On this page you will find a number of FREE OFFERINGS that will provide wonderful information for any aspiring yogi. Please feel free to read them here or download them for yourself.
What Are the Yamas and Niyamas
The Yamas and Niyamas are like guiding principles or ethical habits from yoga philosophy, offering a framework for living a balanced, peaceful, and meaningful life. Think of them as tools to help you be a better version of yourself and improve how you interact with others and the world. Here's a breakdown in simple terms:
The Yamas (How You Treat Others and the World)
These are about controlling your behavior and actions in a way that promotes harmony:
The Niyamas (How You Treat Yourself)
These focus on building positive habits and nurturing inner growth:
How to Begin Using Them in Your Life
If you are interested in going deeper in understanding more about Yama and Niyama and how to embody and incorporate these basic yogic principles of right living, please buy Maetreyii Ma’s book, Living Love the Yoga of Yama and Niyama on her website or directly from Amazon.
The Yamas (How You Treat Others and the World)
These are about controlling your behavior and actions in a way that promotes harmony:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Be kind to yourself and others. Avoid causing harm through your words, actions, or even thoughts.
- How to use it: Practice compassion. When frustrated, pause and choose understanding instead of reacting harshly.
- Satya (Truthfulness): Be honest with yourself and others. Live authentically and align your actions with your true values.
- How to use it: Speak the truth kindly and avoid exaggeration or deceit.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Don't take what isn't yours, including time or attention. Practice gratitude for what you already have.
- How to use it: Respect people's boundaries and focus on what you need, not just what you want.
- Brahmacharya (Moderation): Practice balance in your life. Avoid overindulgence and use your energy wisely.
- How to use it: Limit distractions, whether from food, entertainment, or habits, to focus on what really matters.
- Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Let go of greed and attachment. Don’t cling to possessions, ideas, or relationships out of fear.
- How to use it: Declutter your home and mind. Share freely and trust that you’ll have what you need.
The Niyamas (How You Treat Yourself)
These focus on building positive habits and nurturing inner growth:
- Shaucha (Cleanliness): Keep your body, mind, and surroundings clean and clear.
- How to use it: Organize your space, eat healthy food, and practice mindfulness to maintain mental clarity.
- Santosha (Contentment): Be satisfied with what you have. Find joy in the present moment, no matter the circumstances.
- How to use it: Practice gratitude daily, even for small things like a sunny day or a kind word.
- Tapas (Discipline): Build inner strength through effort and commitment. Push yourself gently toward positive habits.
- How to use it: Stick to a routine, like exercising or meditating, even when it feels challenging.
- Svadhyaya (Self-study): Reflect on yourself and your life to grow and understand who you are.
- How to use it: Journal regularly or read inspiring books to gain insights about yourself.
- Ishvarapranidhana (Surrender): Trust in something bigger than yourself. Let go of the need to control everything.
- How to use it: Practice acceptance when things don’t go as planned and trust the process of life.
How to Begin Using Them in Your Life
- Start Small: Pick one Yama or Niyama that resonates with you and focus on practicing it daily. For example, you could start with Ahimsa by being kinder in your interactions.
- Reflect Daily: Take a few moments to think about your actions and thoughts each day. Were they aligned with the principle you chose?
- Be Patient: Change takes time. Don’t expect to be perfect progress is more important than perfection.
- Incorporate Gradually: Over time, add more of the Yama and Niyama into your life, weaving them into your daily habits and mindset.
If you are interested in going deeper in understanding more about Yama and Niyama and how to embody and incorporate these basic yogic principles of right living, please buy Maetreyii Ma’s book, Living Love the Yoga of Yama and Niyama on her website or directly from Amazon.
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Learning to Meditate Using Traditional Yoga Techniques
Meditation is like giving your mind a break from its constant chatter. It’s a way to slow down, focus, and find some peace within yourself. Traditional yoga meditation techniques are simple and approachable, even if you’re new to it.
How to Start Meditation
- Find a Quiet Space:
Sit somewhere calm where you won’t be disturbed. You can sit on a cushion, a chair, or even on the floor—whatever feels comfortable for you. - Choose a Comfortable Position:
Sit with your back straight but not stiff. Rest your hands on your knees or lap. You don’t need to twist yourself into a pretzel—comfort is key. - Focus on Your Breath:
Start by paying attention to your breathing. Feel the air entering your nose, filling your lungs, and leaving your body. Don’t force it—just observe it. - Use a Mantra (Optional):
A mantra is a word or phrase you repeat silently or aloud to help focus your mind. Common examples are “Om” or “Peace.” If a mantra feels too advanced, simply count your breaths. - Be Patient with Your Mind:
Your mind will wander—this is totally normal! When it happens, gently bring your focus back to your breath or mantra without judging yourself. - Start Small:
Begin with just 5-10 minutes a day. Over time, you can increase this as you get more comfortable.
Traditional Yoga Techniques to Try
- Pranayama (Breath Control):
Breathing exercises like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) can help calm your mind and prepare you for meditation. It’s as simple as alternating your breath between your nostrils in a slow, controlled way. - Dhyana (Meditation):
This is the act of sitting quietly and focusing inward, often with a mantra, your breath, or even a visual object like a candle flame. - Visualization:
Imagine something peaceful, like a glowing light in your heart or a serene landscape. This can help quiet your thoughts and create a sense of relaxation. - Chanting or Sound Meditation:
Repeating sounds like "Om" can create vibrations that help your body relax and your mind focus.
How Meditation Can Support You
- Reduces Stress:
Meditation helps lower stress by calming the nervous system. It gives your mind a break from overthinking and creates space for relaxation. - Improves Focus:
Over time, meditation trains your brain to stay focused, which can help in work, studies, and daily tasks. - Boosts Emotional Well-being:
Regular meditation can make you feel calmer and more balanced, even during tough times. - Enhances Self-awareness:
Sitting quietly with yourself helps you understand your emotions, thoughts, and patterns better. - Supports Physical Health:
Meditation can lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and even boost your immune system.
Tips for Success
- Be Consistent: Meditate at the same time each day to build a habit, like in the morning or before bed.
- Stay Curious: Treat meditation as an experiment. You don’t have to “get it right” right away—just keep trying.
- Don’t Overthink It: There’s no such thing as a “perfect” meditation. Showing up and trying is what matters.
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The Inner Guru: Navigating Your Spiritual Path
Introduction: Unveiling the Inner Guru
In the labyrinth of our spiritual journey, the concept of the inner guru stands as a beacon of wisdom. It transcends external influences, directing seekers toward a profound connection with their innate knowledge and intuition.
Understanding the Inner Guru: A Source Within
The yogis say there is no guru but the Infinite. The one eternal source of all that exists is the true Guru. Each and every one of us can have a connection to that Divine source of being. The inner guru represents a wellspring of wisdom, an aspect of being attuned to the higher truths of existence. Unlike external guides, this source is deeply personal, residing within the core of every individual. It reflects a timeless reservoir of insight that, when tapped into, can illuminate the path of spiritual growth.
Cultivating Connection: Nurturing Your Inner Wisdom
Connecting with the inner guru requires a conscious effort to silence external noise and turn inward. Practices such as meditation, opening your heart to the Infinite, and self-reflection become the tools to cultivate this connection. In the stillness of the mind, the whispers of the inner guru, the cosmic Self or guide, can be heard, offering guidance that aligns with the authentic essence of your being.
The Intuitive Compass: Following Your Inner Guidance
The inner guru communicates through intuition—an intuitive compass guiding us toward choices that resonate with our higher purpose and Divine presence. Learning to trust this inner guidance involves acknowledging its presence and allowing it to influence our decisions. Whether faced with life-altering choices or daily dilemmas, the inner guru provides a reliable compass for navigating the complexities of our spiritual journey.
Overcoming Doubt: Embracing the Inner Wisdom
Doubt often clouds our ability to trust the inner guru. This section explores the common barriers to connecting with this internal source and offers practical insights on overcoming doubt. By recognizing the validity of our intuitive insights and our connection to the higher Self, we can break free from skepticism and allow the inner guru to light our way.
The Journey Inward: Embracing Self-Discovery
Trusting the inner guru is an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery. It involves delving into the depths of one's being and exploring the intricacies of thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and Divine connection. Through this inward journey, individuals unravel layers of conditioning, revealing the authentic self-guided by the innate wisdom of the inner guru.
Conclusion: Illuminating the Path Within
In conclusion, the concept of the inner guru offers a transformative perspective on the spiritual journey. By trusting this internal wellspring of wisdom, individuals can navigate their path with confidence, authenticity, and a deep sense of inner knowing. The journey toward the inner guru is not a quest for external validation but an exploration of the profound wisdom within each of us. As seekers embrace and trust their inner guidance, they unlock the door to a more prosperous, more fulfilling spiritual life guided by the eternal light of their own inner guru.
If you would like to learn more about mediation and are interested in having one-on-one support in learning how to meditate, please contact Maetreyii Ma at [email protected].
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How To Stay Connected to Source
or Divine Intelligence
or Divine Intelligence
Saying connected with Source and remaining grounded is a beautiful practice that nourishes your soul and brings peace to your daily life. It’s about cultivating a deeper relationship with the divine essence within you while anchoring yourself in the present moment. Here’s how you can embrace this journey with grace and inspiration:
1. Begin with Stillness
Every day, carve out a moment to sit in stillness. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and feel your connection to the earth beneath you. Imagine roots extending from your body into the ground, anchoring you like a majestic tree. As you do, allow your heart to open to the vast energy of Source, feeling its warmth flow into you.
2. Honor the Present Moment
Connection to Source happens most effortlessly when you’re fully present. Engage your senses—notice the breeze on your skin, the scent of flowers, or the sound of birdsong. These small acts of awareness ground you in the here and now, where Source energy is most vibrant.
3. Nurture Your Spirit
Whether it’s through meditation, prayer, journaling, or mindful movement like yoga, choose practices that resonate with your soul. These rituals are sacred pauses that invite clarity and inspiration into your life.
4. Stay Grateful
Gratitude is a bridge to Source. Take time to acknowledge the blessings in your life, both big and small. When you focus on what you’re thankful for, your heart opens wide, and a profound sense of peace flows in.
5. Spend Time in Nature
Nature is a powerful grounding force. Walk barefoot on the earth, touch the bark of a tree, or watch a sunrise. These simple acts remind you of your place within the vast web of life and reconnect you to the energy of creation.
6. Embrace Your Breath
Your breath is your anchor. In moments of overwhelm or disconnection, pause and take a few deep, intentional breaths. Feel the life force flowing through you, linking your body, mind, and spirit.
7. Act with Love
Every act of kindness and love—whether toward yourself or others—is a reflection of Source energy. When you approach life with compassion and an open heart, you align yourself with divine flow.
8. Trust the Journey
Know that Source is always with you, even in moments when you feel lost or uncertain. Trust that you are guided, supported, and deeply loved. Surrender your worries and fears, allowing yourself to flow with the rhythm of life.
Remember, staying connected with Source and grounded is a practice, not a destination. Be gentle with yourself. With every step you take, you weave a stronger bond with the divine energy within and around you. You are always held,
always loved and always connected.
If you would like to learn more about mediation and are interested in having one-on-one support in learning how to meditate, please contact Maetreyii Ma at [email protected].
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