DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Yoga Simplified Method
HTML https://yogasimplifiedmethod.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Collective Fall YTT 22'
*****************************************************
#Post#: 102--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yoga Sutra 2.1 - Tapa Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Kriya
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: October 16, 2022, 9:02 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Kelli Cook link=topic=8.msg75#msg75
date=1665168826]
This journey is bringing challenge, dedication, and motivation
back into my life. Things that I lost over the last two years.
Between the pandemic really affecting my job and becoming a new
mother who experienced PPD / PPA all at the same time. I lost
these. I was nervous that challenging myself would be too hard
and too much for me. That I could no longer handle challenges,
because handling my postpartum issues were really hard and
scared me. I no longer felt dedicated to anything but being a
mother, but I was someone on my own before that, and I did not
want to lose sight of that person completely. I was always a
motivated person, upbeat, and energized. I needed some of that
back to help my soul and help be OK with this new life that I
had adjusted to.
YTT is ALL of that. It is making me make time for myself again.
It is making me challenge my brain more than I have in years.
It is fulfilling me in a space that I needed.
It is also giving me perspective on what matters and how to be
more present in my life. Since YTT I decided to give up social
media. Take the negativity, comparison, and time suck that it
can be out of my every day and see how it changes my mood and my
day. I'll tell you, the time I use to put into my phone, I have
now put towards my training and it makes me feel WAY calmer, at
peace, grounded, and content. Sure, I miss some parts of it,
but overall I am so proud of my strength to take a step back
from something that is so prominent and used in our society
today. I have not once slipped!
Grateful for this community
[/quote]
Challenge, dedication, and motivation! Those are fantastic
pillars, and I hope you engrain them into your life permanently
for whatever you do in the future, you'll have that instinctual
reminder. Going through postpartum is something I recognize I
will never experience, but I do know you're not alone [but feel
alone]. Having said that, it sounds [to me] that the process of
YTT is establishing a path of grace in conjunction with your
personal pillars. I commend you on using the time you would
spend on your phone and directing it towards other hobbies, and
priorities.
#Post#: 103--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yoga Sutra 2.1 - Tapa Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Kriya
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: October 16, 2022, 9:34 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Darren link=topic=8.msg76#msg76 date=1665261761]
One of the things that has stood out to me the most since
starting on the YTT journey is being more present in my life. I
used to spend so much time reflecting on past situations or
worrying about the future that I would forget to just enjoy the
present. I felt like I was always just checking boxes on what
"thing" I would finish, starting the next "thing" and only
thinking of what was next, once that "thing" was done. I would
never stop to appreciate the process of what I was actually
doing.
When I had first started yoga, I had only thought of it as a
physical workout with really challenging poses. I didn't have
any understanding of the mindfulness that practicing yoga would
bring. The more classes that I went too, the more I started to
notice how I was able to follow the instructors words of,
letting go of what had happened throughout your day prior to
getting onto you mat. The amount of time that I would get lost
in my own thoughts was becoming minimal while on my mat.
However, I would still find myself struggling to stay present
outside of yoga.
YTT has greatly helped me in keeping my mind present or even
redirecting my thoughts back to being present when they start to
wander. I feel like we are just scratching the surface on the
deeper understanding of yoga history and philosophies and so far
I find so much of it very challenging to interrupt but also very
fascinating.
Right now, I feel like my un-doing is letting go of people,
habits and materialistic things that don't align with who I see
myself being or in the direction that I see life going.
[/quote]
Appreciating the process is key! It's great to read your
response of reflecting on what you did before to what you're
doing now. Like many, we show up to yoga wanting to get that
physical sensation in, which is great! We're paying attention to
our health, but also to turn off our minds for an hour and have
someone else tell us what to do. Naturally, after it's over, we
go back to reality.
When people decide to dive deeper into yoga, particularly the
philosophy, it brings about a surreal understanding that we're
all having a human experience, and the possibility to manipulate
it, be it good or bad, really begins within us, the core of who
and what we are.
Letting go of people, habits, and materialistic things is a
long, daunting, and humbling journey because we really need to
pinpoint the whys and decipher the answers to our whys, and [I
think] the hardest part is the acceptance. Overall, I am glad
you're a part of this collective crew and surrounding yourself
with many who chose this process alongside you, to support you
and encourage you along the way.
#Post#: 105--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yoga Sutra 2.1 - Tapa Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Kriya
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: October 16, 2022, 10:34 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Madi Rowan link=topic=8.msg81#msg81
date=1665364705]
I agree with Kelli - this experience has made me use my brain in
a way that I haven't in a really long time. The information
outside of the physical practice has been overwhelming at times.
I haven't felt like I've been questioning my path, but I
definitely have doubted my ability to retain & comprehend all
that I'm learning. I love being challenged, so it definitely has
been enjoyable, but no doubt takes a lot of brain power haha!
Right now, my doing & undoing is perfectionism. This experience
has of course involved a lot of learning & applying which has
been amazing, but I can totally feel my perfectionism creeping
in at times, so that is what I'm trying to undo. As a
perfectionist, I struggle in doing things that don't meet the
standard I've personally set for myself (in all areas of my
life). Earlier this year, during an amazing energy healing
session, I shared about this need I have for perfectionism & the
woman who I was working with, gave me a beautiful suggestion on
how to reframe it. She said "use your pressure for perfection as
your fuel for abundance." So that's the same approach I'll be
working to apply as I continue through this YTT journey - which
will be my "doing".
And relating it back to the first sutra I shared - "it doesn't
matter how you start, it's how you finish" is a good reminder
for me during the uncomfortable moments of losing my place,
forgetting my words, messing up a cue, etc. - all things I'm
currently experiencing & will no doubt continue to experience.
However, continuing to have grace & understanding for myself,
without feeling like it has to be perfect will serve me well as
I continue to learn, apply, & teach! Challenging myself in this
way has been exciting!
[/quote]
Oh yes Madi, no doubt it takes brain power but takes what you
can and come back to the stuff that can be overwhelming. Indeed
it is a lot to process, and I'd be lying to you to say it's
achievable in one go, it is not. As mentioned before in the
immersions, some of it will stick right away while other
information doesn't. However, it does not mean it will not in
the future, the time will come when the epiphanies occur and
you'll say to yourself, "Ohhhhhh now I get it!"
I'd like to share a personal anecdote and something I too dealt
with - perfection! It was definitely an internal battle for a
long time, so cut yourself some slack and yes use that same
approach to abundance! Great advice.
This endeavor is a lifelong reward, that will ebb and flow
throughout life. You make of it what you wish, but knowing the
ability to come and go with the information and practice is
priceless.
#Post#: 106--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yoga Sutra 2.1 - Tapa Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Kriya
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: October 16, 2022, 5:19 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=heidi91@comcast.net link=topic=8.msg82#msg82
date=1665416602]
This YTT training is bringing me the commitment to myself.
Putting myself first has never been my thing. I for as long as I
can remember always put others first. I started this journey at
a time in my life where I had the space and time to give to
myself. I was craving a focus of learning something new and
being challenged, to grow spiritually and mentally. The undoing-
doing for me is reminding myself it’s ok to give myself the time
I deserve to grow and getting rid of the bad habits of letting
things get in the way of giving myself time. Something that has
stood out to me that has made me question this journey is
fitting in the work with life the balance of it all has been a
little overwhelming for me at times but I’m so intrigued by all
the things we are learning it’s been easy to do the work and
studies and it’s been rewarding not just what we are learning
but the reward of “filling up my cup” which has just overflowed
to other aspects of my life. I have more of lightness about me
now which I didn’t realize I needed. The devotion of all my
fellow students and you as our teachers is inspiring and
although some days seem long during our trainings the energy I
leave with is life changing. 😊
[/quote]
I'm so stoked for you Heidi to commit to yourself, and you're
getting what you were craving, learning, studying something new,
and yes filling up the cup! Reading about the lightness fills me
with so much joy knowing I get to witness this transformation in
you. I agree with you about the devotional practice amongst your
peers and the wonderful inclusion of us teachers is incredibly
inspiring!!! Yes, the days are long, so much going on with asana
practice, lectures, random challenges, etc. but you're doing it
with such intent and actively implementing it into your life,
influencing your lifestyle.
#Post#: 107--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yoga Sutra 2.1 - Tapa Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Kriya
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: October 16, 2022, 5:40 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Erin Curro link=topic=8.msg84#msg84
date=1665495787]
What has stood out to you the most during this journey of YTT
that made you question your path?
My biggest questioning occurred in anticipation of starting, so
pre YTT. Worrying if it would be too much of a time commitment
and its impacts on my clinical work, my patients, Supervisee,
and my well-being. I even had to get permission from our Chief
of Staff and write a full professional letter requesting the
time off and rationale to close my patient clinics. I knew that
if I signed up for YTT I would give it my all as I always strive
to do my best and put my heart into doing the good work. I very
much wanted to do YTT and was also quite tentative. As I have
said multiple times, I am grateful my husband encouraged me to
take the time because the investment has gifted me with so much
already, deeper meaningful connections with each of you,
increased sense of peace and calm, ability to navigate daily
life stressors with increased ease, I could go on. Stressors
that previously used to overwhelm me are now melting away and I
am able to live my life more fully and presently. And it feels
incredibly freeing and a welcome back from myself to myself.
Which I think segways me quite nicely into the next point…
What is your doing or undoing?
I think my doing is also equally my undoing and both are a
mirror reflection of myself including my shadow self. So my
active doing is also actively, undoing. Doing more of the things
that cultivate living a meaningful life for me based on my
values. And not waiting to live my life. I would often wait to
start things for the right time and now am practicing saying
“yes” knowing there really is no perfect “right” time. For
example, YTT, spending more time engaged in hobbies I love, time
with family and friends, vs. overworking. And also continuing to
let go of the things that no longer serve me, e.g. excessive
worry, self-doubt, fear, people-pleasing, perfectionism, etc.
While this has been an ongoing practice throughout my life, YTT
has really allowed me the emotional and psychological headspace
for these things to fall into place. As I continue to drop the
emotional baggage I feel lighter and more whole. I am
continuously amazed by how the mind and body works when you stop
trying to excessively control things. Reminds me of a framed
quote I have in my home office, “the soul always knows how to
heal itself, the challenge is to silence the mind.” I am
grateful that YTT and the practice of yoga is helping me to
reconnect with myself and manifest a higher level of being by
also connecting with others. So grateful to be on this path with
each of you in my life and celebrating everyone’s growth and
process. 😊
[/quote]
Having to make big shifts to incorporate YTT is a huge
commitment, no doubt. Some people come into trainings thinking
it's going to be a light-hearted journey until they dive into
the nitty gritty, which is the who, what, where, why, and hows
of the information. The self-reflection is a huge part of the
program, and it is to [hopefully] show each and every one of you
what you're made of (aside from stardust). But the most
important aspect of this all is you DID make the commitment. You
took the initiative! The tools you have learned thus far have
enabled you to experience inner moksha through the process. I
couldn't be more pleased to read of your active doing of
undoing, releasing yourself, connecting with others, and
lighting the load.
#Post#: 109--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yoga Sutra 2.1 - Tapa Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Kriya
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: October 16, 2022, 6:17 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=oliviamarotta link=topic=8.msg87#msg87
date=1665537637]
I would say that my biggest insecurity in pursuing this path has
been my ability to comprehend the spiritual, philosophical, and
historical side of yoga. I am a very hands-on learner so it
takes me longer to grasp concepts that aren’t tangible and
require much interpretation. I am trying to be understanding of
myself that this is something totally new and foreign to me and
that it will take time to deepen my understanding of these
subjects, instead of expecting immediate results.
My doing is giving myself grace. Giving myself grace is
important throughout this YTT journey as it is a reminder to
allow myself to make mistakes and ask questions and persevere
through the doubt I may feel. I am a perfectionist, type A
person who always want to have everything under control and do
everything right, however that is an extremely unrealistic
expectation. YTT is opening my mind to see that it is so
important to accept imperfections and mistakes as a critical
part of learning and to let my expectations and criticism of
myself go.
My undoing relates to the commitment we made during the first
weekend of YTT to give something up. I chose candy, as I noticed
that it was something I was reaching for late at night out of
habit. I began to rely on the sense of comfort and fleeting
gratification it would bring me, however always felt worse after
indulging. I felt like it was something that had control over
me, an urge that I could not resist. My active undoing is making
better decisions for myself and taking back the authority I have
over my body. When I have a bad day or experience anxious
feelings, I am re-training myself not to use emotional eating as
a coping mechanism.
[/quote]
Yes, it can be overwhelming with a filling side dish of
interpretation when it comes to the philosophy and spirituality
of yoga. However, just remember it's not something you're
required to understand right away. If that was the case, then
the thousands of years it has taken to interpret the knowledge
wouldn't even require interpretation (sounds oxymoronic, but
it's true). The information is presented to you, and it will
make sense when ready to make sense. Bits and pieces are easier
to digest than others, so just bite off as much as you can chew,
fill your plate with just enough, and know the information will
always be there to return to.
YTT is where you can ask questions, and we encourage you to do
so. This way isn't the only way, it's just the preferred way,
but you have room to explore the preferred way, hence build your
own core segment, add a few extra breaths in a pose, teach a
30-min workshop, etc. You have innate wisdom, and we're here to
celebrate the wisdom while also holding space for you to examine
your intuition and creativity.
You're doing well with your discipline, and it's shedding light
on our unconscious behaviors; the little things we know may not
sit well, but we just do it anyway because it's there. It's not
easy to give something up, and each day is a step closer to
rewiring the neural pathways of habits.
#Post#: 110--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yoga Sutra 2.1 - Tapa Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Kriya
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: October 16, 2022, 6:27 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=erin_kelly link=topic=8.msg91#msg91
date=1665580531]
Right now I am undoing the unhealthy patterns in my family.
Through YTT and my journey with therapy I am trying to gain a
better understanding of who I am and the healthy boundaries I
need to create for myself. The past couple years since losing my
Dad have been challenging but it has revealed a lot of truths
about myself and my family. My goal in life is to feel peace in
myself and doing YTT is a step in the right direction. It has
already taught me so much and I can better understand how to
change the unhealthy patterns in my family and learn how I can
implement them into my own life and my own family one day. I can
be uncomfortable at times going through these changes and growth
while some of my family is still stuck in their grief and
unhealthy patterns. Growth is often uncomfortable and I'm trying
to get comfortable with the growth and understand that not
everyone will be on the same page as me.
[/quote]
Healthy boundaries are vital, and it takes people from all walks
of life to figure out what boundaries are important for
self-preservation. Unfortunately, many do not have a safe space
or the tools to create, establish, and hold boundaries, and I'm
so glad this training supports you on your path to healing.
Indeed growth is uncomfortable because it's also showing us a
version of ourselves we are meant or not meant to be. Thus, when
presented in such ways, we are cornered into making a decision,
going forward and progressing, or staying put and regressing.
Recall from the immersion weekends when we spoke about meeting
people where they are, as well as encountering people who may
not understand the path you're on, and it's ok; they are on
their own path. It may be a painful bridge-burning process, but
it will also enable you to trust who you are and what you're
made of; strength, love, and capabilities.
#Post#: 127--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yoga Sutra 2.1 - Tapa Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Kriya
By: wantalli Date: October 18, 2022, 3:33 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
My doing and undoing:
Fortunately I haven’t felt any doubt about my path since
starting YTT, actually I feel very united and aligned with
whatever my path is, and it’s allowing me the peace to feel very
present, and grounded during this time.
I think during this time current doing/undoings stand hand in
hand. I have always been a very disciplined person, and my will
power is often one of my biggest strengths.
However as a result of YTT and this season of personal
reflection I have realized that sometimes my discipline feeds on
a lot of fear.
(Even if the outcome is net positive the reasoning can get a
little muddy.)
I have a couple of examples of things that feel particularly
relevant:
As you guys know for YTT I gave up sweets and sugar. Admittedly
I was over indulging in my sweet tooth prior to giving it up and
using my sobriety as an excuse or reason to reward myself with
sweets. But truth is, I was fully aware that was “abusing
treats”… there’s nothing “treat” about it if you have ice cream
every night lol. It just became habit, one that didn’t serve my
long term goals or overall health.
I have to say there was no hesitation in my choice when I read
the email saying we would all give something up. I honestly felt
relieved to have some sort of accountability and reason to stop
this habit. I had been feeling like it was holding me back just
enough that I could see my goals but they were at an arms length
away.
It’s now been 5 weeks since we all gave up our vice of choice,
or chose to form new habits… and I feel so good. I truly do not
miss the absence of sweets or dessert, and proudly I have faced
zero temptation (with one exception of my grandmas famous pear
crisp about a week ago.) I actually fully credit my increased
energy, lack of bloat, no cravings, and mood stability to the
lack of sweets, it’s like magic.
But here the catch, like I said this is massively positive in
the scheme of my health and wellness, BUT the way my brain
works, and how I find my discipline often comes from weaponizing
whatever it is I’m trying to abstain from. Ie. Dessert is now a
bad thing.
I have completely done this with alcohol as well, which in that
case, I find intense comfort and relief in that sense of fear…
knowing that it is so strong that I will never willingly drink
again.
But sweets…? I know that a random dessert isn’t going to derail
my momentum, ruin my marathon training or implode my mental
health but still I have weaponized it, and use the fact that it
doesn’t have any positive impact beyond taste and a quick
dopamine hit to stay away. To the point where once YTT is over I
will most likely continue to hold off on treats unless it’s a
real life holiday or special occasion.
I always feel this way about my ability to control my mood and
not let others bother me too,
when I was younger… and honestly maybe up until that last few
years I used to be very malleable, and was constantly at the
will of my surroundings, any slight fluxion in the energy or
moods of the people around me could change my own in an instant.
At some point I stopped carrying that burden, and now I am very
content in my ability to regulate and maintain emotional balance
amongst chaos and turmoil.
But again… on the other hand I am extremely hard on myself if
and when I do allow myself to absorb other peoples stress, or
carry negative moments throughout my day, long past when they’ve
happened. I know that it’s okay to feel upset, but I truly hate
that feeling, (ya obviously no one likes feeling upset) for some
reason it feel like such a loss to me. And maybe that’s because
95% of the time I’m pretty unbothered and just be-bopping around
the world in my own little bubble, but I am so critical with
myself when I’m knocked off balance.
So after a whole lost of rambling and anecdotes I think that my
biggest…
DOING: is the confidence and trust I have in my ability to stay
disciplined in the things that I know help make me a better
person, and serve my long term wellness.
UNDOING: forgiving myself for the past and using vices as a
crutch during hard times.
I try to practice compassion towards my younger self, but I know
that I could do a better job of this. I also need to let go and
allow my emotions to come and go instead of weaponizing negative
ones judging myself for having them.
#Post#: 143--------------------------------------------------
Re: Yoga Sutra 2.1 - Tapa Svadhyaya Ishvara Pranidhana Kriya
By: yogasimplifiedmethod Date: October 20, 2022, 10:05 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=Alli Want link=topic=8.msg127#msg127
date=1666125237]
My doing and undoing:
Fortunately, I haven’t felt any doubt about my path since
starting YTT, actually I feel very united and aligned with
whatever my path is, and it’s allowing me the peace to feel very
present, and grounded during this time.
I think during this time current doing/undoings stand hand in
hand. I have always been a very disciplined person, and my
willpower is often one of my biggest strengths.
However as a result of YTT and this season of personal
reflection I have realized that sometimes my discipline feeds on
a lot of fear.
(Even if the outcome is net positive the reasoning can get a
little muddy.)
I have a couple of examples of things that feel particularly
relevant:
As you guys know for YTT I gave up sweets and sugar. Admittedly
I was over indulging in my sweet tooth prior to giving it up and
using my sobriety as an excuse or reason to reward myself with
sweets. But truth is, I was fully aware that was “abusing
treats”… there’s nothing “treat” about it if you have ice cream
every night lol. It just became habit, one that didn’t serve my
long term goals or overall health.
I have to say there was no hesitation in my choice when I read
the email saying we would all give something up. I honestly felt
relieved to have some sort of accountability and reason to stop
this habit. I had been feeling like it was holding me back just
enough that I could see my goals but they were at an arms length
away.
It’s now been 5 weeks since we all gave up our vice of choice,
or chose to form new habits… and I feel so good. I truly do not
miss the absence of sweets or dessert, and proudly I have faced
zero temptation (with one exception of my grandmas famous pear
crisp about a week ago.) I actually fully credit my increased
energy, lack of bloat, no cravings, and mood stability to the
lack of sweets, it’s like magic.
But here the catch, like I said this is massively positive in
the scheme of my health and wellness, BUT the way my brain
works, and how I find my discipline often comes from weaponizing
whatever it is I’m trying to abstain from. Ie. Dessert is now a
bad thing.
I have completely done this with alcohol as well, which in that
case, I find intense comfort and relief in that sense of fear…
knowing that it is so strong that I will never willingly drink
again.
But sweets…? I know that a random dessert isn’t going to derail
my momentum, ruin my marathon training or implode my mental
health but still I have weaponized it, and use the fact that it
doesn’t have any positive impact beyond taste and a quick
dopamine hit to stay away. To the point where once YTT is over I
will most likely continue to hold off on treats unless it’s a
real life holiday or special occasion.
I always feel this way about my ability to control my mood and
not let others bother me too,
when I was younger… and honestly maybe up until that last few
years I used to be very malleable, and was constantly at the
will of my surroundings, any slight fluxion in the energy or
moods of the people around me could change my own in an instant.
At some point I stopped carrying that burden, and now I am very
content in my ability to regulate and maintain emotional balance
amongst chaos and turmoil.
But again… on the other hand I am extremely hard on myself if
and when I do allow myself to absorb other peoples stress, or
carry negative moments throughout my day, long past when they’ve
happened. I know that it’s okay to feel upset, but I truly hate
that feeling, (ya obviously no one likes feeling upset) for some
reason it feel like such a loss to me. And maybe that’s because
95% of the time I’m pretty unbothered and just be-bopping around
the world in my own little bubble, but I am so critical with
myself when I’m knocked off balance.
So after a whole lost of rambling and anecdotes I think that my
biggest…
DOING: is the confidence and trust I have in my ability to stay
disciplined in the things that I know help make me a better
person, and serve my long term wellness.
UNDOING: forgiving myself for the past and using vices as a
crutch during hard times.
I try to practice compassion towards my younger self, but I know
that I could do a better job of this. I also need to let go and
allow my emotions to come and go instead of weaponizing negative
ones judging myself for having them.
[/quote]
I appreciate you pointing out that your discipline is the
potential product of fear and you're cognizant of the
correlation. Admirable. So many people refused to connect the
dots and identify the true meaning behind their behaviors. It
speaks volumes. The sweets discipline and pear crisp pie are
worthy of a treat. You're actively rewriting the neural pathways
and again, it's about being cognizant of behaviors. Recall me
sharing my story about weed and coming to terms with the
relationship with it. It was my clutch and once I was able to
accept the root cause, BAM! I quit. I dabbled here and there but
it's a rare occasion and affirming control again is a great
feeling, something I think you can relate to.
I cracked up when I read the be-bopping around in your own
little world. It's ok to do so and allowing the emotions to come
and go is a dance. It's a learning experience of certain steps,
beats, vibrations, etc. So, just dance!
*****************************************************
DIR Next Page