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#Post#: 9--------------------------------------------------
Road Signs - Chapter 1/2
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: September 15, 2022, 10:44 am
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:) Chapter 1
Reflecting on the first two chapters of Roadsigns, I'm sure you
noticed throughout the pages that Dr. Goldberg inserts quotes
from various faiths and philosophies.
Travel Tips:
Pick one of the questions at the end of chapter one to answer.
Respond to this topic with your chosen question and respond from
the heart with the information about the fab four pathways. For
instance:
3) What do you do when you're torn between what's right for you
on the one hand and tradition, teacher, or text on the other? If
you find yourself in acquiescence, ask yourself? (pick a
question to answer)
:) Chapter 2
"Our minds are perpetually shifting in and out of confusion and
clarity. If only we were confused all the time what would at
least make for some kind of clarity (chapter 2, page 21)." -
Sogyal Rinpoche
Some truth to that right? We talked about this during the zoom
session on senses, movement, concepts, intuition, duality, and
qualities. As mentioned it's a constant state of flux and
polarities, and we're in charge of figuring out what to do with
the information.
Travel Tips:
#2 Post a Reminder
The sutra/aphorism you created for yourself is that constant
reminder. Either write it on a piece of paper, put it in your
training binder, make a key chain, or recite it every day. As
the travel tip says, "Stick reminders where you are likely to
see them."
#Post#: 12--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 1/2
By: oliviamarotta Date: September 18, 2022, 1:35 pm
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Chapter 1 Travel Tip
When looking at the Fab Four pathways, I would say that the path
of action and the psycho-physiological path resonate the most
with me.
The path of action, or Karma yoga, aligns with my intent to
always do the right thing and lead by action. Karma yoga can be
interpreted as doing the right thing with pure intentions and
without the expectation of anything in return. The path of
action is free from the need for personal recognition and
praise.
The psycho-physiological path, or Raja yoga, utilizes
meditation, breathing exercises, asana and other techniques to
achieve control over one’s own mind and become more spiritually
aware. I am drawn to this path as it is multifaceted and uses a
combination of approaches to achieve a sense of balance and
awareness, instead of a devotion to a singular method.
1. I believe that the purpose of my path is to discover the most
authentic version of myself. Knowing who I am will free me from
self-doubt, self-criticism, and other insecurities and allow me
to pursue a path of self-acceptance and confidence.
2. On a spiritual level, I yearn for balance. I seek balance in
many aspects of my life, such as with work, rest, and
self-indulgence. Knowing how to achieve this balance of is
something I wish to learn throughout this journey. I find that I
tend to over-extend and over-commit myself, and being able to
establish boundaries in order to allow time for rest,
relaxation, and things that make me happy is a goal of mine. I
believe that achieving a state of balance, on a mental, physical
and spiritual level will create the opportunity for me to find
greater fulfillment in my life and better serve myself on this
journey.
3. I would say that my greatest spiritual challenge is
relinquishing control. I would describe myself as structured and
independent and I think that a roadblock to my journey would be
my ability to release the need to have control over every aspect
of my life and instead embracing the unknown and trusting what
comes my way.
Chapter 2 Reminder
I created a widget to add to the home screen of my phone to
remind me of the aphorism I created for myself - I am following
my dreams. I also want to make a bookmark with this aphorism so
that I am reminded of it each time I go to read the Road Signs
book.
#Post#: 13--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 1/2
By: Dmurphy193 Date: September 18, 2022, 2:58 pm
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After reading this chapter and through the fab four pathways,
they all have a positive purpose, but for me, the path of
action (Karma yoga) and the psycho-physiological path (Raja
yoga) are most interesting. Karma yoga can be understood as
taking the right action, just because its the right thing to do
and not expect anything in return. I think just trying to live
your life in that sense can only be a more positive experience
over the possible negativity that could come from it.
Raja yoga is considered to be the state of peace and contentment
that arises from sustained yoga and meditation practice. I feel
the physical and psychological benefits from this practice are
super beneficial and can only continue to lead to self
improvement/development.
Chapter 1, #2:
I feel that it is more important to maintain a higher level of
spiritual independence over being willing to just adopt the
advice of spiritual authorities. I am more happily autonomous
over resistance to authority because things aren't always black
and white and they can be open to interpretation.
Chapter 2 reminder:
I recite it to myself for anything that I have to do that is
difficult and I may not be very interested in, in doing.
#Post#: 14--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 1/2
By: heidi91@comcast.net Date: September 18, 2022, 5:40 pm
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“Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back and
choose the path that leads to wisdom”…:Buddha This quote speaks
to me on many levels thru life.The fab four pathways all touch
base on it but for me the path of the kind (jnana yoga) and the
path of action (karma yoga) stand out. Path of the mind trains
the student to distinguish real from the unreal, to get into the
mind. To not just know how but why to get into the deepest part
of what is being taught. The path of action I believe
encapsulates what a leader should be and I feel it helps you
spiritually to be more open and accepting.
Chapter 1
My biggest spiritual challenge is to be more open to change to
be more open with feelings to allow the changes to help me grow
on this journey.
Chapter 2 I have created some decorative cards with quotes on
them that I read daily. :) :)
#Post#: 15--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 1/2
By: Niki Ehrenkranz Date: September 18, 2022, 6:38 pm
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Chapter 1:
1. the purpose of my path is to find a deeper layer and
connection to myself and others. On a spiritual level I yearn
for a connection greater than. Finding a connection of the
bigger picture in myself. My biggest spiritual challenge is
committing to something. Giving up before I begin.
I agree that we incorporate elements from all four paths.
Currently I am practicing jnana yoga the path of the mind
committing to YTT and studying yoga. Connecting to raja yoga the
psycho-physiological path dedicating time to the physical
practice and being open to learning more.
Chapter 2:
"Take the step", posting the reminder in my YTT journal.
Reminding myself that I can do hard things and to just give it a
try.
#Post#: 17--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 1/2
By: wantalli Date: September 18, 2022, 10:38 pm
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Chapter 1:
2. On a scale of one to five, how important is it to
maintainyour spiritual independence? (I would say 4.) On a scale
of one to five, how willing are you to adopt the advice of
spiritual authorities? (I would say 2/3.)
If you scored higher on the first question, is it because you
are happily autonomous or because you are resistant to
authority? If you scored higher on the second, is it because you
have faith in traditions, and leaders, or because you don't
trust yourself?
Answer: I liked this question because because I’m not sure how I
feel about my spiritual independence, I do trust that I am super
aligned and true in my core values and beliefs. But I very often
crave spiritual connection and conversation about my beliefs. Or
rather I think I enjoy conversations with people who have shared
or adjacent beliefs. I find myself very validated and
enthusiastic during these discussions and then feeling energized
afterwards. I think it’s a balance between the human need to
feel seen and heard, and also sharing our truths for the sake of
others. When I was growing up my Mom “strongly encouraged” (she
made me) go to church and I didn’t feel connected to the faith
at all, back then I did challenge it and ultimately took a
detour down my own road away from the church. So as an adult
now, having meaningful conversation about beliefs while
maintaining my independence feels really good.
While I feel grounded in my own spirituality I do really enjoy
learning about alternative cultures/faiths/beliefs, and I think
there are many bits and pieces that are worth adopting from many
of them. That really is the interesting part about this book,
Goldbergs wide spanning knowledge and inclusion of many faiths
leaves so many take aways and opportunities down so many
“roads”.
I think I am both curious and autonomous in the evolution of my
spiritual path.
Chapter 2:
To reinforce my Aphorism “Everything is aligning.” I am going to
put it on the cover of my binder! I also love the company Mantra
Band, I think it might be nice to have this engraved on a
bangle bracelet as a lasting reminder of this journey.
#Post#: 18--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 1/2
By: Kelli Cook Date: September 19, 2022, 7:58 am
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Chapter 1:
I found questions 1 and 3 resignated with me. It is
interesting, I never thought of a spiritual path until I started
this YTT journey. I grew up in a very Catholic family. As Alli
said, going to church was essentially forced upon me every
Sunday as a child/kid because that is where my parents took us.
It was not until I moved out and started College that I started
having the choice not to go. For some reason, religion never
made an impact on me. Still to this day I think, why? Was it
because I was forced to go? What is wrong with me for not
enjoying learning about it? My family and so many others seem
to like it and it completes them, their lives and beliefs
revolve around it. It just never hit me like that. As I grew
older I just learned that it was OK not to follow in the exact
footsteps of a Christian. I pray to the universe or something
higher than us in hard times, but I learned it does not need to
be directed towards a specific religion. So with that, all said
- question #3 hit home. My mother still does not understand why
I do not go to church, but I believe at some point I had to not
be "afraid I would be ostracized if I did not go along with how
I was raised" and rather "listen to the most authentic part of
myself" and create my own thought process and journey in
religion or in the "spiritual path". Maybe through this, I will
discover what that path is! This quote states that:
"You are the pilot and navigator on your spiritual path. Only
you can decide whether to seek advice, where to look for it, and
whether or not to follow it."
I feel as if all four of the pathways speak to me in some way.
But looking at it the opposite way of which one/s fit the best,
I looked at it as which ones can I lean into more and learn.
That would be Jnana Yoga, the path of the mind. Lean into
studying and learning more. Raga Yoga, the psycho-physiological
path. The road to spiritual development.
Chapter 2
I LOVE the idea of having my aphorism engraved somewhere to
always remember it. I may look into a bookmark because one of
my goals through this journey is to read more! I also wrote it
in my journal, so I can look at it every time I am focusing on
myself and my journey.
#Post#: 19--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 1/2
By: Madi Rowan Date: September 19, 2022, 10:19 am
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Chapter #1 Travel Tips - Question #1
How would you describe the purpose of your path? I really
resonated with the first line of the Chapter 1 into..."on the
spiritual path, we are alone & we are together." That's how I've
personally felt regarding my spiritual journey over the past
several years, I believe I've always been my best companion
(especially because I'm an introvert), so I believe the purpose
of this path is to gain a deeper understanding of my self.
On a spiritual level, what do you yearn for most? To be
completely honest, I feel like a lot of it goes over my head, so
at this point, I simply yearn for a deeper understanding, more
tools, & more knowledge. I also want to continue to lean in to
the trust I have within myself without having to seek outside
validation. I know it was mentioned in Chapter 2 during the part
of seeking out a Medium, Tarot reader, etc. & that resonated
with me because in a few circumstances, when I've sought outside
help like that, it only solidified what I already felt in my
core to be true, so that's the trust I want to continue to lean
on & strengthen.
How would you describe your biggest spiritual challenge? Similar
to Kelli's & Alli's experiences, I grew up in very Catholic
family, went to Catholic school through 8th grade, & my mom is
extremely devout. That's been my biggest challenge personally
because I've never resonated with that faith & now that I'm an
adult, I've enjoyed having the freedom to explore my
spirituality outside of the Catholic religion. However, I'm not
comfortable sharing that with my family because I know it
wouldn't be received well, so that is definitely my biggest
challenge. For me, my mom's faith has driven a wedge in our
relationship at times, so now, I try to avoid the topic all
together when around her & my family.
When I read through the four pathways, I definitely believe I
practice the "path of action" or karma yoga. Growing up
Catholic, we were taught to treat our neighbor how we'd like to
be treated & that is still something I practice in my daily life
- without expecting anything in return. The gesture doesn't have
to be grand, just a simple act of kindness goes so far & is
something I try to do everyday.
I also resonate with what Darren shared about the
psycho-physiological path or raja yoga. I too have felt immense
physical & mental benefits from yoga & meditation, so I believe
that's an important part of my spiritual journey as well.
Chapter #2 Reminder
My husband and I share a white board where we write out our
goals. The board is in a place where we are able to see it every
day, multiple times a day. So that's where I'll write out my YTT
aphorism!
#Post#: 20--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 1/2
By: Kelli Cook Date: September 19, 2022, 2:18 pm
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I am LOVING this forum and hearing everyone's stories!! Really
makes you feel like you're not the only one out there.
Specifically Madi, your honesty and openness that some of the
spiritual talks can feel like it goes over your head because I
completely agree. But I am excited to continue to try and
understand and learn. :)
#Post#: 22--------------------------------------------------
Re: Road Signs - Chapter 1/2
By: Erin Curro Date: September 19, 2022, 9:10 pm
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Fab Four Pathways
In reading and digesting (and still digesting) the first two
chapters of "Roadsigns," I resonated with the Raja and Karma
yoga Fab Four Pathways, most notably Raja. I loved that Raja
encourages present focused awareness to achieve inner peace in
and throughout your day. Quick aside, I strongly disliked my
name growing up and wished I had a "cooler name" as no one in my
class shared my name (also why it is so exciting to name share
with Erin K.), but now I love and connect with Erin meaning
"peace," so Raja felt natural to adopt. It is also something I
need more of to feel grounded in my day and is easy for me to
get pulled away from my peace if I am not mindful of practicing
these mindfulness-based skills. Meditation and yoga (in all of
its various forms and facets) helps me find my way home to
myself whenever I notice myself starting to drift into worries,
etc. I also appreciated Karma yoga focusing on selfless acts of
service with the sole desire to care for others without
expecting anything in return. Or as my Mother in Law teaches her
Kindergarteners, filling up each other's buckets.
Chapter #1 Travel Tips-Question #1
1. The purpose of my path is to reconnect with my truest self
and continuously practicing daily choices to show up as my
fullest self while relinquishing worries, fears, doubts,
insecurity, and self-criticism and stepping into trust, peace,
security, self-confidence, and self-compassion.
2. I yearn most for the trust in myself that I can let go of
control in my life and trust the process and my life journey to
unfold in ways that are most nurturing to myself and others. So
Shana, the mantra you offered in tonight's practice, hit home as
always. Shana knows she reads my mind and heart (and I have no
doubt I am not alone, you have a beautiful magical gift, Shana,
thank you as always for sharing).
3. My biggest spiritual challenge parallels with what I yearn
for most, letting go of control. In a lot of ways, this was a
learned behavior that stems back into my childhood and similar
to others, Catholic upbringing. Growing up I attended a private
Catholic school K-8 and my experience, which I hold lightly now
and say with much compassion, was quite traumatic. To no fault
of anyone's own it impacted me greatly and I internalized a lot
of messages of guilt and shame and always felt driven to strive
to be closer to perfect, never feeling I was "good enough." In
many ways, these internalized messages greatly impacted my later
Eating Disorder as a young teen. Growing up in Ohio it was also
extremely religious, to the point that you could not leave the
grocery store without someone wishing you a "blessed day!" While
I no longer identify with Catholicism I also harbor no
resentment towards Catholicism or other religious ideologies,
doctrines, or philosophies. I have done a lot of work in healing
from my past trauma in this regard and trying to learn and
understand how it impacted me as well as how it impacts others
so I can support them in their journey too while trying to hold
all things lightly with an open mind and heart as much as
humanly possible. Religion and spirituality also show up as a
common theme in my clinical practice.
Chapter #2 Reminder
We have a family white board on our fridge that we use and I
have to use to set daily reminders for myself as I am so visual
and often forgetful (it took me a long time to consistently
remember for example to put my car keys back in their designated
'home' haha). So the white board seems like a wonderful place I
will add my aphorism too which I may modify to also now include
"I let go of control and I trust the process."
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