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There are 10 Yamas and 10 Niyamas - yogic take on human values and ethical practices that help us reach our full potential for personal, spiritual, and professional growth, and to liberate us from the repetitive cycle of suffering. When we live in contradiction to our values, when we avoid taking the higher road -  we get stuck in a rat. This month we are implementing the 8th Yama into our life, Arjava.

It goes really well with the previous month practice of Mati, self-reflection.

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Ārjava (Sanskrit: आर्जव)  is a great subject for contemplation on all the ways we are not straightforward in our life, with ourselves and others. This is a daily practice of uncovering the parts of ourselves that we reject, judge, and hide from ourselves and others, our 'shadows'. Not being straightforward with ourselves creates an environment for blame, shame, and victim-play, which all lead to inner and outer violence. The most important rule of honesty is, to be honest with ourselves, to be able to face our problems and to take responsibility for our life. Only when we are clear and open about our shortcomings, we can make empowered decisions toward solutions for the greatest good of all.

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Ask yourself:

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1. What do I already know to be true that I am not fully admitting to myself because I don't want to take a step to evolve that part? Do I value success, but put in a bare minimum effort? Do I value intimacy, but avoid transparency? Do I value kindness, but act judgmental towards others? Do I value nature preservation, but purchase plastic daily? Do I value my health, but drink soda, or spend hours on the screens?

2. What stories of myself do I sugarcoat when talking to others?

3. What growth opportunity am I currently not taking? 

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‘Shadow’ on the yogic path is any part of ourselves we are not willing to look at. It is not labeled bad, or wrong, just any part we are not willing to look at. When we do, we bring it into the light of awareness. It's like that junk drawer in our house we just simply cannot bring ourselves to clean up. We lay the groundwork for change by acceptance, and acceptance begins through straightforwardness.

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What being straightforward can open up for you? Please join our classes this month  - we'll be considering the embodiment of Arjava from different angles.

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5 SPIRITUAL RESOURCES I LISTEN TO:

 

1. Adyashanti recordings - he has many recorded sanghas I like listening to on my walks >

2. The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer (constantly, on repeat  - it's a lifelong reminder) >

3. The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo. I read it in print in the mornings -contemplative meditations to start my day with >

4. The Spiritual Psychology teacher Michelle Chalfant's Adult Chair Podcast >

5. Weekly recordings from the Spirit Rock The Heart Wisdom Podcast of Jack Kornfield >

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Every 2 weeks join The Journal Time Katrina is leading to support the community on this self-awareness journey. Journaling is a part of yoga called svadhyaya, self-study, an incredible tool for processing our life experiences and for closing the gap between our values and our actions. Join us in person or via Zoom >

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WHAT CLASSES DOES GLOW OFFER? 

 

At Glow, we teach yoga for all ages as a holistic 8-Limb practice, preserving the richness of its ancient philosophy. Every month we focus on a particular subject which you can see in our Blog. We offer a thoughtful variety of classes: Flow (Strengthening Vinyasa), as well as Yin-Restorative, Meditation+Pranayama, SoundBaths,  Pre/Post-Natal Yoga, 360Barre, Deep Stretch & Self-Massage classes. Please take a look at our current in-person schedule  > 

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ENJOY OUR WEEKENDS WITH WELLNESS EXPERIENCES

 

Your life is now. Here. In the city. Make it more meaningful, enjoy it, and do something different. We are bringing a variety of holistic leaders and healers to educate, unwind, nurture our spirit, and entertain our curiosity every weekend > 

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Sending you love, health, and peace,

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Natasha & Glowing Team