"Creating Change" started off as a set of notes that I handed out in a course for stress management. Over the years the course became bigger in scope, the notes more extensive and so several chapters were written before I put it all together in a workbook that is designed to help you create the changes you desire through Yoga techniques.
This workbook is designed to be used again and again. Maybe you will read a chapter or a page or one paragraph and then go away and work on it.
It's designed especially for those Yoga students whose main experience is in postures and breath work. When you are ready to explore the deeper experiences brought by relaxation and meditation then this book can be an invaluable tool in your journey. It is peppered with quotes from other texts and questionnaires to help you measure how you are progressing. I recommend the use of a journal too.
We look at what yoga is, how we seek happiness and contentment, the role of stress and how we can better express ourselves. You will be helped in creating resolves that will bring you the results you need.
Instruction is given in the different breathing, yoga nidra and meditation practices - the two CD's allow you to then practice with the guidance of my voice.
Extracts from the Book
"What sort of yoga to take up? That will depend on your own ability and personality - there is something to suit everyone. You do not need any minimum level of health and fitness. You only need to be able to be aware."
"When can I stop coming to classes? ... Well it's an evolutionary process that is never ending in the best possible way. As we work with our yoga practices we affect all levels of our being. The physical body moves more easily. Our prana becomes free flowing. Our minds become clearer and more focused... Compassion, love, communication and empathy become natural to us. We feel inspired and empowered by our lives."
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| Foundation Meditation Practices |
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You are advised to begin with track one and use it for a month.
Progress through the three practices over a period of at least 3 months.
TRACK 1
KAYA STHAIRYAM
This practice of stillness and steadiness is
an excellent foundation for all other practices. A deceptively
simple practice, it can lead us to a very deep state of mind.
It is best practised sitting comfortably. It is an opportunity
to get in touch with the body, and its urge to move! We can
learn to slow down and be aware of its sensations, both pleasurable
and painful. From this we can practice being more in our bodies;
we can decide to be still and can accept body and mind as they
are, regarding them with love and respect. This deceptively
simple practice can take you very deep, especially if you tend
to get lost in thought instead of meditating.
TRACK 2
ANTAR MOUNA: Stages 1 & 2
This can be a formal practice itself, but once learnt the techniques can be used during our daily life and during other Yoga practices. It is learnt in various stages and involves learning to witness the input from the senses and relate to the mischievous nature of the mind.
When we saturate our mind with sounds or sensations, we lose interest, we are no longer involved or preoccupied with them. We can then move inwards, which is the direction in which we have to move to reach the next stage of meditation.
TRACK 3
AJAPA JAPA (Meditation)
The practice of soft ujjayi (whispering breath) and Khechari mudra (tongue lock) enhance the effectiveness of the practice. Stillness, breath awareness and mantra help bring us towards the state of dharana and peace of mind.
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| Yoga
Nidra Practices for Creating Change |
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TRACK 1
TENSION/RELAXATION then YOGA NIDRA
Exploring the body to discover where tension
is being held by alternately tensing and relaxing the body's
muscles. Practice releasing even the slightest tension in
the body and relax deeply with a simple Yoga Nidra practice.
(30 mins)
TRACK 2
YOGA NIDRA including SCENE FROM NATURE and IN THE WORKSHOP
As well as repeating your sankalpa (resolve), you are taken through visualisation to your favourite scene surrounded by the splendour of nature. From here you can go to your workshop for meetings or to work on yourself.
(30 mins)
Further details can be found in the book
WORKBOOK
Book review by Mary Callaway:
“
Many of us come to Yoga because we hope to find a better way
of living. Ill health or major life events have perhaps shocked
us into realising that we cannot go on as before. We find a
class and (with luck) feel much better as we stretch, breathe
and relax. But what then? Perhaps like the Buddha’s disciple
we will be told “Begin and continue”. It can be
a hard road though and we may find ourselves turning this way
and that for support.
Bhakti’s
workbook could be invaluable here as a companion and guide
for the journey.
Always practical and encouraging, Bhakti presents Bihar School
of Yoga techniques in a very accessible way, and intersperses
them with a host of ideas and tools for change, drawn from
different self-development methods. The text is lively with
quotations and anecdotes from Bhakti’s own experience.
Definitely one to work with and return to over a period of
time, whether you use it systematically or just dip into it
for inspiration.
Teachers
recommend it with confidence to your students.”
"Please pass on my thanks for a really
enlightening publication. I shall pick it up and put it
down for years to come."
Gail Holden, Worksop, UK
"... very enjoyable and capably guided by the sound of [Bhakti's] calming, rhythmic voice. Nothing is rushed, and the effects of these practices can be quite profound...Swami uses feelings and sensation to reinforce the images, making the practice accessible to all."
Di Kendall, Spectrum Magazine, UK
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