeply and remain detached.  Asanas are not the goal.  They are the vehicle to access a deeper internal awareness.  Create a practice that best suits your personal needs so that it is something that you look forward to.  Yoga is a place of refuge and a soothing balm for the stresses of modern life.   Within each practice find ways to refine your existing understanding so that you continue to grow.”

From Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual