Happy Tenth Birthday
Happy Tenth Birthday! That is Being Yoga’s “Theme of the Month,” because—quite obviously—it’s our Tenth Birthday and WE’RE CELEBRATING! We’re celebrating not only because we’ve been “up and running” for a decade, but because we have had the good fortune to evolve into a strong community filled with dedicated members—all working to improve not only their own health and happiness but also the health and happiness of society at large. We are celebrating with gratitude for being able to provide a venue where people can gather together and practice not only the “asanas” (postures) but also the “yamas” (one of the “eight limbs of yoga”) that help lift consciousness to a higher level. Please read on to better understand the yamas and Being Yoga’s connection to them on our ten-year anniversary:
The “yamas” or five “wise characteristics” are as follows: 1) Ahimsa, or compassion for all living things; 2) Satya, or commitment to truthfulness; 3) Asteya, or non-stealing; 4) Brahmacharya, or sense control and 5) Aparigraha, or neutralizing the desire to hoard wealth.
These “wise characteristics” come into play every time a student enters the studio and begins his or her practice. At Being Yoga we provide a sanctuary where we encourage everyone to be compassionate, or respectful, towards others—being on time, respecting each other’s space, staying quiet and still on the mat throughout class. We teach truthfulness when practicing the postures by encouraging students to do their best while, at the same time, not pushing past honest limitations. We, of course, promote honesty in non-stealing—not only possessions, but each other’s space, views, and meditative environment. We urge students to practice sense control—being aware of strong and/or negative emotions, breathing through them, and letting them go. And, finally, we encourage students to let go of their attachment to things and conditions. The idea that “the only sure thing in life is change” becomes clear each time we practice yoga and experience the daily changes in our moods, energy levels, flexibility and strength.
So, on our Tenth Birthday, we at Being Yoga are celebrating an almost magical gathering of people who are all increasing their physical health and honing their “wise characteristics.” We are grateful to each one of you for coming to the studio to practice with us, and we deeply appreciate your energetic and financial contributions to our community. With hearts full of gratitude, we eagerly anticipate ten more years of positive evolution.