Aligning With the Divine
Yesterday, I received Todd Norian's newsletter via email. Todd is an Anusara Yoga Certified Teacher, and a very gifted one at that. But then, I think that of everyone! I have often quoted his newsletter in this blog, because his thoughts are often very inspirational, and this issue was no exception.
Todd spoke of the various ways in which we can "align with Divine" and he drew his inspirational insights after teaching the Bhagavad Gita - a work I have often taught myself, and which is near and dear to my heart. For those of you familiar with this work, you will find a richer meaning in Todd's suggestions - but his insights are helpful to all us of us on the path who are seeking to align more closely with the Divine. In this excerpt from his newsletter, Todd creatively draws upon the wisdom of Anusara Yoga's Universal Principles of Alignment and deftly weaves them into the teachings of the Gita.
"This [teaching] inspired me to reflect more deeply on how I want to align more fully in the coming year. Why am I here? What do I want to offer? How do I want to live? What is the best way to live? What are the operating instructions for how to live well? Using some of the teachings from the Gita, I outlined a 10-step process below. I hope this is helpful.
In order to live more fully and make the best use of your time on this planet, do the following:
Step 1: Align With the Divine. Alignment is a choice. In every moment and every situation you get to choose. Your only choice is to act. Even inaction is action.
Step 2: Go to the Midline. Whenever you are faced with a challenge or a decision, go to the midline, the place of power, vision, perspective, and equanimity. It's the threshold between thought and action. (In the Gita, this is the middle of the battlefield, where Arjuna and Krishna have a conversation.)
Step 3: Expand your Vision. In the midline consult the Universal. Open to a bigger energy by softening your skin. Pause. Become sensitive and receptive. Connect to your breath and when you exhale release any self-limiting beliefs and anything that blocks your experience of the flow.
Step 4: Listen. Listen to the whisper of Source who is always guiding you. Become "clairaudient". (Represented in the Gita Samjaya).
Step 5: Be a Warrior of Truth. (Arjuna). Honor yourself. You are worthy. Feel your longing to make a shift, to align more fully to the Universal and unveil your true nature which is ultimate freedom and joy.
Step 6: Do Your Dharma. Choose to do your Svadharma (one's own calling). Have the courage to follow your heart. Your Dharma is unique. No matter how imperfect or lost you think you are, follow your instincts. Do the right thing. Align with nature. Doing your Dharma no matter how imperfecty is better than living a 'karaoke' life perfectly.
Step 7: Take Aim. Load the arrow of your heart. Draw the bowstring of intention. Take aim and align your heart, head, and body just right with the intention to serve the highest.
Step 8: Let it Fly! Act! Do it! Say It! Make the decision! Let go! Follow your heart! Step into your life!
Step 9: Ride the Shakti. Then take a ride on the Shakti for the sheer delight of it, for the thrill of experiencing the mystery, for the adventure of awakening!
Step 10: Let Go of the Attachment to the Results. You are only entitled to the action since you can't ultimately control the outcome.
Live to the fullest this holiday season!"
For more info on Todd Norian's work and schedule, visit:
www.deeppeaceyoga.com
Todd spoke of the various ways in which we can "align with Divine" and he drew his inspirational insights after teaching the Bhagavad Gita - a work I have often taught myself, and which is near and dear to my heart. For those of you familiar with this work, you will find a richer meaning in Todd's suggestions - but his insights are helpful to all us of us on the path who are seeking to align more closely with the Divine. In this excerpt from his newsletter, Todd creatively draws upon the wisdom of Anusara Yoga's Universal Principles of Alignment and deftly weaves them into the teachings of the Gita.
"This [teaching] inspired me to reflect more deeply on how I want to align more fully in the coming year. Why am I here? What do I want to offer? How do I want to live? What is the best way to live? What are the operating instructions for how to live well? Using some of the teachings from the Gita, I outlined a 10-step process below. I hope this is helpful.
In order to live more fully and make the best use of your time on this planet, do the following:
Step 1: Align With the Divine. Alignment is a choice. In every moment and every situation you get to choose. Your only choice is to act. Even inaction is action.
Step 2: Go to the Midline. Whenever you are faced with a challenge or a decision, go to the midline, the place of power, vision, perspective, and equanimity. It's the threshold between thought and action. (In the Gita, this is the middle of the battlefield, where Arjuna and Krishna have a conversation.)
Step 3: Expand your Vision. In the midline consult the Universal. Open to a bigger energy by softening your skin. Pause. Become sensitive and receptive. Connect to your breath and when you exhale release any self-limiting beliefs and anything that blocks your experience of the flow.
Step 4: Listen. Listen to the whisper of Source who is always guiding you. Become "clairaudient". (Represented in the Gita Samjaya).
Step 5: Be a Warrior of Truth. (Arjuna). Honor yourself. You are worthy. Feel your longing to make a shift, to align more fully to the Universal and unveil your true nature which is ultimate freedom and joy.
Step 6: Do Your Dharma. Choose to do your Svadharma (one's own calling). Have the courage to follow your heart. Your Dharma is unique. No matter how imperfect or lost you think you are, follow your instincts. Do the right thing. Align with nature. Doing your Dharma no matter how imperfecty is better than living a 'karaoke' life perfectly.
Step 7: Take Aim. Load the arrow of your heart. Draw the bowstring of intention. Take aim and align your heart, head, and body just right with the intention to serve the highest.
Step 8: Let it Fly! Act! Do it! Say It! Make the decision! Let go! Follow your heart! Step into your life!
Step 9: Ride the Shakti. Then take a ride on the Shakti for the sheer delight of it, for the thrill of experiencing the mystery, for the adventure of awakening!
Step 10: Let Go of the Attachment to the Results. You are only entitled to the action since you can't ultimately control the outcome.
Live to the fullest this holiday season!"
For more info on Todd Norian's work and schedule, visit:
www.deeppeaceyoga.com
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