III. Love & Presence

Defining Love:  

     In his final talk on the Power of Presence Eckhart Tolle takes a look at the power that love can have in our lives if we are present. Tolle defines love as an, "to feel a strong attachment to a person, a clinging emotion." Yet, he thinks that one can go deeper that the emotional to, "a state of being where you recognize something in the other, something that deeply connects you to the other (deeper than the emotional love), being in a state of consciousness called Presence."

An interesting thought put out by Tolle is that you don't necessarily have to have a relationship with someone to feel "love" for that person. One can, "look deeply into that person and see the same condition in them, beyond their personality... one with who you are.

You recognize yourself in the other person."

      I wonder if this is true? Do we meet someone and see ourselves? Do you have this sense of "oneness" with them, because you recognize the essence of yourself, like looking deeply into a mirror. Tolle believes that you, "ultimately recognize the other as yourself." There is this, "moment where you connect, this sense of consciousness of you in them."

     Tolle also believes that, "if you do have a relationship with someone the "emotional love is also present. True love becomes the foundation." Yes, there could be disagreements with this someone, but this love transcends all. Sounds so very fascinating, to feel this love whether we are in a relationship or not. Take some time and when you are with others truly take away the judgments, the labels, and the misconceptions and look deeply. 

     The next time you come to your mat, come with an open heart. Leave what does not serve you. Take a moment to become present with those that surround you.  

OPEN HEART & BACK BENDS 

OPENING

Seated Meditation 

Pranayama Breathing: Sitali (curled tongue inhale) or Sitkari (flat tongue inhale)

TABLE TOP

Child's Pose/arms extended

Cat n Cow Movement

Toes under to Down Dog

Forward Fold

SUN SALUTATIONS

1/4: Arms up & to Heart Center (3)

1/2: Arms up & Forward Fold/ 1/2 Way Lift & Up (3)

Low Lunge to Wide Legged To Down Dog to Plank-Cobra-DD (2)

STANDING/BALANCING

Tree: heel above ankle 

Standing Back Bend

Forward Fold w/Peace Fingers & Gorilla Hands

SEATED

Malasana w/support 

Cobbler w/blanket

Staff Fold w/2 blocks under knees

BACK

Bridge 

Knees In

RESTORATIVE BACK

Supported Fish: 2 blocks/blanket/bolster

Reclined Cobbler: w/2 blocks/bolster/blanket

SAVASANA

On Back w/legs up on bolster w/2 blocks 

Resources: 
Eckhart Tolle quote: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/758924
Heart Openers & Back Bend Sequence compliments of Kelly Fox w/modifications 
www.soundstrue.com/store 

II. Practicing Presence: Can you learn to be present? or Do you have to wait for it to arise?

The Power of Presence: Practicing Presence 

The Power of Presence

Continuing our analysis of the Power of Presence, Echkart Tolle begins with a question: Can you learn to be present? Or Do you have to wait for it to arise? Take a moment and ponder those two questions, applying them to the various events in your life. More than likely as you do more questions arise, which I believe needs to occur. As you look at these events see if you were just "there" or were you truly present. As Tolle states; "can you be present and not just 'a means to an end'". Picture in you mind, (example by Tolle) washing your hands; paying special attention to the process of washing and not just the act of washing. I love how he challenges us to, "get out of our mind and into the present moment (presence)."  I suggest you try this the next time (and times after) you wash.

"Become aware of your surroundings.... become aware of yourself in this moment....Come into the present moment.... breathing & alive." Anything that you do consciously can bring in presence. Seems so very accessible, so very easy, and yet we seem to struggle. Tolle brings in a concept which may explain this struggle; "conceptual identity." Our sense of identity is derived from "me & my life, " whether it be positive or negative. This identity becomes a part of your life and you live through this lens; often passing this identity onto others. Our judgments are based on this identity and as a result it can be hard to truly relate to others as you look, "through a veil." Tolle would say that your mind becomes a screen.

So then how do we learn to be present? According to Tolle, as we become aware of our surroundings and come into the present moment this sense of awareness is more truly who you are. He would say we, "no longer look to the story to find our sense of identity." To become free of conceptualization love, empathy, and compassion may arise.

As you take yourself through: Practicing Presence Sequence* keep Tolle's words in your mind. See if you can be present in this practice, taking each asana as it is and experience the process and not as a means to an end. "Create Spaces" inside you/inside your mind.
* Practicing Presence Sequence: portions of this sequence were taken from a practice that I attended with a teacher that I truly admire, whose passion for teaching shines out for all to experience; Crystal Hanson. 

PRACTICING PRESENCE SEQUENCE

OPENING

Heart Opener w/two blocks

Wide Windshield Wipers 

TABLETOP

CNC/Moving CNC w/ lion's breath

Leg back & over

Hip Circles

Low Lunge/knee down/arms up/hamstring lengthening

Crouching Dog/D.D.

REPEAT OTHER SIDE

SUN SALUTATIONS

Classical/Cobra w/a hiss

STANDING/BALANCING

F.F. 

Chair

Crescent

Warrior I

Humble Warrior

Pyramid

Standing L 

F.F.

REPEAT OTHER SIDE

Squat/Malasana w/blocks or bolsters

SEATED
Head to Knee
90/90 Twist
Staff Pose w/blocks

BACK
Windshield Wipers/Hold
Supported Back Bend w/bolster
Legs up Wall w/bolster

SAVASANA/MEDITATION 

Resources:

https://www.soundstrue.com/store/

Avidya: Ignorance

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are written in four chapters. Each chapter has a specific focus. A Sutra  or "suture", is a set of principles on specific subjects, which all go together (much like "suturing" a wound). These Sutras teach us how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. In T.K.V. Desikachar, author of the book, Heart of Yoga introduces the reader to the Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.  I will not go into the depth seen in his book, but I will attempt to share with you a synopsis of his work: Chapter Two: Sadhanapadah  Patanjali shares a template "necessary to change the mind effectively and gradually from a state of distraction to one of attention (Desikachar 165)." Distraction is caused by obstacles in our egos. These obstacles, five in fact, are: misapprehension, confused values, excessive attachments, unreasonable dislikes, and insecurity.  I would like to take the first; misapprehension as it correlates with Tolle's view on negative self-talk.  

Klesha #1: Avidya: misapprehension or the lack of awareness can be the source of all the other obstacles. In Yoga Sutra 2.23 Patanjali states that the inability to discern between the temporary, fluctuating mind our & our own true self, which is eternal, is the cause of our suffering. Do we find ourselves living our lives as if all around us is permanent? Life is ever changing. I think that is what makes life so exciting and scary. We have to be aware that things change and to learn how to adjust to those changes; to become aware. What may appear may not be what is truly there... which may lead to errors of the object perceived. 

All is not lost.... Patanjali wrote that , "this suffering provides us with the opportunity to make a distinction and to learn & grow by it, by understanding the true nature of each. It is that part of us that is always loving, peaceful, and unchanging". 

Resources:

https://www.soundstrue.com/store/power-of-presence/eckhart-tolle-why-presence?sq=1

Kesikachar, T.K.V., The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice. Inner Traditions International, Vermont, 1995 (pgs.165-175)