Yamas and Niyamas

Yamas and niyamas: 

both the yamas and the niyamas are seamless in their practice, flowing together in a way that they almost seem indistinguishable from each other in the value that they offer - it's the process itself that's really measured, how observing them brings an overall sense of peace to our lives, we become happier, developing a deeper view as to the meaning of the world. 

we see how our lives unfold with a bit more clarity now. 

yes, this is an entire practice, the yamas and niyamas offering ten guidelines, suggestions for us to follow, and each one is part of a seamless whole, again with each being equal in their value. But it does seem that sometimes we find ourselves with a preference, a certain practice might call to us above the others. Or perhaps over time we gain an interest in deepening an aspect of our practice, an intuitive sense on where we need to focus. For me, I've always been fascinated with ahimsa, having a quality of such deep peace that others are able to relax and be at ease simply by being nearby. It's a healing presence, cultivated by the practice of simply not wishing harm to anyone or anything, every life sacred, and being mindful even of our own inner conflicts and self critique, recognizing our true worth and value. In this way we see how our practice affects others, that truly we don't do this for ourselves alone, healing takes place within and then unfolds to touch the world. 

cultivating ahimsa, favoring it when needed...we heal. 

and right now, the fifth yama seems to especially call to me, aparigraha, non-possessiveness. There's so much freedom offered in the practice, a continuous letting go of all that appears even in the very moment that I accept its presence. There's magic here, being so free so, everything surrendered in the same precious moment that they're most cherished. The truth is that is already and always happening, and that the practice of aparigraha is just a reminder that this is so. That's the beauty of the yamas and niyamas, they ask nothing if us that isn't of our best interest, they're not habits but simply a mindful practice of observing the reality of each moment. In this way we flow with their availability, sensing how they seamlessly connect, cultivating one in what might seem a preference but deeply knowing that they all belong together. 

both the yamas and niyamas are seamless in their practice. 

~

Peace, Eric